History Lives On
You May Have Something Historically Valuable That Can Live On
Historic wood is often hidden inside buildings being renovated. You may not realize what you have. An old beam, a piece of flooring, a window, a door, an old church pew, or a tree being removed may carry decades—or even centuries—of history.
If you’re planning a renovation or restoration, I’d love to explore the possibilities with you before anything is discarded.
Even a small amount of usable wood can become something unforgettable.
Rescuing Stories Before They Are Thrown Away
Every historic building has a story.
Every historic tree has a story.
The wood may be the material, but what makes it truly valuable is its connection to a place, a time, and the people who remember it.
What Could Your History Become?
Pens and heirloom writing instruments.
Desk sets.
Presentation pieces.
Recognition gifts.
Donor gifts.
Gifts for alumni, board members, speakers, members, visitors, or others who share a connection to the history.
Below are just a sampling of things I have made from rescued wood over the years. Hopefully they will give you some ideas. I am copying the descriptive card that went with each piece if I still have it….
This item was made from a “pew” from the Grand Ole Opry, the Mother Church of Country Music. The historic beautiful oak pews were damaged in the Nashville flood of 2010. The picture shows one of the many “seats” that was salvaged. We hope you will enjoy this gift for many years to come.
Matranga Wood Designs, Nashville, Tennessee
After a wonderful collaboration with Martin on a ceremonial mace for Georgetown University, I created pens from the same African Mahogany board used to make the mace. This photo shows two pen presentation options. The maple case provides plenty of room to engrave the story behind the wood, making the gift even more meaningful.
Amal Clooney was awarded the Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in 2018 and delivered the keynote commencement address at Vanderbilt University in 2018. The turned base is made out of a historic tree on the campus.
The Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal is one of Vanderbilt’s highest honors, given annually to individuals who “define the 21st century and exemplify the best qualities of the human spirit. Recipients are recognized at the university’s Graduates Day ceremony, the day before commencement, and are invited to deliver the keynote speech to the graduating class.
Amal Clooney, a prominent human rights lawyer and advocate, was honored for her work embodying these qualities, and she used her platform to address the Vanderbilt graduating class.
Vanderbilt Pens from a reclaimed beam during a renovation. Click “Old Mechanical Card” to see the descriptive bookmark that went with each desk set. Photo by John Lucas
This item was made from an antique white oak plow beam. This beautiful quarter sawn oak was cut from virgin growth forests in East Tennessee. It may have been cut in the months and years just after the Civil War ended in 1865, but no one knows for sure. that were made just after the Civil War. They were stored in her uncle’s farm near Jonesborough, TN. They are about 5’ long. These birds were requested from the person who had the wood. She had a pair at each place setting for a dinner for special friends. I made many different items for her over a span of years. If you click on the card I made for her “Plow Beam Wood Card you can see a picture of the plow.
Before It Is Discarded, Let’s Talk
615-886-7100