“In Days of yore, from Britain’s shore
Wolfe, the dauntless hero, came
And planted firm Britannia’s flag
On Canada’s fair domain.
Here may it wave, our boast, our pride
And, joined in love together,
The lily, thistle, shamrock, rose,
The Maple Leaf Forever!”– Alexander Muir, 1867
The above lyric, is the first verse of ‘The Maple Leaf Forever‘, a song written by poet, soldier and school head master,
Alexander Muir in 1867, to celebrate the Confederation of Canada.
It is said that Muir wrote the song, after finding inspiration in a large maple tree that grew on his street, in front of Maple Cottage,
on the corner of Memory Lane and Laing Street, here in Toronto.
( this is just a few blocks away from the Unplugged Woodshop )
The song served as Canada’s unofficial, national anthem for many years.
On an evening in July, 2013, the tree was severely damaged by a wind storm and had to be taken down.
The Maple Leaf Forever tree after a windstorm in 2013. (Photo: City of Toronto)
This Saturday, March 8th, 2014, from 10am-4pm, the tree will be milled at Evergreen Brick Works,
at 550 Bayview Avenue, here in Toronto, Ontario.
I’m both honored and excited to play a small part in Canadian history,
as I’ve been asked to design and build some pieces for the Library of Parliament, in Ottawa, our nations capitol.
The piece I’m most excited about building is a writing desk/box to store the Library’s Guest Book.
The box will also serve as a display and signing platform for the book.
Besides the writing box, there is also a desktop lectern and book display stands.
I’ll update this project as it unfolds, but wanted to share the information about the milling ceremony on Saturday-
just in case you’re in the area!
Cheers~
What a great honour, not only to be able to do the design and build but to be so recognized as a master of the craft! Congratulations Tom!
WOW!!! Tom that’s amazing news! I cannot wait to see what comes of it!
Congrats Tom! Well deserved imho! Keep us updated!
Tom that’s great to hear, congratulations!
Congratulations Tom!!!.
WEEEEEEEEEE
How exciting! i can’t wait to see the finished design…:)
Congratulations. I look forward to the updates on this project.
Thanks for all the well wishes-
I’ll be sharing the entire process as it unfolds.
stay tuned….
Hey, Wow, what an opportunity! YOu are definitely the right craftsman to turn it into the greatest of pieces!!
If you need a hand….
Cheers
David
Very cool and a huge honor!!
What a fantastic honor! I live here in the States with joint citizenship, but my other home is in Brantford, Ont., Part of my family history is the Muirs. this is a meaning project!
Cheers, John
Congratualtions old boy this is indeed a great honour.you are now making history where your work will be shared and inspiring to many generations to come. You are very fortunate.
Congrats! How long do you anticipate before you will be able to work the wood?
Well dissevered honor, looking fwd to updates
Congratulations from NorCal, Tom. A well-deserved honor. I look forward to your updates on the project.
What stories that tree could tell. I sometimes think we forget what nature goes through so we can do what we do in varying degrees.
thanks for all the comments !
I really appreciate them and will keep you all posted as the project unfolds.
; D