FavoriteLoadingAdd to Watch Later

 

“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)

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~