In 1895, German engineer Emil Fein invented what we now know as a portable drill. It wasn't until 1947 when Black & Decker received their first patent on an electric hand saw that craftsmanship would be changed to meet modern needs.
The invention of power tools in the late 1800s allowed architects and builders to make much larger buildings with greater speed. Masons, carpenters, and even bricklayers all had their jobs made easier because they could use new technology like drills or saws.
I take a great deal of pride in honoring the techniques and complex yet simplistic techniques. As the bread and butter of both the organization and myself personally, woodworking surrounds everything Gettysburg Sentinels is about.
I invite to you take a browse through this blog to gain further insight and clarity into what goes into housing a fully operational, uniquely historical woodshop.
Welcome to Gettysburg Sentinels!
My name is Greg and I’m so glad you’re here! I want to give a little introduction into who I am and what Gettysburg Sentinels was founded on, so you can get a better idea of the story behind what we do.
My dear friend and fellow woodworker, William Hewitt, founded Gettysburg Sentinels in 2007. He wanted to have a place where he could blend his interests and skills into one harmonious company that would stand for much more than just his own abilities. Watching him become fascinated with our local history caught my attention, and I too became enthralled with the crossover between my life-long career and the decades of stories that I practically lived atop. As the woodworker behind Gettysburg Sentinels, I’ve started this blog to offer an insightful peak into the world of woodworking, and how truly meaningful it can be.
A Bit More About Me
Woodworkers often use history to honor their craft, but I find that it is the trees themselves who contain the most invaluable information. I’ve been a woodworker for several decades now. I obtained Gettysburg Sentinels from a life-long friend and fellow woodworker, William Hewitt. I spent over 40 years living in a historic house just west of the Gettysburg Battlefield with my beloved wife, Tina. During the early 1980’s, Tina and I founded and grew a successful company - one that I have since retired from. My passion for history and love for woodworking work in harmony with the values, purpose, and mission that Gettysburg Sentinels was founded on. I am honored to share my work with you!
My Goals for This Blog
This blog is here to enlighten you on the intimate experience of woodworking and the relationship that it shares with history, specifically surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg. The ultimate goal of this blog is to inform while teaching what goes into crafting my products. In this, I’m able to carry on the stories of these historic grounds and ensure these remarkable events live on.
How Can You Help?
I’m glad you asked! Supporting the Gettysburg Sentinels woodshop is the ultimate way to contribute to this legacy, but even reading this blog is an amazing way to show your respect. I eagerly suggest for you to take a look into our current offerings by visiting our shop. Each piece is unique and has it’s own history and I’m thrilled to get the chance to share these windows of time with you.