Work is progressing on the Concord stagecoach with David Bevan starting work on the leather upholstery. The seats are tufted button leather, so it was necessary to manufacture about 80 leather buttons, which David has manufactured from scraps. It was decided to try and complete the interior of the coach before the new veneer is applied to the outside as it is easier to access the rather cramped interior with the veneer off.

 

     Lawrence Radford, the president of the Boundary Museum Society, has been doing research on the Concord coaches and has discovered some interesting facts. Apparently the original Concord coaches made in Concord, New Hampshire, had the coach suspended on rawhide straps which provided a more comfortable ride for the passengers. However, on extremely uneven ground, like mountain passes, the coaches tended to tip over. Consequently, another suspension was used for uneven ground. One of the main manufacturers of the rear wheel suspensions was the Studebaker carriage works, who were the fore-runner of the Studebaker automobile.

 

     While Les Braden was re-packing the front wheels, he discovered a stamp on the front axle which said, “Concord Express". This would indicate that at least the front suspension was done by Concord itself. Therefore, there is then a good possibility that the rear suspension was either built by Concord itself, or supplied by Studebaker who built a great many of what they called the Studebaker Mountain waggons.

 

     The painting of the undercarriage and wheels is nearly complete. Several of the woodworkers have pitched in to complete this rather onerous task, especially Dan MacLean who shows up in his painting clothes every Saturday Morning. We are putting the finishing touches on several projects, and after the holidays we will give the coach our undivided attention.

 

     The wood workers have completed restoration of a 1940's era wooden school desk complete with ink well that I picked up at a yard sale. It had a decided tilt to it but Stuart and Les got it straightened out, and Stuart did a very nice job of sanding and replacing the finish.

 

     We have also completed a bank stand-up desk, which originated from Greenwood. The woodworkers have restored the piece, while The Boundary Museum Society and Irene Perepolkin, our area D director and a staunch supporter, picked up the bill for supplies. The Sargeant family of Grand Forks has since generously given the desk to the Greenwood Museum where it belongs.

 

     The woodworkers, mainly our router wizard, Dennis Hansen, Stuart Soles, and myself, are putting the finishing touches on three bookcases and a cabinet for use in the new archives located in the basement of the Grand Forks City Hall.

 

 

     We have completed a sign for Selkirk Security, who very graciously donated six fire extinguishers for the workshop. Another plaque was made to showcase the awards won for the "branding" of the Boundary area by Community Futures. This plaque will reside in the regional district offices, and features the logo for the Boundary Country. The logo was borrowed from a cow brand and is a backwards B, a normal C in a circle. You really have to see it!

 

     Both signs had many contributors starting with Karen Radford, who cut stencils for the lettering, and Dana Novotny, who did some great laser engraving. David Bevan, then took on the carving of the letters, while Dennis Hansen did the router work. I, Bob DeMaertelaere, did the logo and finishing. There were also many others who helped with sanding etc.