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Broom making.
1831
New Brunswick

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The Survival of the Wood Carving Tradition in Essex County

The continuance of wood carving in the Detroit River region has also had an important role in keeping alive the spirit of the area's early french settlers. By the middle of the 1800s, the citizens of what is now called Essex County did not have to rely on their wood crafting skills to make items necessary for everyday life. Factory-made furniture, machines, and tools could now be bought at reasonable prices from local stores. By that time, large steam ships and trains were common sights to county residents. These new forms of transportation allowed large amounts of bulk items, like furniture and building supplies, to be shipped to the area on a regular basis. Even demand for wood sculpture in the churches lessened with the introduction of a new material called plaster. Yet, the French custom of folk carving is still being passed down from generation to generation. It remains a beautiful and unique expression of a people who continue to influence the future of both sides of the Detroit River.