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Woods Hall is a cooperative
of weavers and other artisans organized in the mid-50's by Rev.
Otto and Velma Schroedel, as a community development ministry of
St. John's United Church of Christ.
All decisions, maintenance and inspiration are derived from the
consistent effort of all the artisans and volunteers. |
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Presently, over 50 artisans display items
for sale at Woods Hall, which is located three blocks south of
the ferry landing, next to the Church. It is open Memorial Day
through the first week in October (Applefest), Monday-Saturday
from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sundays, 11 AM to 4 PM.
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| About one third of
the participants are year-round island residents; others reside
here in the summer or have another connection to Island living.
Their ages range from 8-93. |
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Hand-crafted items in our shop include: weaving
(rungs, tapestries, scarves, vests and placements); ceramics and
pottery; baskets; hand-knit goods, jewelry, postcards and notecards,
concretions and polished stones, journals and metal works.
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| At present, the most
active use of Woods Hall in the winter comes from those interested
in weaving. Island weavers have continued to recycle a variety of
materials into sturdy and colorful rugs and mats. Local fishermen
once provided worn and damaged nets which were woven into "maitre"
rugs. Nylon stockings, sweaters, old bedspreads, denim and corduroy
clothing and draperies, all have found new life in the creation
of woven goods. At present, the most common weft materials in use
in our loom room are the discarded strips from knitting mills, which
are wound into balls and then woven into rugs. |
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| Woods Hall Craft Shop
is governed by a board of six people, and chaired by the pastor
of St. John's. Meetings are held once a month and are open to the
public. Commitment and interest are noted in the two-year volunteer
service rendered by each board member. Current members include:
Pastor Marina Lachecki, Elouise Woods Andreas, Aimee Baxter, Gina
Russell, Judi Patterson, Michele Auger-Eldred, and Kristin Lein.
Joan Watts is the Head Salesperson who supervises the shop and the
volunteers, and Kathy Follis is our bookkeeper. |
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to provide opportunities
for the creation of crafts in a well-equipped facility;
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to sell crafts in
order to provide income for craftspeople associated with the
Island and assure the continued viability of the shop;
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to learn handicraft
skills; and
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to nurture community
relationships and fellowship on Madeline island around the
creation of crafts.
When Rev. Otto and Velma Schroedel moved to Madeline island
in 1951, they soon developed a love of the island people. They
encouraged Island residents to turn their creative energies
into some type of quality craft items during the isolation of
the winter months, that could then be marketed in the summer
season. As pastor and spouse of St. John's United Church of
Christ, they discovered potential projects and willing benefactors
to assist in the beginning of an Island craft shop.
Velma had discovered a small
table loom in the attic of the parsonage. After instruction
from a local weaver and a visit to the weavers in Berea, Kentucky,
Velma encouraged both women and men o try their hands at the
loom. Craftsmen Arndt Amundsen and Cal Humphrey built floor
looms and table looms to keep the shuttles flying. But soon
the church and parsonage basements were outgrowing the activities
within. Besides, weaving, the Schroedels encouraged woodcarving
and woodworking, basketry and the making agate jewelry.
In 1955, work began
on the Loom Room, designed by Malcom Lein and generously financed
by Sarah and Thomas Woods, Sr. through the Woods Charitable
Fund. Lumber for the building was milled on the Island and many
Islanders donated their time to help construct and complete
the building with its fireplace, paneling and pegged oak floor.
Islanders celebrated the completion of Woods Hall with a New
Year's Eve housewarming.
In 1961, an addition gave space for a woodworking shop, a mud
room and a small darkroom, as well as a large room upstairs
for meetings and recreation. That space was renovated in 2002,
with the expansion of the pottery program, and the addition
of more looms, including an 8 foot Cranbrook loom.
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