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as valuable as, say, a commissioned oil painting by a prominent artist. Furni- ture constructed not only with ham- mers and saws, but also more precise instruments such as chisels and files. Booth and Dean are members of a dedicated group of woodworkers whose furniture-making focuses on recreating period pieces. It's a hobby that's not just about the finished product — a careful- ly chiseled inlay on a grandfather clock or an expertly executed dovetail on a cabinet, for instance. For woodworkers like Booth and Dean, developing the skill and expertise to mimic the unique flourishes and remarkable detail early American or European artisans incor- porated into their work is the real thrill. The process is their passion. "It's my therapy," Booth said. "I'm glad my wife puts up with it." Said Dean: "The sensation of work- ing on something and trying to get every detail right, then finishing it and knowing that in 100 years it will still be perfect … it's such a satisfying feeling." Both men grew up working with wood and tools. Dean began learning carpentry from his father, who kept his skills sharp in the maintenance of the numerous rental properties he had in the area. Aſter picking up some of the basics, the younger Dean, just 11 or 12 years old at the time, tackled his first building project: a rabbit box. "He taught me how to build rabbit boxes," Dean said of his father. "His rabbit boxes weren't very good. I be- lieve my rabbit boxes were better than my father's. Mine never failed. He liked to hunt so that's something that we did together. I was not a gun person. But I could build a mean rabbit box." Soon aſter, Dean began building things like birdhouses and doghouses. In his twenties he began tinkering with building furniture. A Texas native, a young Booth of- ten found himself carving or whittling in an effort to transform any old stick into, well, anything else. He continued with the hobby, eventually moving onto bigger projects — a boat built from plans and instructions out of an issue of "Popular Mechanics" in 1968 was a ma- jor accomplishment for him. Cabinet- The Carolina Inn (910)829-0100 400 Forsythe Street, Fayetteville, NC Assisted Living | Alzheimer's Care For more information and your FREE monthly newsletter visit www.CarolinaInnNC.com CityViewNC.com | 19 making followed before Booth eventu- ally graduated to furniture-making. But both gentlemen had an interest a particular kind of furniture-building. In the world of the period woodworker, finishing a project like a desk, cabinet, or dresser is a study in patience, preci- sion, skill and artistry. It requires a level of commitment that certainly surpasses most other forms of woodworking and furniture-making. That's what bonds members of this small, disparate com- munity. Booth points to Dean's influ- ence, since that day he walked into his workshop as a complete stranger, as critical in his development. "When Jerry moved to town he didn't have a workshop because he was rent- ing," Booth said. "Over the next year, we shared the workspace and he taught me so much." Sharing Techniques Dean exposed his friend to more Assisted Living That Cares For Your Loved Ones Like Family You've Found The Carolina Inn! Holidays are supposed to be times of joy, celebration, rest and most importantly family. What better gift to give your loved ones than assisted living that cares for them like family? Surround them in a warm, engaging and nurturing environment where their care is our priority. The Carolina Inn, Assisted Living That Cares For Your Loved Ones Like Family. Come on your own or bring your loved ones. While you're here meet our team, tour the community and discover all of the lifestyle features that make The Carolina Inn the best place for mom and dad to call home. Call Administrator Nancy Peterson to schedule your tour today!

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