The CURRENT
The Jim Thorpe Current
GO • SEE • DO JIM THORPE
www.JimThorpeCurrent.com
Serving Carbon County and Beyond
January 2021 • 1
jimthorpecurrent.com I JANUARY 2021
Artist Spotlight: FRANK JAMISON
Woodworking Artistry By Yvonne Wright The Current Contributing Writer
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t has been suggested that the history of our relationship with wood (shaping it, and using it in many diverse ways) is nearly as old as humanity itself… and started deep in our collective cultural past, when many parts of the world were still blanketed by lush forestry. Wood’s natural durability, capable of lasting for thousands of years (if sheltered in a moderate environment), along with its various colors, textures and density, and the people who worked it, helped to make significant contributions to the advancement of civilizations.
Local Entrepreneurs Open New Wine and Cider Shop on Broadway in Jim Thorpe By Christopher Holland The Current Contributing Writer
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Frank Jamison, The Rotary Club Gazebo
Craftsmen transformed this readily available, malleable material into buildings, weaponry, tools, home furnishings, transportation, devotional objects and luxury goods - consequently shaping our ancestors’ lives, improving their safety and comforts, aiding social communications, helping agricultural productivity, and improving mobility. Even today, we seek woodworking experts to build and enhance environments for us to live and thrive in. When arriving in Jim Thorpe, one may immediately observe an abundance of fine carpentry on lovingly preserved/restored Victorian buildings. Whether they are complex, exterior architectural embellishments (such as multi-faceted roofs, shingle covered turrets, broad window trims, textured walls, as well as sumptuous porches and doorways), or delightfully charming interior decorations (for example, wall panelings, fireplaces, doors, staircases and furnishings), Victorian-era Jim Thorpe still basks in its Gothic, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Romanesque revival architectural glory. All of which would not be possible if not for the skills of the carpenters and woodworking masters who labored on them, while rich Pennsylvanian forests supplied the material. Because wood was still the most popular residential building material in the 19th century, the carpentry trade prospered, and more often than not the art of cutting, working, and joining timber was a closely guarded family affair, passed on from father to son for generations. Frank Jamison of Jamison Woodcrafts is one of those talented carpenters and celebrated residents of Jim Thorpe, whose family tradition of understanding/love of wood goes back generations. His old-school craftsmanship has been noted in several nationwide design magazines and newspaper publications, landing Frank numerous awards and design recognitions. Continued on page 7
s the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the small business community nationwide, Jim Thorpe’s downtown continues to be an economic engine for the region. Continually attracting visitors from near and far, the downtown historic business district progresses as new shops continue to open. The newest face in town is a wine and cider shop, offering locally sourced native Pennsylvania wines, traditional ciders, herbal wines, herbal syrups and more. Owned by Josh and Amber Finsel, Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. at 76 Broadway sells wine, cider
and syrup by the bottle and glasses to-go. “My dad taught me how to make wine 25 years ago,” Josh Finsel said. “I was a dedicated hobbyist for 22 years learning about wine chemistry and methods of production,” he said. Then about three years ago, after much encouragement from friends and family, Finsel decided it was time to file paperwork to make wine commercially. The Finsel’s built their production facility in Lehighton in the Fall of 2018 and received their commercial license in March of 2019. “Our first wines were ready to drink in March of 2020 as the [government] shutdowns began,” Josh Finsel said. Besides all the obstacles involved with the pandemic, the government shutdown, the high demand for elderberries, Finsel said everything is smooth sailing for he and his wife’s business. “Currently I handle every aspect of production with some occasional help from my friends at bottling time,” Josh Finsel said. “Amber manages the store at 76 Broadway and does most of the marketing... Soon we would like to sell some herbs from her garden, and we plan on hiring as many folks as we can as we grow our business,” he said. Finsel said that one of the most exciting elements of owning his own business is Continued on page 7 From Josh Finsel: At left is a picture of my mentor, my dad, the wildest elder I know. It is the shot I took of him as we drank coffee together one morning while we took a break from building the winery building. It is the shot that we developed our brand from. The branding was done by Michael Erickson. We’d also like to give a shout out to Amy at Somersault Letterpress for designing our logo that we use on the upper left corner of our wine labels and on our signage.