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Stewart Cottage Becomes New Woodworking Shop

The June 12th ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened Stewart Cottage as Sanford’s Woodworking Shop began another chapter in the storied past of this long-time campus house.
In its time, Stewart Cottage has served as a dorm, been home to a basement level snack shop, provided a residence for Jay Ives, former director of Building and Grounds, and then his son-in-law Brian Friedkin, who also worked on campus. “My wife Lisa and I lived there with our three young sons for at least 7, maybe 10 years. While it was not a large home, it was comfortable and very convenient. I had no commute to work, it was not difficult to respond if I received a late-night call regarding an issue on campus, and our sons had the entire campus as their beautiful and safe playground.”

Once the Friedkins moved to a larger home, Stewart Cottage was vacated and had not seen use in over a decade. As with previous buildings, including Sanford Hall, Geipel, and Pirnie Hall, the cottage and its history could be preserved through renovation and re-purposing. “We have been blessed with several generous donors who wanted to help us revitalize Stewart Cottage,” commented Director of Development Janice Payne. “We are also working with local businesses to help us furnish the woodworking shop with the necessary equipment. As always, we are so appreciative of community support for our special projects.”

When asked why a woodworking shop was chosen for this transformation, Head of School Mark Anderson responded: “We decided to add a workshop because it would be a true addition to our program. Sanford leaders wanted to give students and teachers a place to create in ways that they currently cannot—even in our excellent STEM labs, maker spaces, and computer labs. Stewart Cottage will now be a place where students can swing hammers, saw lumber, and learn skills that are quickly becoming a lost art in our modern culture.”

Science Department Co-Chair and Upper School Science/Math Instructor Ensign Simmons will oversee the academic aspects of the programs. He will be responsible for scheduling classes, ordering materials, organizing the space, and ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and equipment. Simmons noted: “We have already begun to create courses for next year, which range from traditional woodworking to 3D design and sculpture. We are also considering an after school co-curricular offering for next winter. In addition to our course offerings, the space may be reserved for short and long-term projects to support existing curriculum.” Current ninth grader Amanda Leaning said: “I was so excited to learn that I was attending a school that was going to offer woodworking. I have already signed up for a class for next year. I love art, and this is going to be another way in which to be creative. I can’t wait!”

When students and faculty avail themselves to this special new facility, they should take a moment to appreciate the efforts and hard work of Facilities Manager Kevin Needham and his talented team. It took many months to improve the cottage’s operating systems and make it as structurally sound as it is aesthetically pleasing. As with so many things at Sanford, the transformation required the time and talents of many different people. Stewart Cottage now sparkles on the outside, and soon the inside will be buzzing with the activity the new programming will make possible.
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