It was early on October 23, 1998 -- a Friday, coincidentally, and the day I left Rodale Press -- that WoodCentral.com said "Hello world." Yep, 22 years and counting. I give my thanks to you, our members and visitors, for keeping this very distinguished thread going. Let's hope for many happy returns.
Onward,
Ellis Walentine
PS. I have to thank the late Jim Cummins, a giant in every respect, for joining me in launching this ship. I'm just sorry he couldn't have hung around longer. He'd have had a lot of fun. RIP, Jim.
I discovered Wood Central while looking for something else shortly after I retired in November '01. Think someone on the ol' Badger Pond mentioned Wood Central and I found it.
Hard to believe 've been around here that long. Time goes by way too quickly now.
Cant remember exactly when but it was way early on when someone asked a question on Friday evening or Saturday and was a bit upset he hadn’t gotten an answer by the next day. I told him he’d probably get an answer onMonday because not too many post on the weekend.
I believe it was in 2003, and I could find out if I wanted to dig through ancient emails. The most memorable thing about Badger Pond shutting down, for us, was Wayne's recommendation that folks come over to WoodCentral. That initial exodus really gave us a boost in traffic. I recall them referring to WoodCentral as "Ellis Island," a fitting place for immigrants to come ashore. I know we've lost quite a few, but I still see a lot of "Ponder" handles showing up here, what, seventeen years later?
For nostalgia purposes, I have Wayne's entire Articles collection archived right here on WC for posterity. I also have a digital archive of his entire messageboard stashed away somewhere. I can't imagine delving that deep into history, but I'm sure somebody will be interested someday.
I must have stumbled onto WC within 6 months of it's debut. I had been consuming the original American Woodworker magazine in huge helpings and this site became my home for everything. I like to look back at the mugshot pages. So many faces that have been regulars through the years-several who have passed on and others that seem to have just drifted off to who knows where.
I'll never forget the chance to meet a bunch of WC regulars at Lee Grindinger's MontanaFest in 2005 including Ellis and Lee
Also met Joe Johns-second from right-If you never met Joe there is little verbage to adequately describe him-If you did you know what I mean.
Another road trip allied me to meet Ellis at the original WC headquarters
O the same trip I stopped to see the Incomparable Col. George Dart RIP Col.
That trip ended with a stay at AJ Hammler's.
AJ was a long time editor for Woodshop News and then took over as editor of Woodcraft Magazine where he allowed me to write an article on making these tables.
So I don't know anyone who owes a bigger debt of gratitude than me to the people I've met here.
Wow 22 years and counting. Nice opportunity for reflection. Seems like only yesterday but, as Ray suggested, time is like a roll of toilet paper: the closer you get to the end the faster it goes.
I remember the early days when you and Jim transitioned from American Woodworker, and before that when you judged my puzzle best in category at the Northeast Woodworker Show in Saratoga which led to my article in AW (with Dave Freedman) which led to my puzzle book.
Ellis, thank you for ALL your years of hard work and contributions in making woodworking alive and understandable and rewarding!
WOW, happy Birthday Ellis. It certainly doesn't seem like that much time has passed! I joined shortly after Mr. Cummings had passed on. Sure enjoyed this site and the many great people here for those many years. Thanks for keeping it online despite the many headaches I'm sure it has caused you....
Saying Its only 22 Years my friend, its like saying its just time..but you and Jim gave us more than that!
WC was my second Wood Community, When Badger Pond went down many of us came to WC and you welcomed us, the personalities and friendships have been more than a measure of time but a standard to what makes us who we are as a community. I could write on and on Ellies but I just want to say WC has raised me as a woodworker and made me better, but is helped me through some tough times, leaning on friends here behind the scenes, and given me light even when I could not see it. I am blessed and humbled, I am grateful and happy.... Thank you Ellis,
A belated Happy Birthday to WoodCentral! I have been a "member"
here for at least 16 years and have learned a lot about woodworking, people and life. I have met many through the web, and a few in real life, and made several good friends. Thanks Ellis, for all you have done to shepherd this community.
Happy 22nd to all who have contributed so immensely to the body of knowledge that all of us share, and another 22++ for those who will be around then and more!! P.
