For Immediate Release
More Information: Dave Fooks, 610-683-1537 ;
email: dave@kutztownfestival.com
Photos Available Upon Request

HISTORIC BUILDING TECHNIQUES TO BE HIGHLIGHTED
AT 2008 KUTZTOWN FOLK FESTIVAL

The Pennsylvania Germans came to our area more than two centuries ago to literally carve out new lives in what was then the American wilderness. Thus, the traditions of early settlers - including the resources and methods they used to build their homesteads - are important at the Kuztown Folk Festival.

With this in mind, the 2008 the Festival will feature 18th and 19th century building techniques and history, welcoming the centuries-old craft of timber framing as presented by Methods & Materials Building Company and the careful, historic restoration of buildings by stone masons Saul Restoration Artisans.

“The physical development of structures two hundred years ago including the materials used to build houses, barns, and other structures is an important part of the history and culture of our area,” Festival Director Dave Fooks said. “The demonstrations and explanations of techniques by timber framers and stone masons at this year’s Festival will enhance our understanding of how local resources were used.”
“We will come and display our skills and traditional timber framing knowledge by building a small structure on site and setting it up as we progress. The building will be a skeleton frame only and have features often found on regional timber structures,” explains Jack Witherington, President of Methods and Materials Building Company.

Saul Restoration Artisans will give a brief history of traditional stone masonry in 18th century Pennsylvania. Ken Saul and his father, Ken Saul Sr. will demonstrate and present valuable information for visitors interested in basic construction of old houses and share their expertise on how to preserve and best care for historic masonry structures.

The 2008 Kutztown Folk Festival will be held June 28 to July 6 at the Kuztown Fairgrounds, Kutztown, PA. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 610-683-1537. Visit our website at www.kutztownfestival.com