June 2011 (pdf) - Hampden Community Council

4historic hampden happenings • June 2011historic hampden happenings • June 2011 5Dovetail Restoration: Preservationists Handling All Aspects of Furniture RepairBy Carrie StickelAldryaA Poem by Montaze Sykes / Photo by Darren SmithIf you venture a few blocks south of theAvenue, you will find an unassumingwarehouse filled with craftsmen andartisans at 3200 Falls Cliff Road. ToddEmmons, owner of Dovetail Restoration,along with two staff members, MikeGuillen and Joe Witkowski, and one shopdog, Maizie, are restoring family heirloomsas well as creating new pieces in theircorner of Hampden.No matter what theirtask, they take pride insticking to the traditionaltechniques of their trade.Todd started working with antiques alongwith his mother, Bunny Emmons, inTowson about 20 years ago. Bunny had asmall client base that grew over the years,and Todd picked up woodworking skillsalong the way from colleagues, seminars,practice, and working with an antiquedealer in Butler, Maryland. As the businessgrew, Bunny retired and Todd needed abigger space, so Dovetail set up shop in2400 square feet on Falls Cliff Road in1997. Bunny retired in 2001, and Toddcontinued on the tradition.Named for a type of joinery, DovetailRestoration specializes in antiques andcustom-made single pieces (like a stunningbackgammon and checkers gaming table),as well as handles upholstery, metal work,leather desktop service, and more. Dovetailhas also worked on many unusual projects,including the restoration of floor modelcaskets, a totem pole, and a phone booth.No matter what their task, they take pridein sticking to the traditional techniquesof their trade, while also incorporatingnew technology where appropriate. Thisattention to detail and history has led themto work with many individuals in the areawhose family treasures they want to helprestore to original beauty and usefulness.In addition, they often work with auctionhouses, antique dealers, and localmuseums.Do you have a treasured piece that needsrepair? Check out Dovetail’s exquisitework on www.dovetailrestoration.comor on Facebook to see their craftsmanshipfor yourself.If you’re in the market for DovetailRestoration’s services, you might alsobe interested in their neighbors: Slava’sCustom Furniture and Design, Inc.; JimBrewster’s Presentations (carving, gilding,picture frame conservation); Roland S.Phillips’ Baltimore Metal Crafters; JeffreySpriner’s Custom Made Railroads; andEdward Milburn’s Studio Gilders.Montaze Sykes is a senior at Independence School Local 1, and is currently interning at Enoch Pratt Main Library.There’s laughter in the forestA shadow appears on the groundLight dapples the meadow thenShe appears from the shadowsFrom the trees quiet and observingGraceful, tall, beautiful, intelligentHer people are indigenous to the landShe is on a journey to find her-selfBehind her runs a tyrant tryingTo abuse her, she runs swiftlyLike a deer she hears the laughterOf her sisters coming from deep inThe forest she runs faster and fasterSoon he caught her she fights like aMountain cat strong and ferociousShe breaks away running swiftly againShe comes to a 10 foot cliff below sparklingWater lies two ways appear before herThe path to the bottom or a straight jumpShe hears his heavy breath behind her sheMakes her decision she jumps like an arrowShot into the cool waters, she looks upHe jumps too but hit his head upon rockAgain she hears her sisters she swimsUpon the shoreline when she’s off againSwift and agile like the deer, like a shadowIn the wood now she hears her sisters singingIn front of her through the green she sees lightShe runs toward to light faster, faster thenBoom! She is now in a meadow front of herThere her sisters stand waiting, they smileAndOnceAgainLaughterFillsTheForestAir.Dimitri’s Tavern• Friendly tavernatmosphere!• Voted No. 1karaoke bar inBaltimore by theCity Paper• Package goods• Open seven daysDimitri’s Tavern3820 Falls RoadBaltimore 21211Call 410-889-9545“Where Good Friends Meet”Since 1973