National Hardwood Magazine - Christmas 2022

NHLA: Why Knot.... TALK

NHLA: Why Knot.... TALK RELIGION No matter what you believe, wood was there. Wood plays a major role in most religions. Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike believe that when Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they built a shelter to stay in, tools to till the ground, and fire to cook their food. Using wood would be critical to all those tasks. Noah built the Ark out of Gopher Wood and Pitched it (the first-ever reference of preserving wood). Abraham's tent most likely had wood poles like the “rods of green Poplar and of the Hazel and Chestnut tree.” Jacob peeled and used the water troughs to grow his misfit flocks. Moses used Shittim Wood to build the tabernacle and ark. Jesus was raised by a carpenter and was crucified on a wooden cross. Wood is critical to our current society’s culture, history, and progress, and needs to be promoted for being the foundation for life on earth. Even those that only believe in evolution acknowledge that large-brained Homo erectus made wooden tools. The world owes wood a debt of gratitude and it owes woodworkers appreciation for the quality of life that they enjoy. So, let’s talk about it. At home, at school, at work, and at church. We need to constantly be talking about wood. We all love it, but we are not very good at showing that love to others. I was touring Hardwood plants and met Burt Craig. He asked me, “Are you a Mormon?” (correct title - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints) I replied, “yes.” And he said to me, “God bless the Mormons and their 11 commandments.” This was news to me, and I asked what he thought our 11th commandment was. He replied, “Thou shalt make thy pews out of Red Oak.” Not only did I get a laugh, but I realized he was right. I had never thought of it before, but the Church uses Red Oak for all its benches, podiums, walls, and organs. They also use Hardwoods for their pianos and gym floors. I am sure the same can be said for many other religions. Almost every person on the planet uses wood every day and the National Hardwood Lumber Association is giving 5 percent of members’ dues to the Real American Hardwood Coalition and working alongside other allied industry associations to bring Hardwood out of overlooked obscurity. We have several issues that we need to solve to promote the use and respect of Hardwoods. They are, raising funds and getting attention. You have heard from me and many others about donating to Please turn to page 74 A fourth-generation family business. That has a nice ring to it. Greentree Forest Products is a locally owned family business producing approximately 22 million board feet of quality Appalachian hardwood lumber per year. Since 1952 and four generations of know-how, our steadfast commitment to excellence continues to run in the family. Learn more at greentreeforest.com BY DALLIN BROOKS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HARDWOOD LUMBER ASSOCIATION, MEMPHIS, TN, 901-399-7560 WWW.NHLA.COM 20 CHRISTMAS 2022 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE