Russ Filbeck Meets President Jimmy Carter

As I was building the chair, my wife, Carol suggested that I also do something nice for Mrs. Carter. I made a five-box set of Shaker oval boxes for her (See photos below). I truly appreciate Carol’s suggestions and again, she was right!

I delivered the Carter chair to Atlanta, Georgia, on my annual trip to Berea, Kentucky. This annual trip is to harvest green (freshly cut) wood and hickory bark (used to weave the chair seat) for my chair making students at Palomar College. Each summer I cut and haul approximately 10,000 pounds of green walnut, cherry and oak lumber.

Mr. Carter certainly seemed pleased with the chair and Shaker boxes that I had made for him and Mrs. Carter. He made it all worthwhile for me when he stated, "This is going to be my personal chair and I'm taking it to my home in Plains, Georgia."

I sincerely appreciate Mr. Carter's support and encouragement in my chair making work.

Russ Filbeck

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See also: Instructor Builds, Donates Rocker for New York City Fire Department

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