19 April 2016
Walling Workshop
nlFlagstone will organizing a Dry Stone Walling Workshop in Corner Brook. Saturday, Aug 13th and 14th, 8am-4pm. The Workshop will be led by Master Craftsman Chris Tanguay, who will lead particapants in this hands on workshop. Participants will learn about the tools and techniques used for best practice while building dry stone walls. and will build a retaining wall overloking the bay of Islands. Cost is $350/person. Lunches included. Student rates avaible. For info and booking, contact jamie 709-660-2050, jamie@nlflagstone.com. (back to top of web page) _________________________________________________
27 Sept 2015
News Release: Tetrapod Tracks Discovered!
The fossilized footprints of a Tetrapod (a four footed amphibian?) were recently found on a slab of sandstone at our Flagstone Quarry located near Pynn's Brook.
The tracks are of great interest and significance since similar age tracks have been found at only a handful of localities worldwide, and they provide information about the evolution of animals from the seas to land.
The discovery was reported to the Geological Survey of the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and they promptly followed up with a geological study. Preliminary results of the work are expected in the spring.
These footprints are amongst the earliest recorded evidence of animal life on land in the geological record, being Lower Carboniferous (about 350 million years ago) or possibly earlier in age. The presence of thin volcanic units within and adjacent to the Flagstone units may allow precise isotopic age dating of the tracks.
It's an exciting discovery. Check your flagstone patios and paths for animal tracks. It's also possible that you might find a unique animal fossil at the end of a track!!!
This news release was prepared by Dr. John Tuach, Ph.D (Earth Sciences)
THE TETRAPOD
(On tracks in Carboniferous sandstone - about 350 million years old) The creature crossed the rippled shore Left tracks in sand that we explore For insight on how new life on land Came from seas where life was crammed What advantage to the Tetrapod? To walk on beach. Was it awed? Felt safe? and did it bask in sun? Did it waddle? could it run?
Could it get it's food with ease?
Compared to swimming in the seas
Did it graze? or pounce on prey?
Scavenge dead on beach that lay?
Did it hiss? or did it roar?
Or cry, or mew, or murmur?
Did it walk alone on beach?
Have mate? or pals to reach?
Was it bull? or was it cow?
Did it keep it's young in tow?
Did it evolve to form a man?
Imprints: future feet and hands?
September 27, 2015
Jingle John
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19 September 2015
Quarry Tour -Humber Natural History Society
The quarry tour was enjoyed on a breezy warm day (Saturday, Sept 19) by 11 participants.
John Tuach first showed the group modern beach forming processes at the shoreline of Deer Lake.
When we visited the quarry above Pynn's Brook, the fossilized versions of the same processes from over 300 million years ago were pointed out (see photo).
The tour ended with a visit to the sandstone/flag stone quarry in Pynn's Brook where there were more fossilized patterns on display - tree ferns, ripple marks and animal tracks.
Thanks to John for his infectious enthusiasm and interesting explanations.
Sent by Lois Bateman, HNHS program director.
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7 Apr 2015
Stonework, Production and Craft
The Humber Natural History Society is hosting a short slideshow presentation by nlFlagstone.
The theme will give context to our small operation compared to global stone production. The talk will exhibit dry stone walling craftspeople and stone architecture on our island and abroad. Bringing it home, we hope participants will attain enlightenment on stonework, good technique and the inherent benefits of natural stone. Tuesday, April 14 2015 7:30 PM, in Room AS 2026 (below the observatory at Grenfell Campus) (back to top of web page) _________________________________________________
July 19-20 2014
Gros Morn Summer Music
Workshop completed in July 2014 at St. Pats Church, the cultural hub of Gros Morne Summer Music.
The workshop was lead by Master Craftsman Dan Snow, who has led workshops and lectured on dry stone walling, stone craft and environmental art across the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Finland. A certified examiner, he has tested dozens of applicants in the craftsman certification scheme. His work has been featured in several prominant publications such as the "New York Times" and the "Boston Globe."
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13 May 2013
PASS!!
PASS!! Ken Tuach now holds a Level 3 Advanced Dry Stone Wall Certificate from the Dry Stone Wall Association of the UK. The test was observed by two Master Craftsmen Dan Snow and Chris Tanguay of the DSWA, additionally certified as examiners. The test was comprised of two parts:
Part A
Unlimited time to build 10 square meters with various features.Part B
Seven hours to take apart and rebuild 4.5 square meters or retaining wall. Details on the features:
The Level 3 Part A feature was built at our stone yard in Pynn's Brook, NL July 2012. It meets the required special features of high wall and curve and is 10 square meters of face on the outside of the curve. It has a sacrament about 11" deep sitting on a solid sand base. From the top of this footing the wall stands 7' tall with a batter of 6:1. It has 3 staggered courses of through stones 1m apart. If i remember correctly its weight was calculated somewhere around 22 tons. The odd looking cope stones are a load-cast feature which was split in half using feathers and wedges. One end of the wall is left open as there are plans to extend the wall this summer.
The Level 3 Part B test was taken at the Stone Trust in Dummerston Vermont, April 20th, 2013. A strip and rebuild of 4.5sq meters of retaining wall in 7 hours, no corners required. This particular wall stands about 4' to the base of the copes with one row of troughs at mid-height. If you look REALLY closely you might make out the blue chalk lines which delineated the limits of the rebuild; the blue chalk stayed untouched and everything in-between was removed and rebuilt.
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4 Oct 2012
Master Craftsman Chris Tanguay -Workshop
Master Craftsman Chris Tanguay will be leading a dry stone walling workshop in the Corner Brook area.
As a professional member of the Dry Stone Wall Association of Great Britain, Chris will use knowledge and skill to share the artesian craft of dry stone walling -techniques, tools, practices.
Intended for beginners, anyone with interest is welcome. It is hands-on so expect heavy lifting.
Limited space available.
Sat, Oct 20th, and Sunday Oct 21st.
$300 per person per 2 day workshop, student rates available.
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26 July 2012
Culture of Outports -Workshop
We were invited to Brigus, NL to provide a small stone walling clinic.
ERA Architects Inc. from Ontario coordinated a community project in Brigus. Part of their annual design/build initiatives. This build was executed by a group of competent Ryerson University students.
As stonework is a defining feature in Brigus, the project was to incorporate dry stone elements
The clinic covered some basic technical elements, and a short practical session to help the students make informed decision regarding the feasibility and scope of their project.
To read about the full project visit the Culture of Outports Blog and ERA Architects Inc.
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20 July 2012
Lakeside Project
Benches recently Installed at Tippings Pond, Massey Drive. A popular swimming area and hiking trail. (back to top of web page)
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17 August 2011
Home and Cabin Magazine
We were recently featured in Home and Cabin magazine. The magazine features "striking, unique and intriguing homes and cabins across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador." Download the .pdf file to read the full article.
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28 October 2010
Dry Stone Walling Across Canada
This September we attended Roctoberfest in Rockport, Ontario: an annual walling festival with people participating from across North America and beyond.
Several unique features were built (arches, walls, fireplace and a bridge).
We took a certification test and now offer these services to our customers.
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28 June 2010
Port Au Choix -National Historic Site
We built two stone features commissioned by Parks Canada Agency at the Port au Choix National Historic Site.
The Dorset Doorway at Point Riche serves as a gateway for interpretive walks through the fields of an old Dorset settlement. The structure is reminiscent of the traditional style dwelling: a depression lined with stone and covered by a canopy of seal skin and whale bones. Larger stones mark the entrance which leads to a central soapstone fire box.
The metal whale bone sculptures were designed and constructed by a Newfoundland artist.
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The Gathering Circle is in memory of the Maritime Archaic Indians who rest nearby. The site is the oldest known burial ground in Newfoundland (between 4400 and 3300 years B.P.).
The Gathering Circle is reminiscent of healing circles used in modern aboriginal traditions. Maritime Archaic peoples marked graves with three small stones. This is loosely reflected in the large boulders marking the entrance to the circle. White stones were used to symbolize spirit as they round the circle - rebirth, life, death. The top of the circle is waved to mirror the ocean that provided the people with sustenance. Other white stones within are the ocean's whitecaps.
Embedded in the center of the circle is a paved area shaped as a burial spearhead found in some of the graves.
Nearby are three large slabs supported by large boulders and mounted with interpretative plaques. The squarish slabs reflect western-style grave stones and their weight is equally balanced by the three boulders which reflect the Maritime Archaic burial tradition.
Maritime Archaic Indians left their marks which archaeologists use to interpret their way of life. Similarly, the mason left tool marks visible on the stones and invite visitors to appreciate these artesian techniques.
The Gathering Circle provides a place to contemplate the intersection of the two cultures.
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28 August 2008
Stone Walling Workshop
In 2008 Newfoundland Flagstone, Dry Stone Walling Across Canada and the Corner Brook Stream Trail Development Corporation collaborated to run a workshop at Capitan James Cook National Historic Site, Corner Brook, NL.
The boat is reminiscent of the skiff that would have been used by Captain Cook as he shuttled between his ship and land while mapping the coast of Newfoundland. Nine participants took the workshop and built the boat over two days.
The feature is enjoyed by Corner Brook residents and tourists. The site also functions as a stage for Theater By The Bay, a local outdoor summer theater group.
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