The home and former site of Leavitt's Maple Tree Crafts was abandoned by the family about a decade ago - the site grew up in trees and nearly disappeared in the summer foliage.
Below is an image from Google Streetscapes - it's the only image I could find of the old house.
The following information comes from:
Leavitt,
Herb 1920-1997 ,
R.C.A.F./Woodworker/Businessman;
President of the P.E.I. Mutual Fire Insurance Company;
Director of the Island Telephone Co. Ltd.;
Chairman of the Holland College Board of Governors;
Fire Chief for the Town of Alberton;
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal; the Aircrew Europe Star, the Defence of
Great Britain Medal and Canadian Silver Jubilee Medal.
Below is information about Leavitt's Maple Tree Crafts...
Footprints in the Sand of Time: A History of Alberton
by Alice Green, 1980, Page 193-194.
Leavitt’s Maple Tree Craft, began as a hobby
and continued as a family enterprise, has developed into an industry that is
well-known across Prince Edward Island and far beyond.
It began
when Herbert Leavitt, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran of World War II, built
a lathe and began to do some wood-turning just for his own pleasure. He derived so much satisfaction from this
hobby that eventually he decided to make it a means of livelihood.
Mr. Leavitt’s
operation began in a small workshop behind his home and in the beginning he was
assisted by his wife Florence and his father, William C. Leavitt. In 1958 Kenneth Quigley began to work with
the Leavitts and six years later Allan Pridham joined the staff. A more commodious home for Maple Tree Craft
was built on Prince William Street in 1967.
Herbert
Leavitt is endowed with creativity and skill, an artist in woodcraft. He and his craftsmen find pleasure and a
sense of accomplishment as they use their ability to produce plates and trays,
lazy susans, bookends, candle holders, trophies for various events and gifts
for special occasions.
Only choice
Canadian woods are used in Maple Tree Craft, chiefly bird’s eye maple, sugar
maple and curly birch.
In addition
to his crafted articles, Mr. Leavitt has on display in his showroom a sizeable collection
of woods from all parts of the world which he has assembled over the years.
Maple Tree
Crafts was a forerunner in the revival of crafts and small industries on
Prince Edward Island.
The following is a piece of Leavitt's woodworking for sale today at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92217214/vintage-wood-dish-prince-edward-island
I only just saw my first Leavitts piece today. The plate is beautiful, Birdseye maple. I'm a fan of the work so I went online to learn more about Mr. Leavitt and his work. I found the plate in a thrift shop, I am so glad a found this treasure!
ReplyDeleteI just saw my first Leavitts piece today too. My friend found it in a thrift shop and gave it to me. It looks like I did exactly the same thing as the Treasure Hunter about a month later! :)
DeleteI have a birds eye maple lazy susan that I have had for several years now! It's got the leavitt stamp on the bottom. Thinking about selling this item but don't know the value!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever find out a sellable price as we have one as well we are thinking of selling.
DeleteI know this thread is old, but I was interested if anyone found any information about the pieces they found. I was at a thrift store hunting for wood pieces to woodburn designs on, and found a very similar lazy Susan plate but I am hesitant to burn on it because I do not know its value. It is absolutely beautiful and before I potentially ruin it, has anybody found any information? Any replies are greatly appreciated, thank you and congratulations to those who have discovered these pieces
ReplyDeleteI too have a lazy susan plate, never used, tag still attached. Would appreciate any information on the value.
DeleteEmail me at rowesontheroad@gmail.com if you have info. Thanks.