The Old DSWAC Web site guest book.

These are entries from the previous DSWAC web site. Feel free to read them. However if you have any comments they will appear in our new guest book.Guestbook


Name: walter
Location: PA USA, 
Date: Monday, March 31, 2008 at 14:18:31 (GMT -7)
Comments:
what a wonderful organization. i have resently purchased an old pa stone farmhouse and would love to have a stone dry wall built. i'd love attend one of your building seminars some day. best regards, walter

Name: yens
Location: canada
Date: Friday, March 28, 2008 at 14:39:13 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i just wanted to know if this sphere is hollow or solid? it looks fantastic!! thanks, yens...

Name: julian
Location: ontario, 
Date: Friday, March 28, 2008 at 06:48:45 (GMT -7)
Comments:
playing for the wallers is probably one of the greatest events i'll ever take part in, and it sounds like it'll keep getting better.i imagine few amateur musicians can get gigs like this. rocktoberfest forever!

Name: Bill T
Location: Vancouver, 
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 16:17:21 (GMT -7)
Comments:
john, first, let me thank you for running a fantastic dsw workshop in vancouver. i liked everything about it - the practical, ethical, esthetic and interpersonal aspects. i learned a great deal and am eager to get started building a wall on my farm in prince edward county. my son, who lives in toronto, is also very interested and we may try to fit in a workshop this summer or fall in ontario.

Name: Jerry
Location: Ontario, 
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 18:01:57 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi john thanks for the great time learning to build a great dry stone wall . it was a pleasure working with you and all the guys i hope to do this again . thanks jerry

Name: Steve O
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 17:55:15 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hello john, i just wanted to thank you for such an excellent workshop in vancouver. it was quite an experience to see how a group of novices could create such a great looking wall with some expert direction. i'm looking forward to doing some of my own projects and will be sure to send you photos as i go along. i heard you mention that you had a project in victoria later in the year and i'd very much like to participate if you could use an pair of hands. i'd also like to know if i can join the dswac. thanks again.

Name: Robert P
Location: Guelph, On, Canada
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 06:58:26 (GMT -7)
Comments:
thank you for a great training session and a great weekend. and...the food was great too.

Name: J Scott
Location: U K
Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 04:26:49 (GMT -7)
Comments:
john, i have been critical of some of the work displayed on your site in the past, but i feel i must give credit where credit's due. the improvement in the quality of the work displayed is absolutely out of this world. keep up the good work mate. as for your sense of adventure, to build an archway with a beginner's course is absolutely brilliant, and the work was very good for students doing it for the first time. here in the uk, people would be into their second year of dyking, before attempting an arch, so, well done! all the best for 2008, regards, jim.

Name: langley
Email: montana
Location: usa
Date: Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 19:31:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i am from montana,u.s. i am very interested in building a dry stone wall on our property. i found your website fascinating, but as i cannot attend any of your workshops, please direct me to a good instructional book or website on the building of dry stone walls. i read your criticism page, and want to be able to understand how they failed. i want to build a beautiful wall, my husband thinks i'm crazy. please help me!

Name: Barry B
Location: Toronto, 
Date: Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 19:28:38 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i recently went to the landscape trade show in toronto and met a supplir who,s quarry supplied stone for some of your work.there were pictures of the farley mowat boat which you built and also a recently completed stone bridge.my problem is that with all the literature i collected that day i can,t remember the name of the quarry,please advise if you can help,i believe they were in either maddock or marmora,awaiting your reply.regards barry. p.s.,royal ashburn told me in the fall that you would rebuild the cairn in november,did it get done?

Name: D. Copeland
Location: Guelph, 
Date: Monday, January 14, 2008 at 15:45:46 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i wanted to thank-you for the education and your hospitality this past weekend. i can't wait to get started on the wall i plan to do and i now see many other possibilities on the property. dave

Name: Matthew P
Location: Oshawa, 
Date: Monday, January 14, 2008 at 15:44:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
thank you for the extremely enjoyable weekend. i can't remember having sooooooo much fun. the workshop was fantastic and the food and your hospitality was outstanding.

Name: B Sloan
Email: withheld
Date: Monday, January 14, 2008 at 04:45:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i throughly enjoyed your site. the pictures are interesting - especially photos of the longstanding walls as much as 200 years old.

Name: James Taylor
Date: Monday, December 17, 2007 at 20:17:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi john, james taylor here, i was in your first wall workshop this fall. i was wondering if there are any people that are looking to take on some projects as i have met someone quite interested in doing some drystone work specifically but cant find anyone in the victoria area. much appreciated. hope all is well with you. cheers james p.s. still struggling with my new stone addiction which has been raised to a ferish level after seeing the glendale arches, folley, ruin or what ever you want to call it (besides of course awesome!)

Name: steve
Email: steve_vavrik@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, December 17, 2007 at 20:10:33 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i have a bunch of old hand cut sand stone railway ties about 8"x12"x6' that i think would be great for retaining walls. they are over 100 years old, but are scattered about some really rough country. i am considering salvaging them, but am not sure if anybody will want them, or be willing to pay for my time to get them. any thoughts? steve_vavrik@hotmail.com

Name: Mark
Location: Kimberly, On, 
Date: Monday, December 17, 2007 at 20:05:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
just thought i would say thanks again for the tremendous enthusiasm and energy your teaching inspired in all of the participants.....the wall is beautiful and its presence will always remind us of you. .regards mark and tanya

Name: menno braam
Email: see below
Location: toronto, on, 
Date: Monday, December 17, 2007 at 19:45:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i have some exciting news! i now have a website! a friend of mine put it together for me and did a fantastic job. enjoy. menno braam http://www.whistlingdwarfstonework.com

Name: Debbie Gray
Email: gray@island.net
Location: Sidney, B.C., Canada
Date: Monday, October 29, 2007 at 11:04:40 (GMT -7)
Comments:
there is a lovely stone wall in rockton ontario near the old fairgrounds. i have a picture which i will send you also. it has to be over 100 years old.

Name: David Long
Email: davelong@sympatico.ca
Location: Garden Hill, ON, Canada
Date: Friday, October 19, 2007 at 14:26:52 (GMT -7)
Comments:
john, it was such a thrill for us to host the northumberland dry stone wall festival this year (2007)! the artistic creations you, along with norman haddow and all the wonderful wallers, have added to our property will be enjoyed long into the future. we have posted many of our festival pictures www.gardenhillacres.com/dswac.htm, showing the progress from site preparation through to day 3 of the festival. we look forward to next year's dswac festival! and again, may we say thank you, thank you, thank you for such a wonderful addition to our garden! dave and marguerite long

Name: M Tilley
Email: witheld
Location: toronto, on, canada
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 05:24:35 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i just wanted to write to tell you again that i had a great time this past weekend at the workshop and festival. i learned a lot and affirmed my interest in the trades and in the dry-stone wall building techniques in particular. it was a hell of a time. i think that i can best summarize my experience like this: first i loved it, then i hated it, then i loved it! how did the festival projects work out? i can't wait to get my hands dirty again. if ever you are looking for volunteers to finish any of the festival projects, or for anything else, please don't hesitate to drop me a line, rain or shine. thanks again for the experience and the hospitality that made it special.

Name: Des Welsh
Email: desART@hotmail.co.uk
Location: Belfast, County Down, Northern Ireland
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 10:11:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
as a working artist i am fascinated by the never ending shape, colour texture and construction of dry walls. i sometimes use images of dry walls to create paintings, to great effect.

Name: JOHN MOUNSEY
Email: johnmounseywalling@hotmail.com
Location: port dover, on, canada
Date: Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 11:25:38 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i am an engish dry stone waller[north of england, mainly lake district]i also do hard landscaping, some masonry building and for myself i make cairns on top of mountains, stone balancing, stone installations in creeks etc. i am staying with my sister in law in port dover [my brother, who was an opp officer recently died whilst on duty which is why i am here in canada. i have a visa extension untill november next and i am looking at trying for status.]i would like to find some walling projects either here in canada, or in the states, which gives me the opportunity to look around the continent and spread the natural word. looks like you guys doing great job anyway. really like double helix.have you seen andy goldsworthys work [english nature artist]. he built a big dry stone globe. anyway, anybody interested please feel free to be in touch. john

Name: Mike Marcolongo
Location: Guelph, ON, Canada
Date: Monday, March 26, 2007 at 15:34:15 (GMT -7)
Comments:
john: great idea on inventorying the dry-stone walls in canada. here's a few to cross-check: -guelph reformatory (architect john mcintosh lyle) has some significant drystone walls that were built by the inmates (on york rd as you leave guelph on highway #7 eastbound) -village of rockwood (heading south on highway 7, take the next left after the bridge - just past the church, there remains an historic wall b/w infill housing) -town of penetanguishene (a phenomenal wall on the west side of the road that follows the bay from downtown midland, on the west side b/f you end up at the reformatory) all for now - mike

Name: DANIEL HILLS SR.
Email: danielhillssr@yahoo.com
Location: solon, me., U.S.A.
Date: Friday, March 23, 2007 at 21:54:34 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i am looking for stone wall jobs in maine ,i have done some work in vermont all dry stone walls. this is a good site to let pepole know about stone work.i have pics of the walls i have done in vermont & maine .

Name: A.M. Heitzner
Email: amheitzner at ca dot inter dot net
Location: Brechin, On, 
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 15:53:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i have been looking on your site john and thought i might see evidence of the wall which is being built surrounding an old home in udora. i'm not sure who is doing the work and wondered if you have seen it. i have driven by several times and believe that it is a dry stone wall but am not sure as it is very precise and angular. you might want to take alook at it. a.m

Name: Jeffrey
Email: Colonial Brick & Stone Inc.
Location: Bruner, On, Canada
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 12:41:35 (GMT -7)
Comments:
those of us who made it to the canada blooms 2007 show were so impressed with the display this year. i am sure others were too. it captured a relaxed natural atmosphere while reminding one of timeless old world style. i as a sales representative am confronted with a dilemma of helping customers achieve a dry-stack wall sometimes without knowing where to send them. i have had the impression until this year that dry-stack is only recreational; something that old retired guys do for a hobby and get together on the weekend for. i found out differently at the show. there are apparently masons who do this during the warm months for a living, as i was personally talking to one. there may be gathering momentum for this kind of masonry. if the shift towards natural stone is any indication, people are opening up to more natural, environmentally friendly building and this fits that niche. in conclusion, we would like to get more information from you and would like to hear your thoughts concerning doing a seminar here or sending men to your existing workshops this spring. i am sure your display has captured the imagination of many of what is possible to do in their own backyard. we wish all the best for a successful and prosperous season ahead! best regards, jeffrey at colonial brick & stone inc.

Name: SK
Email: shumansk@washpost.com
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 12:39:49 (GMT -7)
Comments:
does anyone know of upcoming workshops where you can learn to build a dry stone wall? am interested in virginia, maryland, delaware, west virginia or pennsylvania, as well as the u.k., italy and france. thanks

Name: maureendunne
Email: maureendunne2000@yahoo.co.uk
Location: dublin, ireland
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 16:49:44 (GMT -7)
Comments:
enjoyed reading the comments. i hope to restore a 160 year old stone fireplace, rather large, and would welcome any tips.

Name: steve n.
Email: toronto
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 13:55:14 (GMT -7)
Comments:
great job on the double helix! hit the ball out of the park on this one. excited to see your attempt at the full rotation! the tie stones are beautiful, very reminiscent of broch construction i have been contemplating lately. works very well with the intent and requirements of the form. this is art. wanted also to comment on the outstanding event you put on last week in bringing richard rhodes to port hope. i believe it to be a very important activity. hope you can generate more of the same. we all benefit from sharing our ideas and knowledge of stone. keep up the great work!

Name: nancy
Location: ct, usa
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 08:17:59 (GMT -7)
Comments:
here in southern new england we have so many lovely walls. i'm glad to find this site to get more information about stone walls. it's wonderful that you are trying to preserve walls in canada. i hope we can do that here, too. thanks for this site.

Name: Patrick
Email: London
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 13:10:54 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i was talking to a gentleman from derusha tools and he said that he had seen the pics of the rubble helix on your site. he was blown away. i explained some of the construction but kept all the secrets. this beast is already creating a buzz. congrats!

Name: D Sellar
Email: you know it
Location: Port Hope, 
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 17:29:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
john, what a fabulous event last night. a terrific turnout, and two excellent lectures by richard rhodes. no one wants to send people away, but as any politician will tell you, the best meetings are the ones that take place in a packed room. it was wonderful to see the public pack a public library. to my ears, rhodes validated everything you do with stone. his inspirational talks were enough to make me want to go out and open a quarry somewhere! and now i know exactly why i don't like granite countertops. congratulations. it was, as we saw at the end of the second lecture, a blast. don

Name: Mike Eves
Email: mickyfinn333@hotmail.com
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 14:33:43 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i recently took the "beginners" course a few weeks ago and can only highly recommended to others who are so inclined. i don't think you will be disappointed. john (the instructor) is engaging in his pre-walling instruction and offers frequent and constructive feedback along the way. plus, building an arch on our stonewall was really something special -- it sort of brought the whole effort together with its "wow" effect. you'll be surprised at how much you can learn from one 2 day class. you will likely leave feeling ready to take on a wall of your own. also, if you need over-night accommodation, the area offers some excellent b&b's. we stayed at the plantation b&b just a few minutes down the road from the drywall demonstration area. great food and very gracious hosts. a really good time. m. eves

Name: Dean McLellan
Email: hlmasonry@hsfx.ca
Location: Holstein, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 14:10:39 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i just wanted to thank john for the efforts he went to in securing the richard rhodes lectures. also i would like to thank mr rhodes personally for speaking on such important topics. i am sorry that more masons did not feel the need to attend as i am sure that their work like mine would only have progressed after these lectures. my great thanks again for such a fantastic learning opportunity. i look forward to hopefully having him come and speak again in a much larger venue!!

Name: Bo Emery
Email: bo_emery@hotmail.com
Location: Regina, SK, Canada
Date: Monday, January 29, 2007 at 14:45:29 (GMT -7)
Comments:
in 1973, when i was a teenager, i assisted a gentlemen neighbor in the construction of a gray slate dry stone wall located along colonel by drive (near dows lake), in ottawa. the gentleman's name was mr. alexander, and he was by profession an engineer, and retired. we built a 40' long wall, 3' above grade, retaining wall along the existing walking pathway. mr. alexander was quite particular about the engineering of the wall (being an engineer) and told me that we were building his wall in a typical "roman style". i learned a lot from mr. alexander, and got sore and tired (no pain / no gain!)from carrying every single stone, and some several times. today i am considering using what i learned about building with dry stone around my own home (regina), and am glad that i have stumbled on others that revere this artistic/architectural/engineering endeavor! i often wonder about that single wall that i helped build, and would love some critique concerning the building style used in it, as well as simple educational materials to assist me in learning more of dry stone construction. being in saskatchewan, i do not have a ready supply of slate, but there are plenty of field stones! (farmers will let you pick them out of their fields for free!). if someone has a chance to peek in on my first practice run (in ottawa), please let me know how she stands! looking forward to continued visits to this site. keep on "rockin". bo emery

Name: fred holden
Email: sttom@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 05:08:20 (GMT -7)
Comments:
there are some great looking walls on your web site.

Name: J.J.
Email: sending email
Location: Texas, 
Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 11:19:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i'm very interested in one of the beginner workshops in january 2007. i've never done anything like this before. i've just always wanted to work with dry stack, particularly for definition in landscape. what are the expectations of the course? is it designed for landscapers or the general gardner? what tools and clothing will i need - i. e., gloves, etc.? if you have a preference for a nice, cozy place to stay near where the workshop will be held? thanks

Name: Maggie Wolf
Date: Friday, November 24, 2006 at 02:41:28 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hello john, since coming to live in italy the subject of dry stone wall buiding has always fascinated me. could you tell me if there is by any chance a chapter of your organization here? i fear italians are too anarchic by nature to form one, ( a group) but you never know! saluti and thanks for your lovely and informative site, maggie wolf

Name: David Dowin
Email: sdowin@cogeco.ca
Location: Belleville, ont, canada
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 11:56:33 (GMT -7)
Comments:
my brother-inlaws farm in prince edward county has a very old dry stone wall done by the empire loyalists. i know this because of historians visiting it. there is also the remnants of a farmhouse out of stone. if you want more info please contact me.

Name: david perry
Email: espadator@hotmail.com
Location: Schull, Ireland
Date: Friday, October 27, 2006 at 14:15:58 (GMT -7)
Comments:
as a professional waller in ireland and previously in the uk its very good to see a resurgence of interest in walling and expertise across the world. must look for more walls next time i go canoeing next year in nwt

Name: G Miller
Email: gmille13 at optonline dot net
Location: Cold Spring, NY, USA
Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 13:15:38 (GMT -7)
Comments:
your site is fantastic and has served as inspiration for me for many months. in mid-spring, i replaced a horrid hedge of about 20 feet with a primitive dry fieldstone wall. then i rebuilt it. better. then i discovered your website. i rebuilt it again. better. after spending much time on your website i replaced another atrocity of a hedge with another wall (35 feet). it looked so much better than the first wall that i am now rebuilding the first wall (4th generation). my neighbors are beginning to wonder. and rightly so. i don't just appear to have rocks on the brain. i absolutely cannot stop thinking about them. sooner or later i will find the time to attend one of your seminars. then, of course, i will have to rebuild again. please stay in business and keep the website well stocked with photos.

Name: PAUL
Email: paul.mahon@navy.mil
Location: Whiting, NJ, US
Date: Monday, October 16, 2006 at 14:28:22 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hello everyone: i am about to start work on my first dry stone wall after looking at your website for @ one year now, marveling at the beautiful examples and works people have constructed. i've tried to glean info from your website (proper batter for instance) and others plus articles on how to do it correctly. i would like to construct a dry stone wall 10 feet long by 3 feet wide(narrowing to @ 2 feet at the top) by @3.5 high. i have staked and dug a trench, removed all subsoil to a depth of 1 feet deep to solid soil and backfilled with quarry blend and tamped and leveled to within @4-6 inches of the surface. i have onsite 6.03 tons of 12" bedminster granite. my question is this: is my width to height ratio correct and properly asthetic, or should it be more like 4 feet wide by 3 feet high? also, it "appears" i have much more rock than i need which "may" allow me to go wider and the same height. any constructive comments would be appreciated. thanks

Name: Gerald Charles
Email: gmchar@interhop.com
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 06:09:49 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i am very much looking forward to coming to the dry stone wall festival again this october. last year was just an amazinfg experience. i thoroughly enjoyed watching and learning to build with stone, while my wife was shopping and site seeing in port hope. keep up the good work .

Name: J Angus
Email: harborside( AT )adelphia.net
Date: Thursday, September 7, 2006 at 20:04:46 (GMT -7)
Comments:
just logged on to your site for the first time. i had no idea that there were others out there with this obsession. i live on a small farm in new hampshire. we have about 30 or so acres and are blessed with a good long run of ridge that has metamorphic granite erupting out of it. i have quite a variety of shapes to work with, and over the years have experimented with different styles of wall building. i have had trouble though, finding a resource for some old-time equipment. in particular, i have heard of a devise, built on the same basic principle as the old ice tongs that delivery men use to carry large blocks with, but instead of only two grippers, this devise has three or four. this devise is attached to a tractor hoe arm with a chain and of course, the more upward pressure placed on the chain, the tighter the devise claps down on or under the stone allowing the operator to pick up larger stones. i would be much obliged if you would point me in the direction of some help locating this sort of equipment. sincerely, s. j. angus ps. i'm really enjoying your site!

Name: gordon d. gray
Email: gdgray@hotmail.co.uk
Location: scotland
Date: Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 01:46:32 (GMT -7)
Comments:
going on holiday to vancouver, before touring around western canada any interesting stone work to see. professional back home so looking for a high standard possibly first nations examples. cheers.

Name: Rich Coulombre
Email: rc@supportgroup.com
Location: Broad Cove, NS, Canada
Date: Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 09:48:58 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi, my wife and i would like to build a stone wall that had been removed. it is quite large, measuring 200' in length, 2-3 feet high, and about 10 feet wide. can some suggest contractors that can replace this wall with original stones that would match the remaining portion of the wall? thanks, rich coulombre

Name: Philip Everhardus
Email: myvanisplentyfast@yahoo.ca
Location: Picton, Ont, Canada
Date: Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 14:25:49 (GMT -7)
Comments:
excellent site, great to see a community of likeminded people. if your ever in prince edward county feel free to check out my new wall on jericho rd.

Name: Amanda Morgan
Location: St. John's, NL, Canada
Date: Friday, July 21, 2006 at 20:05:22 (GMT -7)
Comments:
rock on!! no pun is intended..my friends from nova scotia(angie) think this stuff is awesome!!

Name: Rick and Toni Andrews
Email: andrews7624@gmail.com
Location: Guelph., Ontario, Canada
Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 18:51:54 (GMT -7)
Comments:
my wife and i attended a 2 day beginners course near blue mountainm ontario on june 24,25 it was a very impressive course and john was an enthsiastic and excellentcoach. the setting and lunch were terrific and certainly conducive to an effective learning experience. we are now energized to build similar structures on our own property. we would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn how to crea(e something with their own hands

Name: Dean McLellan
Email: hlmasonry@hsfx.ca
Location: Holstein, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 17:17:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i've got to say i love the addition of the new stone walls page. it is really exciting to see such quality work going on in canada. hopefully we see even more unique and interesting work on the web site. it forces us builders to step it up a notch when you see such great work.

Name: Shirley Ross
Email: withheld
Date: Monday, June 19, 2006 at 08:48:59 (GMT -7)
Comments:
thank you very much for your well planned, well executed seminar. i now feel i can build a wall. how empowering. i find it difficult to work in the strong sun for too long a period so i was grateful that you scheduled so many landscapers on our shift. i know their strength and ability helped keep the project on time. you and matthew were kept on your toes to keep ahead of them. it was a great day. it is wonderful that so many laidlaw descendents are maintaining their heritage. we drove past the walls before leaving and admired the day's work. nick and elizabeth must appreciate the strength and beauty of their rebuilt wall. i will watch your website for the bridge building display as my project is a path over a wet spot through our bush. thanks again, shirley ross

Name: Dave Donais
Email: dave_a_donais at scotiacapital dot com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 16:13:21 (GMT -7)
Comments:
thanks again john for the revelation of your june 3/4 course in norland. your passion is infectious - my head is now full of fantasies of building a wall on our property at balsam lake. in the two days since the course, i'm amazed at how stonework i come across in toronto now jumps out at me, and how terrible it usually looks to my john-trained eye. i look forward to seeing you at future seminars at balsam lake.

Name: Paul Sinclair
Email: pws.search@hotmail.com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 15:40:46 (GMT -7)
Comments:
we own a farm property in eastern ontario north of kaladar ont..it is surrounded by old stone walls but not fences the stone is round eldstone which seems difficult for building stone fences.i would like to attend a seminar on fence building with this type of stone. any suggestions? the courses seem to fill up quickly.i am available for a paid course or a voluntary one.thanks

Name: James A. Lackie
Email: jalackie@sympatico.ca
Location: Toronto, Ont, Canada
Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 05:32:35 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi john and matthew, i just wanted to thank you for the great day on saturday. i thoroughly enjoyed myself and the company of all involved. i must say that i thought the wall looked quite good upon completion. it's funny how it doesn't seem to "come together" until those final last few rows....perhaps it was just my untrained eye! as i mentioned on saturday, i would be interested in any future workshops (fee based or voluntary) so that i could continue developing my skills. of course, i will also read the book i purchased at the class as well. thanks again for a really great day and hope to hear from both of you at your earliest convenience. regards, jim

Name: John Bozzo
Email: john_bozzo@cbc.ca
Location: thornhill, On, CDA
Date: Monday, May 29, 2006 at 09:19:14 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i just returned from a beginners seminar at balsam lake. we repaired a 150 year old wall, what an experience! we learned a lot, we had fun and realized that if you apply the right techniques anyone can build a respectable and sturdy wall. i would highly recommend the course...cheers...john

Name: Frances Lillie
Email: fw_lillie@hotmail.com
Location: Toronto, On, Canada
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 03:50:01 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i live in the forest hill area of toronto and pass several stone walls on my walks, they remind me of my homeland[uk] and seem to be just held together by their build and not cemented in any way so i wonder if these aren't examples of traditional stonewalls. enjoyed your site.

Name: Dean McLellan
Email: hlmasonry@hsfx.ca
Location: Holstein, ON, Canada
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 17:39:02 (GMT -7)
Comments:
in the interest of keeping orangeville a nice sunny city i propose not letting john rimmington build any more walls there. this should limit the rain.

Name: Sherrall Brown
Email: sherrylouisebrown@hotmail.com
Location: Schomberg, On, Can
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 09:17:30 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi john, i have no info re stone walls. i know i've seen them but these days i'm lucky to remember where my car is. i just wanted to thank you for the instruction and opportunity to help with the building of one of the walls of the 'healing ring of trees' at the orangeville hospital site. it was a wonderful day. the whole process was so meditative and creative and healing. i enjoyed myself immensely. thankyou. sincerely, slbrown. p.s. what's a bot?

Name: mike stone
Location: Knowlton, Quebec, Canada
Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at 03:16:10 (GMT -7)
Comments:
my family has been building stone walls in the knowlton area for 5 generations. i have myself worked in laying dry stone walls for the past 30 years and have now retired and have open a stone retail yard with my wife sue. i very happy to see so many people enjoying the trade of dry stone wall. i'm now showing our customers the tricks of the trade.sue and i are planing to go to england next spring and i can't wait to see their walls. do you have a membership that i could join, my son and brother would be interested as well i'm sure. thanks, mike stone

Name: B. O'Brady
Email: bear@hotmail.com
Location: IN, USA
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at 01:49:51 (GMT -7)
Comments:
your website has given me numerous ideas for my dry rock wall. thank you very much.

Name: Jonathan Howcroft
Email: jonathan"at"rtype.ca
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 16:20:31 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi, i am just writing to compliment you and your organization on your display at canada blooms. i am a masonry hardscape contractor from downtown toronto. unfortunately i was unable to attend this year. i however watched one of your demonstrations last year and found it quite pleasing. keep up the good work, and i wish you many centuries of longevity. kudos…

Name: Grace R. Junkin
Email: gjunkin@yahoo.ca
Location: Bobcaygeon, ON, Canada
Date: Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 14:48:35 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i'm excited about your organization. we live in "rock country" and sadly watch a very old dry stone wall deteriorate in our town as development encroaches. the boyd family established this town with their lumber industry and we are not preserving any heritage, except their coachhouse in our settler's village. the stone archway from their property's surrounding wall was rebuilt with the original stones in front of our local library. soon, rock pilferers will have destroyed the remaining property wall. fortunately, many local historians and artists have preserved its memory and beauty in books, photos and paintings. my husband and i would like to learn more about the construction of dry stone walls as we have on- going landscape projects on our two acre lot with access to unlimited rock piles. what is a batter line? do you have any spring workshops? sincerely, g. r. junkin

Name: Phil whittaker
Location: burnley, lancashire, england
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 05:07:30 (GMT -7)
Comments:
would be fun to have a go at walling over there

Name: Dr. Ronald W. Beazley
Email: ronaldbeazley@yahoo.ca
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B3A2M5
Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 at 10:02:11 (GMT -7)
Comments:
the more i look at images of walls -- the more i want one. i'm formulating a plan now in my head. i wrote to your guest book a couple of months ago, bookmarked your main page and then "sort of" ---- ahem!!! "forgot" about the website. i'm really anxious to proceed with my project so i look forward to a possible publication on stone walls. any progress in this direction or is there somewhere else i could brouse?? many thanks. ron beazley, m.d. dartmouth, nova scotia canada b3a 2m5 p.s. i don't know what a "bot" is -- any explanations around???

Name: Joe Ward
Email: bluegrass_joe@yahoo.com
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Date: Friday, March 17, 2006 at 21:50:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i need advice. i want to build a stone wall around a family graveyard in montana in august. it's in toole county, about five miles from the alberta border. i've got plenty of rocks, but they're of the glaciated variety -- hardly any flat spots. can i build a wall with them, and where do i start?

Name: A.M .Heitzner
Location: Brechin, On, 
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 17:39:38 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi john, still loving my wall. it looks beautiful with snow around it as well as amidst the green grass. the website continues to intrigue me. keep strong!!

Name: Lila McGrew
Email: mail@evergreeneng.net
Location: Everson, WA, USA
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 16:05:44 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i would love to see more articles or publications (i'll gladly pay) that discuss structural retaining walls. i've clients that want to build dry stone retaining walls, but information is not easy to find. thanks for the info you have provided.

Name: Ashley Dufour
Email: short_cake_74@hotmail.com
Location: Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 19:02:36 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i saw your demonstration at canada blooms and i thought it was just amazing. how you can build out of nothing and it took them so long. i passed by it a couple of times and they never stopped once. i thought that was really good and i really learned a lot of things by asking question. you guys did an amazing job congratulations. ashley dufour

Name: Kevin Patterson
Email: pattersoncapital@sasktel.net
Location: White City, SK, Canada
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2006 at 14:28:45 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i am interested in dru stone wall construction. unfortunately i am not near ontario. are you aware of any workshops in western canada, or better yet, an illustrative guide to stone cutting & wall building?

Name: Kenn 'Hawk" Kaminski
Email: hawkjfk@yahoo.com
Location: westfield, ma., USA
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 12:58:41 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i have been building dry stone walls for about 28 years in different states and countrys and just came across yor web site. fantastic photos.good info and good projects. i am a member of the stone foundation organization. in 03 i attended a symposium in switzerland for the preservation of dry stone walls in europe and oddly there were no representatives form the usa or canada.anyways with info from yor organization i hope to attend some of yor gatherings in canada. good luck and have a good year. kk*

Name: Dan Lupino
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 06:59:40 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i do feel a bit of a misfit because i visit your website all the time, and always mean to contact you but never do. first, i must say that i admire you as having a stronger passion for stone than anyone i've met (and my passion is quite intense). the way you maintain your website and association is impeccable. i am always inspired by your words in the articles you write. so many times i say to myself, "i know exactly what your talking about."

Name: davie robertson
Email: robbie@borthaugh.wanadoo.co.uk
Location: hawick, scottish borders, scotland
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 05:59:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
cool website dudes iam a drystane dyker in bonnie scotland came accross your site by chance.have been getting website built and while looking for it i ended up at yours nice surprise.i will be in touch again when my site is ready cheers. davie.

Name: Dr. Ronald W. Beazley
Email: ronaldbeazley@yahoo.ca
Location: Dartmouth, NS, Canada
Date: Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 13:03:52 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i was reading the august 2005 issue of harrowsmith country life, while waiting for a haircut a couple of months ago. there are several super articles in this issue, especially the one on stone walls. the answer to my dilemma. i need somrthing to separate my back yard, which has been professionally landscaped by one of my sons-in-law, who has a masters in landscape architechiture from guelph u. , from my next-door neighbor, louie, who is a great neighbor, but his part of the back property is a mess. i've been looking for something "different" to put up --- i don't want a fence or wood/other divider, but something "special". well.......... i think i've found it. so i ordered a back copy of aug. 2005 and i am just nuts about the idea of putting up a stone wall (no grass on top, though -- just the rocks, please). so i went to your website and bookmarked it. now i have to start planning (and don't let louie get in a dither -- i don't think that will be a problem). do you know of any mags. that "specialize", so to speak, on walls, especially rock, or whatever?? any suggestions you may have would be ++++++++ welcomed. many thanks, ronald w. beazley, m.d. 60 forest road dartmouth, nova scotia b3a 2m5 ronaldbeazley@yahoo.ca (902)464-1413

Name: harry sprule
Email: not given
Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at 18:05:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
there are some pretty nice dry stone walls on amherst island. do you know about them?

Name: Paul Webley
Email: paul.webley@btinternet.com
Location: Huddersfield, England
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 06:39:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
as a past chairman of the dswa here, i was able to meet and provide some contacts for john shaw rimmington when he visited the uk 6 years ago. i am pleased that he has been able to further his dream and that you have an active and vibrant group now working in canada. i will look you up if i am over in your part of the world.

Name: james asbury
Email: mountainstone.com
Date: Friday, January 20, 2006 at 23:05:44 (GMT -7)
Comments:
how did you support the arch that was needed in the construction of your loop? I've have been a waller for 7 years and I am going to give a go to building your Loop from Pic's in StoneXus. it seems that the wooden supports would need to be held up buy some other platform other than the stones. I have done bridges with arches, but the support of the frame under the arch before the arch is complete is what has me stumped. James

Name: naim bossi
Email: nbossi@shaw.ca
Location: victoria, bc, canada
Date: Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 02:40:35 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Incredible work. Great to hear people are carrying forward their passion to work with stone. I'm fortunate enough to be outside every day of the week, all year round, working as a landscape contractor out west, and continue to advocate the use of stone in new and old gardens every day. I'll be making every attempt to learn more about such an amazing craft, and aid in keeping it alive as a true art form. Thanks for the great information!

Name: Andy Loudon
Email: info@drystone-walling.co.uk
Location: Coniston, Cumbria, UK
Date: Saturday, January 7, 2006 at 13:27:13 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hello, nice site with interesting pictures. It is nice to see some imagination and a sense of fun being employed in some of the structures you are building. Keep up the good work. All The Best Andrew Loudon

Name: Richard Karlo
Email: rkarlo@karloestates.com
Location: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday, January 5, 2006 at 13:02:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi John, A long overdue thank you for the work that you and your team did building a dry stone wall in front of my property in Prince Edward County last September. I have spoken to quite a number of people from the area since it went up and have had treamendous positive feed back. The wall really looks great. I really enjoyed working with you and a great thanks to everyone who came out to help. The wall already looks like it has been there forever and fits in very well with the history of drystone walls in Prince Edward County. As you know I am in the process of starting a winery on the property and will be proceeding with the first plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay this spring. I welcome anyone who is out in Prince Edward County to come out and take a look. We are located at 561 Danforth Road in Hillier just north of Wellington. We have just got our website up and plan to add pictures of the wall building to it shortly. The website is www.karloestates.com Thanks again to everyone that participated and please drop by if you are in the area. Cheers, Richard

Name: Vicki Bailey
Email: gerrynvicki@sympatico.ca
Location: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Date: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at 20:40:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I saw your article in Harrowsmith Country Life and wasn't aware that there are stone walls in Ontario. My husband is from Maine where there are endless stone walls that go on for miles. I love the stone walls which my husband takes for granted but he really likes our cedar rail fences.

Name: B Richmond
Location: Sandwich, MA. USA, 
Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 at 11:14:11 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi John, Just wanted to follow up and thank you for the workshop. I had a great time and got a great deal out of my time spent there. It was a long ride but worth it completely. You really make it a special event by being so hands on and with such things as offering to watch the movies in the evening, that was great and really made the difference for someone like me who is just starting out. I hope to get up there again and continue my learning process. Keep up the good work and thanks to you I am hooked on walling!!

Name: Eugene Fytche
Email: undisclosed
Date: Monday, November 28, 2005 at 18:07:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I found your website by chance when I was doing some research for a book I am drafting on livestock fencing. Here in Lanark county we are more accustomed to cedar log fences, since most of the rock in the local fields is glacial deposit, and has more rounded profile than flat surfaces. I am looking for local stone fences made with this difficult rock, and will let you know if I find any good examples. Most I have found to date are low, broad and crowned with log or barbed wire .

Name: Tom Bickel
Location: constantine, Michigan, USA
Date: Friday, November 25, 2005 at 21:05:59 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I enjoyed your article, "Gathering Stones" I could really relate! I have a very labor intensive job. When I get home, to unwind, I have for the last two years been gathering stones at the rate of about two pick-up truck loads a week. random sizes and shapes. I started stacking them around my wifes flower gardens, it was really tough getting them to fit in a single row type stack then I realized that I could stack them in a double row and they would hold themselves up a lot easier. It has been a constant learning experience. I now have them dry stacked around my log home and the pump house. I have one pile that is 9 feet at the tallest point 45feet long and twenty feet wide It was rapidly taking up space so i started to drystack a wall around it and backfill it with stone also. It is beautiful and when i finally decide to build something I dont think I will have the heart to tear it down to use it to build something else. I have another pile that is just as large (in length and width) of large boulders that I winched into the back of my truck with a hand winch. the last one had to be in excess of a ton, I broke the cable 3 times getting it into the truck. I think I would like to learn how to break the stones. Is there any trick to it or do you just smash them and take them as they are?

Name: René Enguehard
Email: multicom@nl.rogers.com
Location: St John's, NL, Canada
Date: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 14:16:41 (GMT -7)
Comments:
There are a number of dry stone walls around St John's and other parts of the province. It has actually become trendy to build stone walls rather than lumber or concrete walls. There are still some old stone walls around town but we are starting to notice some really attractive stone walls built by a local company. I have built a couple of stone pathways around my garden and I am planning to build a 40 ft X 3ft retaining wall in order to eliminate a slope and gain some flat ground to make space for a greenhouse. I am looking for some literature on the subject...any suggestions?

Name: Dieter Schneider
Email: stein_zeit@bluewin.ch
Location: Switzerland
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 10:13:26 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi John, Time is running! It is more than one month ago since I had some really nice days in Port Hope! It was fantastic. The idea of this festival is great. I'm thinking about to do something similar in Switzerland. Thanks again, also to your wife

Name: Dave Oliver
Email: dykerdavieathotmail dot com
Location: Scotland
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 15:04:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been dyking for almost four years now, and i think its the best job in the world! I do a lot of rebuilding dykes on farms, but i do enjoy building ornamental dykes in gardens!! its a work of art!!

Name: Bill Baile
Email: stonemasoniv@yahoo.com
Location: Washington, D.C, U.S.A.
Date: Friday, November 11, 2005 at 21:49:29 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am a Kentucky drystone mason at large currently living and working in Washington, D.C. I was browsing the net for related sites on the "Craft", and I happily happened upon your site. Very nicely done indeed! Best regards to all your members and their fine accomplishments.

Name: Bailey,L.
Location: Burlington, On., Canada
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 14:51:15 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Along Lakeshore Rd. on the south side just east of both Appleby Line and Guelph Line are beautiful field stone fences that frame the properties, the stones are rocks, it's beautiful to look at and appears to be dry stone placement (except sections of the Guelph Line one broken, rebuilt and cemented when the property was split up). Perhaps you would be interested in them.

Name: Dan Snow
Email: Vermont
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 20:56:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
John. The finished folly looks great with a grassy floor. From one waller's point of view the festival was a great success. I like an active event, and the festival was a solid three days of walling. With no exact prescribed building plan the folly evolved in an easy, relaxed way. Everyone contributed in their own way and at their own speed. The result of our labor has a sense of play about it, clearly a reflection of the collaboration that created it. Congratulations to you for a fine achievement. In the future, the 2005 festival should be the standard to which all dry stone walling get-togethers are measured. Best wishes, Dan

Name: Lynn S
Email: Headwaters Health Care Centre
Date: Monday, October 17, 2005 at 21:56:13 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Re. The Healing Wheel of Trees d.s.w. project in Orangeville. Hi everyone! John, Bob Baynham, Bob Waller and I would like to thank each and every one of you who worked on this wonderful project. It was truly amazing to see so many people who had never met each other and most who had never worked on a dry stone wall, come together and listen and learn under John, then produce such great quality, as a team and through very difficult weather. I can't tell you how many emails and phone calls I have had from people who have worked on the project saying it was such a wonderful experience. I have also had a lot of positive comments from other people in the community saying what a great community project this is and how can they help. This is truly what it is all about! Lynn

Name: Peter. A
Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 15:08:17 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Dear John Just a note to thank you for all your efforts in making the past weekend ( Northumberland Dry Stone Wall Festval Oct 8 9 and 10 ) so very memorable and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the course on Sunday and have sore muscles that attest to this point. Many thanks to Matthew as well . His enthusiasm was particularly infectious. As to the folly and watching Dan ,Norman, Dieter and others, I feel particularly privileged. What struck me most was how wonderful, open and welcoming everyone was. It's seldom that you can witness so much talent accompanied by so little apparent ego -truly masters of the craft. It is also reassuring to find that I am not alone in my addiction to beautiful stone and stone structures. Please keep me on your email/mail list for upcoming events. Kindest regards , Peter

Name: Matthew Ring
Email: matthew.ring@gmail.com
Location: Oshawa, ON, Canada
Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 09:12:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Well the 2nd annual Dry Stone Walling Festival was an incredible success. I would like to thank all the students that attended the Saturday and Sunday Seminars. It was a pleasure training you and I was glad that you all had such a great time! I look forward to seeing you all again! Please send us pictures of the projects you are doing as we love to see them! Matthew Ring

Name: Diff Mazurek
Email: swiss construction@sympatico.ca
Location: Toronto, Ont, 
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 13:06:45 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been in the building renovation business for 20 plus years and would like to add to my building skills. I've worked on mostly older homes and try to build/rebuild homes with the appropriate period woodwork and other natural materials. I've always had an interest in working with stone and I hope to be able to take a course that would improve my skills in this area. I thank your organization for creating this opportunity.

Name: Susan
Email: sue8899@msn.com
Location: Nottawa, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 13:05:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi there Spotted and excellent example of a dry stone field stone wall out on the 10th line just outside of Nottawa. Guy called Dave Cudworth who has been dry stone walling for years (ex Brit) begun to work on walls over here now.

Name: Roger Sharpe
Email: sharpestone23@hotmail.com
Location: Derby, England
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 07:10:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been working for myself as a dry stone waller for the last 3 years in Derbyshgire and am an active member of the D.S.W.A.My wife and me are keen to work for a period of time in Malta,if any one has any information about full time walling work in Malta then please contact me,thanks,Rog Sharpe

Name: A. Hancock
Email: go2theant at aol dot com
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 10:07:32 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I own a firm in the south. We are looking for stone wallers to work with us. Basic knowledge usefull. At this point we don't want to train from scratch, but would like someone with desire and familiar, we will train on specifics. We already have a strong clientele, which we cannot service fast enough and need to expand our family business. Interested parties please contact me.

Name: Stillman Sprague
Email: pasovenado@aol.com
Location: Carmel, CA, U.S.
Date: Monday, September 12, 2005 at 12:58:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi Mary. Looking forward to your workshop. -Stilly

Name: Carolyn Langton
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Date: Thursday, September 1, 2005 at 11:53:07 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Good luck with the upcoming Festival in September! Do you need any volunteers to help out?

Name: joe styles
Email: gijoe_9@hotmail.com
Location: Trail, B.C., Canada
Date: Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 07:22:08 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great site I am learning by doing and researching sites like yours. Trail has a tremendous number of stone walls some dry stack some not. This area received quite a few immigrants from Italy in the last century and they left there mark in the stone work they did here.

Name: Tilda King
Email: tilda@huttonhouse.com
Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 22:02:16 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Please add me to your mail list. Others may hug trees but I hug archways especially when I go back to Scotland.

Name: Craig Bruce
Email: biffer_44@hotmail.com
Location: Ottawa, ont, Canada
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 21:25:02 (GMT -7)
Comments:
WOW...a terriffic site.I went looking for a seminar that could teach me the basics,you have made my day.I'll see you soon for one of you courses.

Name: wayne fox
Email: waynefox48@yahoo.com.au
Location: Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
Date: Friday, August 5, 2005 at 09:11:20 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I'm an Ausie Landscaper, just spent 6 weeks in UK. Course in Dry stone walling in Manchester and worked with a Master craftsman ( Dave Goulder) in Scotland. I'm hooked!!!

Name: rob soutar
Email: JSOUTAR@COGECO.CA
Location: cobourg, canada
Date: Friday, August 5, 2005 at 08:59:59 (GMT -7)
Comments:
The bridge at Port Hope is very good, could i ask where you aquired the rocks.

Name: Martyn Smith
Email: martynsmith@onvol.net
Location: siggiewi, Malta
Date: Thursday, August 4, 2005 at 07:10:07 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i am a Dry stone waller from soth Wales UK. I have Been Working for the Last 13 Years in Malta. I am looking for work in UK as Builder / Dry stone waller. If anyone can help please drop me a line. Thanks, Martyn Smith

Name: Ante V.
Location: Ivan Dolac, Croatia
Date: Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 21:06:27 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am very gald to see this nice site, since we in Croatia still dont have somethihg simmilar, although all Dalmatia and Istra are overcrowded of drystone walls and architecture. Bye, Ante V.

Name: terry rodger
Email: trodger@sprint.ca
Location: Orangeville, ON, Canada
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at 17:17:59 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I've had an interest in building stone walls since driving down Mississauga Rd. near Belfountain, ON. There is a new stone wall built there along with another in need of repair. It may be a place to offer a course. Great article in Harrowsmith Country Life.

Name: Gabriel Thomas
Date: Monday, July 18, 2005 at 14:31:04 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I've started a project and having trouble for some reason to order chisels (stone chisels). I'm from Quebec.

Name: Rachel Prichard
Email: hrprich at cyberbeach dot net
Location: Sudbury, ON, Canada
Date: Friday, July 8, 2005 at 20:02:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Being expat. Brits we had no idea that anyone in Canada knew how to DSW! We are just starting to build a house on a lake with a sloping lot and would love to learn how to DSW as part of the landscaping which needs to look as natural as possible. Please send us info on the next courses so that we can do this for ourselves.

Name: Louise Cerveny
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 16:01:43 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Almost 20 yeasr ago as a graduate student in Landscape Architecture I had the pleasure designing and literally building stone retaining walls to support 2 levels of terraces and 3 sets of steps. To this day they look fantastic and my admiration for the beauty and practicality of dry laid stone walls remains. The terraces are located at a residence on Moulinette Island, Long Sault, Ontario.

Name: Scott K.
Email: none
Date: Friday, June 24, 2005 at 22:05:17 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi everybody, Just want to thank y'all once again for all your great work at Norland On. in that heat and your obvious pride in craftsmanship that resulted in such a stunningly beautiful addition to my property. I often think of our "weekend in the sun" when I sit down out there at the end of a long day, beer in hand, and look at that wall that we built. All the best, Scott

Name: Ron Smith
Email: antrimlea@sympatico.ca
Date: Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 09:00:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hello John, I was a participant in your afternoon stone wall construction educational during the St.Marks Church "I always wanted to ..." fundraising day. As I stated to you, as we both were about to leave the site, the session provided me with exactly the background and practical information I wanted to receive. Sincerely, Ron

Name: D Miller
Email: not given
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 09:21:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi John just wanted to say thanks for a great day dry stone walling. It was very enjoyable putting the wall together and I've dropped by after to show it to my wife and seen the finished wall ,it looks great with the gate and cope stones. I enjoyed the lunch Mary put together. She makes lunches like you make dsw's (very well) Thanks very much D. Miller

Name: Robin V Sears
Email: rsears@navltd.com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 08:13:04 (GMT -7)
Comments:
It's hard to describe the sense of joy and wonder as a group of middleaged amateurs stare at their marvellous wall at the end of a single day of 'walling learning' at the hands of our enthusiastic guru! HIghly recommended for its spiritual uplift and renewed confidence in one's hands, not to mention the delightful new skill acquired. Thanks Robin

Name: Anna-Marie Heitzner
Location: Brechin, On, 
Date: Monday, June 13, 2005 at 11:51:54 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Thank you to John and all of the eager participants who helped make our dream of having a stone wall on our propetry come true! Despite the intense and humid heat of 31 degrees celcius, everyone worked tirelessly to finish the wall by about 6 pm on Sat. June 11. The experience makes me even more enthusiastic about doing stone work . I LOVE my wall!!!!

Name: anon
Date: Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 10:16:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
In response to "Cooler by the Lake" I must say that while it is a romantic (if not alarming) idea, the Rock of Cashel is in fact a mortared structure.

Name: Lu Aown
Email: luai_aown@hcm.honda.com
Location: Barrie to Toronto, Ont, Canada
Date: Sunday, June 5, 2005 at 15:56:24 (GMT -7)
Comments:
We have been building a dry stone retaining wall around our Haliburton Cottage for the last year or so. Would love to get some ideas on how to build an outdoor fireplace.

Name: Fred Rossi
Email: frossi@mapleterrazzo.com
Location: Bala, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 23:35:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I'm very serious in looking for a contractor to do dry stack wall work. Hoping you can give me some references of good contractors whom spealize in this work. Thank you. Fred

Name: Stephen Cook
Email: Scook@wynfordmotivates.com
Location: Kitcherner, Ontario, Canada
Date: Friday, May 27, 2005 at 23:19:09 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I came across your site after typing in the search words "dry stone walls". I have just returned from my 5th visit to the UK rambling and fell walking on the Dales Way, The Coast to Coast and most recently the Pennine Way. Dry Stone walls and those who built them over the centuries fascinate me. I love the stone and the enduring aspect of the architecture. I have met a few DS wallers in my travels and for those craftsmen there is only necessity that inspires them to continue to build and repair. I have seen literally hundreds of miles of stone walls on those trips. They seem so under appreciated out their on the desolote moors. I want to build my own dsw of dales stone. I wonder if anyone has every shipped a a container of the "real" thing here to Canada. DSW fan Stephen

Name: kevin taylor
Email: kevin.taylor58@btinternet.com
Location: glossop, derbyshire, england
Date: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 15:00:33 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I LOVE YOUR WEB SITE AND PICS. I AM A MEMBER D.S.W.A. UK. CHESHIRE BRANCH. I THOUGHT I WAS IN THE HIGHLANDS WHEN I SEEN YOU GUYS IN YOUR KILTS AND SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK I LOVED THE ARCHES AND THE BRIDGE. FANTASTIC. GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE. KEVIN

Name: Jonathan Fung
Email: jfung@oyp.com
Location: Toronto, Ont, Canada
Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at 15:29:54 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I saw a short feature on dry stone wall techniques on tv the other day and was fascinated. I live in the High Park Area of Toronto and have many examples nearby. I would love to get into contact with someone that specializes in building these for a project on my property. Please feel free to contact me by email.

Name: David G.
Email: davidgoodwin@hotmail.com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: Monday, April 25, 2005 at 09:32:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi, I am interested in taking a dry wall course, but does anyone know if you can you them for a 22" retaining wall (with drainage) or it it can only be self-sustaining. Thanks David

Name: Corey Ferguson
Email: info(at)fergusonaudio.com
Location: Willowdale, Ont, M2N 5J4 Canada
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 02:32:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Just a few weeks ago I saw what was probably the last three minutes of a Television show on TVO featuring the bridge that was completed last thanksgiving in Port Hope and I didn't catch the name of the orgainization. I tried for an hour or so and couldn't find it. Then out of the blue last Saturday I saw one of the most fantastic displays of stone work that I have ever seen at any garden show at the National Home Show. Bingo! I live in an area where million dollar homes are being built. Mine is not one of them by-the-way. The builders are using all these cast concrete "junk" "fake" stones on the fronts of million dollars homes and they just look more stupid everytime you pass them. Everyone is going to have to look at this garbage everyday for the life of the homes. It would be so much better if the builders just used brick. Stone is stone. You cannot duplicate it. Stone talks to you and it speaks volumes. Stone draws you in and makes you feel good everytime you see it. Stone welcomes you and tells you about the real craftsmen that worked on whatever is built from it. You should feature the dry laid stone pillars of the large garden pavillion at Edwards Gardens on you Web site. I think everyone knows which one I'm talking about. The Horticultural Centre at Edwards Gardens is also a fantastic example of a commercial dry laid stone installation done back in 1964. My grandfather George Bage worked on the stone construction of Casa Loma in 1910-11. He has a young man learning the trade. All the stone used on Casa Loma was hauled by horse and wagon. Can you imagine the manual work. The walls are still there. Not an inch have they move in nearly 100 years. I feel so good when I see them and I even go out of my way sometimes as much as several miles just to past them. I love stone. Stone is in my blood too. Your Web site is just fantastic. To think that people still care about this craft in times like these, where everything has to be something that looks like something else, instead of it being real, it warms my heart. Concrete cast stone isn't stone. People that build with this "junk" are not stone masons. They don't understand what stone is and what it means. Stone walls are real and the masons that build them are real too! My Mom passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital several weeks ago with complications from diabetes. To tell you the truth I felt almost too bummed out to go out anywhere last Saturday April 16, but I did. I went to the National Home Show and your stone arch made me feel so much better. I touched it and went through it several times and it was just fantastic. I hope I can get some free time later this year. I would love to learn how you construct these stone structures. Just watching something like that being built would be a real pleasure. I buried my Mom in the old pioneer cemetary in Buttonville along side my Dad just north of Hwy 7 and Woodbine Ave. I'm thinking my Mom needs a dry laid stone wall at the front of this cemetary. It existed there long long time ago and was not maintained properly and subsequently removed some years ago. What a incredible thing it would be to have it replaced. I'm a man on a mission now. Corey Ferguson

Name: Mike McCormick
Email: michael.mccormick@hydroone.com
Location: Kanata, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 20:11:36 (GMT -7)
Comments:
My family has been involved in stone masonary for generations. I am now looking at this as a serious hobby. Your website interested me and I would like you to send me dates of upcoming events I may want to attend. Thanks..Mike

Name: Stephen Cheng
Email: S.cheng@sympatico.ca
Location: London, Ontario, Cnaada
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 15:27:21 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Wonderful work of art. I really enjoy your site.

Name: nicole levesque
Email: nicolelevesque@hotmail.com
Location: Chelsea, Qc, Canada
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 14:16:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Since my visit to Morocco and Portugal I have been fascinated with dry stone walls...would love to do a work shop or better still , I would love to host a workshop on my property in the Gatineau Hills. Please let me know when your next workshops are and where they are located. Both my daughter and I would like to take part. Thanks

Name: Andre de Bourbon
Email: adebourbon@rock.com
Location: Toronto, On., Canada
Date: Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 17:43:09 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great website. Its good to see so much intrest in traditional walling. Ive been doing stonemasonry for 8 years. It was dry stone work that originally sparked my intrest in this craft. Would you please inform me on any upcoming advanced workshops or events you will be involved in .thanx

Name: brent alderdice
Email: grapplin at sentex dot ca
Location: hillsburgh, ont, canada
Date: Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 10:58:44 (GMT -7)
Comments:
hi. Great site. I'm trying to find out how I can register for a workshop this spring ( preferably the April workshop if it deals with more round fieldstone). I've emailed the address listed on the site but have had no response. help!

Name: english waller
Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 20:34:43 (GMT -7)
Comments:
your canadian wallin' is sure appalin'. running joints abound and big stones above little stones

Name: Rodd & Laura Armstrong
Email: korodiver@sympatico,ca
Location: Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 00:10:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
We think this is just fascinating.We are looking forward to trying a day event with you.

Name: john tuach
Email: jtuach@msn.com
Location: Pynn's Brook, nl, 
Date: Monday, March 14, 2005 at 07:06:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Talked to John briefly at Canada Blooms - was impressed Have a small flagstone/sandstone/bluestone quarry here in western newfoundland and have been building promoting drywalls for past 12 years (also flags for patios/walkways etc. + stome for masonry) - grew up in masonry/stone yard would be delighted to show people round western Newfoundland if opportunity presents itself John Tuach

Name: Darla Koop
Email: pdkoop@primus.ca
Location: Niagara on the Lake, ON, Canada
Date: Friday, March 11, 2005 at 20:30:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Enjoyed meeting you and seeing your display at Canada Blooms yesterday. I will be building an dry stone arch in my yard now that I know the secret. Thanks! I have already built a dry stone wall around my property - approx. 300 feet long and another 100 or so to go. Working with rocks is the best way to deal with stress - your hands are occupied with productive activity and your mind is free to meditate and problem solve.

Name: FRANK STELLA
Email: frank.stella@sympatico.ca
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 09:53:35 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I was pleased to meet you yeterday at Canada Blooms. Hope you WALL will live in memory, long after being taken down on Sunday.

Name: A,M. Heitzner
Location: Brechin, On, Canada
Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 12:44:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Just checking to see what is going on this spring. Still love the site and hope to attend a workshop one day.

Name: Judy Ruggiero
Email: MomsTouch@rogers.com
Location: Etobicoke, ON, Canada
Date: Monday, March 7, 2005 at 21:47:17 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Fantastic website. I operate a small gardening business and from time to time clients ask me if I know how to do dry stacked stone walls. I would be very interested in attending one of your courses so that I could learn the art of "how to". Any information you could give me as to your schedule and where for 2005 would be greatly appreciated.

Name: David Cushner
Email: jc18158@aol.com
Location: Old Forge, PA., USA
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 17:13:30 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi Came across your site looking for dry stone wall info. I have done a few walls in my yard and at my moms. There is nothing like being outside with your pile of stones just waiting to become a wall. Each stone has a home. A friend of mine gave me a few books on walls and everything that was stated in the books was true about building walls. It is a great feeling, you become part of your wall. Wish I lived closer to CANADA would love to come to one of your shows. Keep up the good work. DAVID

Name: William Olenick
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Date: Sunday, February 13, 2005 at 11:30:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I worked under Dick Sprage of Vermont and learned much about dry walls and cutting out stone steps from mica shist back in the 70,s.One armed Cal also worked with us.He could do more with his one arm than most men with 2.I laid drywalls,walkways,padios,stone steps and dry foundations.I have stonework across Vermont,Idaho,Oregon,Alaska and Montana.I had a great hand drill set for cutting stones and the best set of stone tools you ever seen that I brought off a old stone mason.I would cut and set steps and on all my work I signed with a cold chisle WHO which stands for my name and my trademark for all my drywalls was a nice chunk of rose or white quartz built into the wall.Stonework is about as good as it gets.

Name: Graham Armstrong
Email: g.j.armstrong@bigpond.com
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 04:27:30 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I happened to come across your site while searching the web for information on Dry Rock Walling. As a result of your inspirational site I was able to motivate myself to build my own wall as part of a landscaping program during the last Christmas holidays. Thanks for the ideas, information and inspiration. I would like to send you some pics of my holiday wall project - please let me know if you would like to see them and how I could do it. Regards Graham.

Name: Ian Carline
Email: iancarline2000@yahoo.com.uk
Location: UK
Date: Monday, January 31, 2005 at 21:41:33 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I found your site while browsing the net looking at different features in dry stone I think you are doing a great job teaching people the art of Dry Stone Walling. I have been a Stone waller for over thirty years and plan in the furure to move to Australia and carry on my work there. The Victoria region is reknowned for its dry stone walls first biult by the settlers that moved there years ago. I know just how these young people feel, or anybody come to that who atempt to biuld there first stone wall because it takes a lot of Patience,Stamina,Endurance and Pride. So keep up the good work and maybe sometime in the future I will drop in on one of your seminars, been to Australia three times in 04 so it should be nothing to nip across the pond to Canada, Bye for now n catch ya later.

Name: J S-R
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 20:41:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I would advise the people who are trying to use this page for purposes other than dry stone wall related subjects, (or to advertise their own products), to STOP since all spam will be simply and quickly deleted every time.

Name: German
Email: german@structurequery.com
Location: IL, USA
Date: Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:43:44 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Was searching internet and found your great site. Congratulations!Nice Site!

Name: Wendy McGowan
Email: wychwoodfarm@yahoo.com
Location: London, ON, Canada
Date: Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 09:56:08 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have over 230 large cut Queenston Limestones. If anyone is interested in purchasing them, please contact me. The average size of them is 3'X 4'X 2'.

Name: Hugh Roberts
Email: hugh@gardenangels.net
Location: toronto, ON, Canada
Date: Monday, November 22, 2004 at 17:50:46 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am looking for limestone dry wall suppliers near Toronto

Name: Ern Dick
Email: ejdick@mid.auracom.com
Location: Granville Ferry, NS, Canada
Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 at 05:42:21 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have built a series of stone walls over the past years on our property sloping down to the Annapolis Basin. These walls serve as terraces for my gardens and were also designed as walk-ways. I have used basalt from the North Mountain which lends itself wonderfully to dry stone wall building. It comes from the quarry in rough rectangles and needs almost no further work, at least for the rough style of walls that I am building. cheers, Ern Dick

Name: Greg Carter
Email: greg at carter-engineering dot com
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date: Monday, November 15, 2004 at 13:44:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Nice site. I recently took a one week course on stone masonry in Charleston SC given by the StoneFoundation (http://www.stonefoundation.org/ ). This past summer I built a 31 step stone staircase which had some dry stacked stone walls. I hope to make it out to one of your meetings next spring/summer.

Name: Byron Bignell
Email: byronj at bignell dot com
Location: Milton, ON, Canada
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 15:42:55 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I built my first small wall this summer. One sided retaining wall. I'm hooked.

Name: David A. Brown
Location: R. R.3, Granton, Ont., Canada
Date: Monday, November 8, 2004 at 18:05:22 (GMT -7)
Comments:
This past summer I built a 75 yd. long section of wall, the top course being set vertically. Previously, over a period of 35 years, I've done several mortared stone projects. the last being the home we live in. I found the bridge particularly intriguing. Keep up the good work.

Name: Sandie
Email: sandieblackatgmaildotcom
Location: Milford, ON, Canada
Date: Friday, November 5, 2004 at 23:56:34 (GMT -7)
Comments:
You asked for locations of dry stone walls..just want to let you know there are several about 5 minutes from my home in Prince Edward County. If anyone is interested in the exact location I will be happy to forward that to them via email. I have always been very interested in dry stone wall construction and would be interested in attending a seminar in 2005 if you would please send me your schedule. Great web site by the way..

Name: Christopher Bland
Email: phantom_theatre@yahoo.com
Location: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Date: Friday, November 5, 2004 at 13:24:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Presently, I don't know of any dry stone fences beyond the regular lines of jumble that farmers created when clearing Ontario's bush country of fieldstones. I can say, though, that I will be able to recommend my property in perhaps a few years. Two years ago, I bought seven acres of vacant land near Dornoch, Ont. I have more fieldstone than I know what to do with. Last summer, I wanted to see if I could build a dry stone windbreak for an outdoor firepit that I'd constructed. I wanted the break to stand about chest high, and be fairly straight along the firepit face. My family thought the whole thing would simpy come down, but countless storms and winter blasts later, the windbreak remains. This inspired me to see what else I could build using dry stone, and I have loose plans to build something resembling an Iron Age fortification of low walls on the high-middle hill of my property. Seeing your association featured on TVO the other night was greatly inspirational, for I'd believed I was the only one who liked assembling stones. When I have something beyond the few stone rings that I've created, and the windbreak, I will gladly forward pictures to share with others. As well, a comment made in the TVO show really rang true. Building slowly with dry stone is best approached with a Zen state of mind. Indeed, I find the whole thing like a meditation that really relaxes me, and leaves me missing the stones when I'm away working in Toronto. Anyway, great Web site, and I hope to perhaps attend a workshop in 2005. Rock on (pun intended).

Name: Donald Gunn
Email: dgunnwalls@hotmail.com
Location: newcastle, uk, northern england
Date: Friday, November 5, 2004 at 10:29:48 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi, your site is coming along, its getting interesting, and is worth looking through. I would like to point out a couple of things about my region, northern england. The article"back to the land" by David Sheffield states Hadrians wall is drystone. It is not.Hadrians wall runs East to west across northern England, about 80 miles south of the Scottish border.Built from sandstone blocks with a rubble core, it uses a very rough lime based mortar, which can weather out and appear as mortarless walling.Hadrians wall is not built as a drystone wall, but follows normal mortared wall practice.It is however, well worth a look, just dont expect a drystone wall! Something more worrying...... In the guestbook entry of october22 2004 Jim Mason says he is a "fully qualified Instructor" He most definitely isnt, and knows that. He is a beginner level Instructor only allowed to teach the most basic elements of walling, as his DSWA Intermediate Certification shows, he is not high enough qualified to attend any higher level of Instructors course. This still stands as of now 5/11/04 he has not, in the last year taken any further certification test, so remains a basic level instructor only.VERY NAUGHTY! Despite most wallers being honest, some think they can fool people as the site they are lying to is in another country! Check out any qualifications for uk DSWA Instructors (including James Mason)at www. dswa.org.uk go to "professionals" I am an Advanced level Instructor,DSWA, coming over to Connecticut, USA to run training courses April/ May. dgunnwalls@hotmail.com Happy (honest) walling.

Name: Frederique
Email: fredjaquet@yahoo.com
Location: New York , NY, united states 
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 22:23:04 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Nice dsign. Regards.

Name: Patrick Pickford
Email: housconn@rivernet.net
Location: Sarnia, Ont, Canada
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 21:43:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Please advise me of your workshop schedule for 2005. Sounds very interesting!

Name: Merle Moran
Email: triple-mmm@sympatico.ca
Location: Toronto, ONT, Canada
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 20:57:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I saw a short interview with some Dry Stone Wall builders in TVO tonight. I have always had an interest in understanding how Dry stone walls are constructed. When you have your schedule for 2005, I would like to receive it. Also if you have any other events, like a Festival, please let me know. Regards Merle Moran

Name: Luice McCartney
Email: mccartneyls@sympatico.ca
Location: Toronto, On, Canada
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2004 at 19:09:17 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have always considered stone walls architechural art. They have so much dimension and provide such beauty to the landscape.I would love to take part in one of your workshop weekends to learn first hand about dry walling.

Name: Alan Ash
Email: alanash @ teleport (dot) com
Location: Eugene, OR, USA
Date: Monday, October 25, 2004 at 12:34:07 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Greetings from the Willamette Valley in Oregon USA! I appreciate your site, your photos, insights and what your doing. From what I understand I'm the only DSWA Intermediate (or above) Certificate Holder for almost two thousand miles on the western end of this continent! I'm interested in taking a trip sometime to Western Canada and would like to hear from wallers, stone masons or stone suppliers in this part of the world. I also do new "wet" work in addition to historical masonry restorations for many U.S. Federal and State gov't agencies as well as private individuals. I've taught hands on historical masonry restoration classes for the University of Oregon's Northwest Preservation Field School three different years. There is so much misinformation around on all aspects of Stonework, it's refreshing to have a great organization like the DSWA keeping the craft strong. I encourage interested persons to check out and support the Stonefoundation, visit their site www.stonefoundation.org I look forward to attending one of your events. Don't forget about the West! Keep up the good work! Thanks, Alan Ash / Ash Stone Masonry Professional Member DSWA

Name: Adrien M.
Date: Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 19:39:04 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Simply wanting to know if you are aware of the stone walls built by the Irving family in Bouctouche, NB. The project, which completed by a team of Irish craftsmen, fence's a cemetery and a lovely old styled chapel. There is app. 2000 feet of stone fencing in various height from 4 ft. to 7ft.

Name: Chris O.
Location: Montreal, 
Date: Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 07:59:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Dear John, First of all, thank you very much for organising the bridge building event last weekend. It was a unique experience and, as I'm sure you understand, more inspiring than I can communicate. Meeting Norm, Dave, and Mary was a great treat, and, hopefully, just the first of many more encounters and collaborations.

Name: Carpa
Email: caruz@yahoo.com
Location: Firenze, Italia
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 09:08:20 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hy guys! I'm a pro builder here in Tuscany, Italy. We have a big tradition of DSW builders but I've never seen any site like yours! Great!

Name: Toby
Email: toby1234562001@yahoo.ca
Location: Pictou, N.S, Canada
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 04:15:48 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I happened to stumble upon your website, kind of nice to see that there are orginazitions like this out there. I have been building a stone wall for about 2 years now, it isn't very big 90'long 38" base / currently 3.5' high... hopefully going to 4' next year. Anyway there are some nice pictures of walls here, good site keep up the good work. Toby

Name: Anna-Marie Heitzner
Location: Brechin, Ont, Canada
Date: Monday, September 27, 2004 at 10:37:00 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been building patios and benches for the past 3 years. The first stone we bought but have since found a source of limestone and have used loads of it since. I am planning to build a wall and a grotto within the next few years. Our farm has lots of room for these things. My benches ar functional around the firepits. I love working with stone and have encouraged friends to do so. Walls are my greatest interest.

Name: Kin LeHeup
Email: kin.46@rogers.com
Location: Toronto, On, Canada
Date: Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 08:27:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have had the pleasure of helping to build first, a waterfall and pond, then patio and finally a rock garden on the property of a friend in Terra Cotta. We used left over quarry rocks gathered from a small quarry near Limestone which we purchased for only $5.00 a load (as much as one can load in your car). My neighbour's sister is the owner of the property and the three of us work well together and would love to learn how to build a stone wall as her property is large enough to be able to utilize the skills. Hopefully we can do this on the 24th Oct. and if not then, then perhaps early next year. So glad I happened upon the article in the star.

Name: Rob Underdown
Email: rdowns@sympatico.ca
Location: Ajax, Ont, Canada
Date: Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 19:54:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Very interesting. I love the use of natural stone to enhance any property. Is there any applications for a homeowner that is on a small property, yet wants to create a natural rustic feel to an area. Maybe a small bridge over a backyard pond?

Name: Wes
Email: wes.erickson (at) bt.konicaminolta.ca
Date: Friday, September 3, 2004 at 18:08:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi there. I have about 8 tons of sandstone blocks, that I want to dimentionlize, so that I can build either a dry fence, or a mortared rock fence. I would like the sandstonr to be of thicknesses of 2-3 inches. Can you help me out on methods of cutting the sandstone, as well maybe any other tips that you can give me, would be greatly appreciated.

Name: Gayle Jeffery
Email: Gayle dot Jeffery at sympatico dot ca
Location: Rockwood, On, Canada
Date: Friday, September 3, 2004 at 10:50:30 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have wanted to build a dry stone wall for years but didn't know how. Would love to attend a seminar.

Name: Joe Paterson
Email: jgwpat@nexicom.net
Location: Indian River, Ont., Canada
Date: Friday, September 3, 2004 at 09:27:45 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Have always admired dry stone walls. We live in a 1855 field stone farm house and the fields are surrounded with many miles of stone fence bottoms. We are planning to do some more stone walling. Is there any space available at the Terra Cotta seminar of Sat. Sept 11 ?

Name: Douglas Rodger
Email: rodger@eol.ca
Location: Toronto, ON, CA
Date: Thursday, September 2, 2004 at 08:30:11 (GMT -7)
Comments:
We've built stone steps and a retaining wall at our cottage in Haliburton - there are many many great examples of dry stone walls in the area around our home north of High Park in Toronto. I'll post some digital pictures if there is a place to do so. We're also interested in the course next weekend. Douglas Rodger and Barbara Gordon

Name: Ann Hollings
Email: aholling@registrar.uoguelph.ca
Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at 08:56:27 (GMT -7)
Comments:
What a beautiful website - and thanks to today's globe and mail for the little article about your upcoming seminar. I had no idea such an association existed. Can you let me know if you still have spaces in your Sept11/12 workshops. I'm SO excited to have found you! AH

Name: JoeHunter
Email: joehunter23@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, August 23, 2004 at 15:39:31 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi, I think it's very usefull site. Really Nice Job

Name: MIke
Email: mike453@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, August 20, 2004 at 18:44:55 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I think this site contains very usefull info. Really nice job.

Name: carmine
Email: carminefig
Date: Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 20:14:29 (GMT -7)
Comments:
good looking stone wall on st paul near vansickle in st.catharines bordering large driveway -very european looking

Name: Dan Snow
Location: Dummerston, Vermont, USA
Date: Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 19:04:41 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Greetings to northern neighbors. We are a mere twig of a branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain but we have great enthusiasm for the craft and offer workshops and DSWA certification testing (see www.dswa.org.uk. international). Just call us the Wall-nuts!

Name: Fred C
Email: none
Date: Friday, July 30, 2004 at 13:22:47 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I was visiting Uxbridge on the weekend and saw the incredible stone structure that members of the dry stone association constructed in two days. It amazes me that this sort of thing doesnt catch on more. F. C.

Name: Patricia Schuster
Email: pschuus@hotmail.com
Location: Shelburne, ON, Canada
Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at 08:57:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Read your article in recent "In The Hills". We live in Mulmur & are interested in building a dry stone wall across front of property. Many farmers around here with piles of field stones & old barn foundations. We hope to be able to attend the seminar in September in Terra Cotta. I am going out & about today to see about any walls in the area. Thank you for a great article.

Name: WM C DICK
Email: flintstone@bresnan.net
Location: vernal, ut, usa
Date: Thursday, July 1, 2004 at 18:33:04 (GMT -7)
Comments:
we have changed our e-mail address to flintstone@bresnan.net Still looking for any information on Wm D Dick, (grandfather) Master stone mason for Queen viictoria park. Ont. 1920' to 1940's. Have been unable to locate any history on the buildings built durring that era. If you can help-I would appreaciate it very much. thank you Bill

Name: Jack Coups
Email: Heritagehill@sympatico.ca
Location: Caledon, Ont, Canada
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 20:43:23 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Saw your article in the current "In The Hills". The seminar sounds morbidly fascinating, and much needed. We have approx. 500' of dry laid wall along our lane. It's not in bad shape for almost 200 years old, however it is begging for attention. See you in Terra Cotta.

Name: chris watts
Email: chris105@sympatico.ca
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 18:45:22 (GMT -7)
Comments:
My wife and I visited the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales last month.At a B&B I read a booklet about dry stone walling techniques and am now strongly drawn to the idea of building one (or more) of our own. I will try to attend the workshop in Terra Cotta on Sept. 11. Since my work is mostly sedentary in nature, do you supply the A535?

Name: Anonymous
Location: Summerland, B.C., Canada
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 20:47:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
For the information of job-seeking wall-builders, or touristy wall-viewers, the Okanagan Valley of B.C. is a valley formed from a series of "benches" as the lakes successively lowered after the last ice age. The inclines from lakes towards the surrounding high mountains, benchlands, intensive farming, and glacial activity, put together has led to the building of numerous retaining walls by settlers, farmers, and homeowners. They are quite challenging to repair because of the rounded nature of the fieldstones used commonly. As I purchased a small property 5 years ago, with more than 1000m of such dry retaining walls, I am slowly learning about them. (Its good to see numerous stone wall building books apppearing in the local bookstores). I imagine that some other people would like to be able to find a craftsman to fix or create their walls, Good like with this site and DWSAC; will check it every so often.

Name: Walter Simon
Email: wsimon1@interhop.ca
Location: toronto, 
Date: Monday, June 21, 2004 at 15:06:36 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Thanks for posting this great site. I have learned qite a bit about dry stone walling from the articles and photos and plan to attend one of the dswac seminars soon.

Name: susan filshie
Email: sfilshie@notl.org
Location: Niagara-on-the-lake, ON, Canada
Date: Sunday, June 6, 2004 at 14:51:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
OOPs - correction to last mnessage. The walls are maintained by the Niagara Parks commission, not Parks Canada.

Name: Lynwood O.Johnson jr.
Email: elojr2@earthlink.net
Location: richmond, virginia, USA
Date: Monday, May 31, 2004 at 23:45:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am working on my frist dry stone retaining wall and it's on a slope in front of my house.So far so good,I'm learning a lot about patience.The comments on your website are very inspiring,thanks. I will let you know how the wall turns out.

Name: susan filshie
Email: sfilshie@notl.org
Location: Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario, Canada
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 10:17:41 (GMT -7)
Comments:
There are some remarkable and extensive drystone walls along the Niagara Parkway which are maintained by Parks Canada. The matrial is Queenston shale (I think) and red. There are many other dry stone walls in the old town and some in the country-side. If you would like pictures, please let me know.

Name: RIMMY2C
Email: rimmy2c@yahoo.ca
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Date: Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 14:55:58 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Knowing all about your association, and interested to see how things were going, I decide to type DSWAC into the Google search engine. Hurrah!! You are at the top of the list. World Famous!! I particularly enjoyed the account of the time you spent at Hockley Valley with Bob and Sue Wallers location. Congretulations on your good work. B S-R

Name: Elizabeth Blair
Email: e.blair@sympatico.ca
Location: Lanark, ON, Canada
Date: Monday, May 3, 2004 at 11:52:41 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am currently enrolled in Algonquin College's Masonry-Heritage and Traditional program and find my interests lying in dry stone work and restoration. I happened across your website by accident, and a happy one at that, as I did not know there was an association for dry stone walling. I will pass this along to others in my course, and look forward to perhaps attending one of your seminars.

Name: Gregory Alan Elliott
Email: gregory.elliott@mississauga.ca
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 08:19:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi all... I'm an graphic designer and artist who has built stairs and walls in the past twenty years at friends' cottages. I will be working in stone over the summer in Toronto and will send photos upon completion of the project. Anyone building dry stone walls near the Royal York and Bloor area should contact me as a possible part-time assistant for their project. Rock on! :-)

Name: Karl Roebuck
Email: karl-waller@lineone.net
Location: Amlwch, Wales U.K.
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 12:30:40 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I did some walling in canada last year and the year before in N.B. I could send you some pictures and info if you are interested

Name: Reid McBain
Email: Reidm@reininger.com
Location: Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
Date: Monday, April 26, 2004 at 06:28:05 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Thanks again John for the great seminar at Lakewinds farms. The wall construction, combined with the cold weather and pounding rain made it feel like we actually were in Scotland ! The seminar was just what I needed for getting motivated to tear down the bit of wall I recently started, and now build it properly. Pictures to follow once I get a few other priorities (the wife sets the list) out of the way.

Name: Merrick Hudson
Email: wmerrickhudson@msn.com
Location: Cannington, ON, Canada
Date: Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 18:53:02 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great seminar today! Looking forward to more events relatng to this amazing artform. Sincerely, Merrick Hudson

Name: WILLIAM C DICK SR
Email: FLINTSTONE@SISNA.COM
Location: VERNAL, UT, USA
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 13:11:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
GRANDFATHER BUILT THE WALL THAT RUNS THE GORGE AT THE FALLS, ALONG WITH BUILDING AND SUPERVISING THE STONE WORK CONSTRUCTED AROUND THE FALLS AREA. I THINK THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AROUND 1922 GIVE OR TAKE 10 YEARS. HIS NAME WAS WILLIAM DICK.HE MIRGRATED FROM TRUIN SCOTLAND TO NIAGARA FALLS,ONT. LOOKING FOR ANY HELP IN LOCATING INFORMATION ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER. PLEASE CONTACT ME A FLINTSTONE@SISNA.COM FOR FAMILY HISTORY AS WE KNOW IT, PLEASE VISIT http://www.geocities.com/flintstonemasons/ THANK YOU. BILL

Name: Forrest Roberts
Email: forresttreez@msn.com
Location: Nisula, MI, U.S.A
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 23:46:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am attempting to build a wall that is 80ft long and about 3ft tall out of kona dolomite and i need sugestions this is my first wall and i can't wait to get started but i need sugestions

Name: Peter Pitts
Email: cha02prp@shef.ac.uk
Location: Leicestershire/Sheffield, UK
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 12:33:58 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have just left my chemistry degree realising it is not for me. I took a couple of years out before I went and found I was fortunate enough to have a natural tallent for DSW. If someone would please be able to help me in a direction to head it would be much appreciated. I can email picture of my work.

Name: Jonathan Baulne
Email: joebaulne@hotmail.com
Location: st-hyppolite, Québec, Canada
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 15:58:39 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Bonjour a tous, Je suis le candidats jardinnier-paysagiste 2003 pour le mondial des métiers et je voudarais avoir de l'information sur LA DRY STONE WALLING ASSOCIATION du canada. J'aimerais bien devenir membre. FÉLICITATION A TOUS et L'AVENIR EST DANS LA PIERRE !!!!

Name: Stone-Age Masonry
Email: derrickjoudrey@yahoo.com
Location: Cornwall, On., Canada
Date: Friday, March 12, 2004 at 19:49:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
To whom it may concern; I am a stone mason specializing in this field for twelve years. I have a porfolio of my work in drystack stone walls. I have work in Victoria B.C., Calgary and Ontario, I can give you pics or location site to all of them. For further information please email me. Derrick Joudrey

Name: Mary Beth McInerney
Email: vivamary47403@yahoo.com
Location: Bloomington, Indiana, United States
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 14:57:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I just bought my first home and I am exploring landscaping ideas and I have decided on a dry stone wall border. Did you ever think about recording some of your seminars. I doubt I could afford to travel, but I want to learn this skill. Thank you.

Name: Euclide Proulx
Email: Monique 912 @ Aol.com
Location: St -Canut Mirabel, PQ, Mirabel
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 22:11:36 (GMT -7)
Comments:
j'AI construis un capitelle ou un borie en pierres sèche.je voudrais savoir s'il en a d'autre de construit ailleur en Ontario ou Canada. Je vous félicite à tous les amateurs de pierres sèche.

Name: John Shaw-Rimmington
Date: Monday, February 2, 2004 at 09:00:04 (GMT -7)
Comments:
We had a typo in the e-mail address for contacting us here at DSWAC. The "g" was missing from shaw-rimmington. Please note that it is changed now. If you have been trying to contact us please try again at shaw-rimmington@sympatico.ca

Name: Terry G.
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2004 at 22:45:21 (GMT -7)
Comments:
There are some good sections of dry stone wall in Prince Edward County near Black Creek on the Morrison Point Rd. You might enjoy seeing them. all the best . Keep up the good work.

Name: J Shaw-Rimmington
Email: President of DSWAC
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 15:25:36 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Questions can be submited to this page too. We will answer them by email or if they are of general interest, on this Guest Book page.

Name: Barrie Shaw-Rimmington
Email: rimton@hotmail.com
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Date: Friday, January 23, 2004 at 21:04:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I last visited this site on July 13, 2001. I had a notion that it would be successful, but never imagined such enthusiasm from so many people and from so many locations. Great to see the tradition flourishing in good hands. Good work John.

Name: KENN ( HAWK ) KAMINSKI
Email: hawkjfk@yahoo.com
Location: Westfield, Ma., USA
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 13:25:26 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Have built dry stone retaining/free standing walls and walkways in US and Europe for about 25 years. Would like to work with some other stonemasons this year on similar projects. Canada or US .413/ 572-6808.

Name: Brian Antler
Email: bthefisherman@hotmail.com
Location: Ladysmith,, B.C, Canada
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 15:40:15 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Built a set of stairs from broken slabs of concrete and put dry standing rock walls on either side of the stairs. Have been told it looks pretty good. Am now trying to build a wall out of river rock at the base of my hill Am kind of aware of how all the rocks are suppose to lock togeather, but not sure if I have to fill in all the voids with small rocks or gravel. It is very time consumeing but also very satisfying. Any info would be greatly appreciated

Name: terry nichols
Email: stonemasonsinc@aol.com
Location: stanford, ky, usa
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 10:09:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been learning this trade for about 4 yrs and I love it. Always trying to improve my skills as well as my employees.

Name: Peter Demick
Email: VTWLKWY@prodigy.net
Location: Charlotte, Vt., USA
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 14:51:31 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been a stonemason for 17 years. I own Vt. Walkways and Stone Preservation Ltd. We specialize in Dry stone walls and The preservation of stone buildings and Barn foundations. Currently have built 2 stone buildings including the stone building for dreamworks at the DAR stone park in Vt. We love stones!

Name: Trevor Dixon
Email: trevordixon@tiscali.co.uk
Location: Teesdale, England
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 09:43:24 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am a farmer in the North East of England (Teesdale)and have built and repaired DSW all my working life. I now produce miniature DSW with animals that I sell at local agricultural shows and fairs, I also do mail order sales, Interested? I will zap you details. Good look with your walling in Canada, If I can ever be of help please let me know.

Name: Mike Cantrell
Location: Springfield, MO, USA
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at 20:51:23 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great pictures. I have started a dry stone walling projest and found many ideas on your site. Do you plan to put up any articles? I am also a highland games athlete, and hope to see your demo at one of the games.

Name: Hugh Boyd
Location: Whitby, United Kingdom
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2003 at 09:50:15 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Glad to see interest in a tradition that crosses the water have a look at my www site and if I can be of any help to anyone re dry stone walling....let me know

Name: Martyn Smith
Email: martynsmith@onvol.net
Location: Malta
Date: Monday, November 10, 2003 at 00:45:01 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi I am a Drystone waller /Stonemason. I like your photo's very much.is there much demand for drystone wallers in canada?

Name: gaii
Email: turretspatient_FUK@hotmial.com
Location: bham, 
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at 09:36:51 (GMT -7)
Comments:
please can you email any pictures you all might have of dry stone walls to me at the given address. im doing an art project and they would be very useful but please not ones with people on thank you very much to all who help

Name: ywca of Moray
Email: gayna.england@tiscali.co.uk
Date: Monday, November 3, 2003 at 16:05:09 (GMT -7)
Comments:
does anyone know of a tutor in dsw building who can provide a workshop in the Moray/Nairn/Huntly area in Scotland ? Please reply before January 2004 if you do. Cheers !!

Name: Simon Jones
Email: spj.nswb@virgin.net
Location: Wales, UK
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2003 at 04:12:59 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am in the process of collecting information on the history of dry stone walling in the uk and am finding it difficult to find the relevant information. If anyone knows of any good books or any other source of good information please email me. Thankyou for your time.

Name: Jim Mason
Email: jimthewall@hotmail.com
Location: Durham, England
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 15:06:08 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi, Interesting site. I have been dry stone walling proffesionaly for 15 years, I am also a fully qualified instructor & County Durham representitive for the northumbria branch of d.s.w.a.g.b. At the moment in our area of northern england is there is lots of work but no one to do it, as the gov grants are far too low for farm walls and most of the better wallers have gone off to build houses and garden walls as they can make 2 or 3 times more money than doing farm walls

Name: Simon Jones
Email: spj.nswb@virgin.net
Location: Rhyl, Wales, UK
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at 08:05:46 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am currently studying Landscape Technology, and researching the future of dry stone walling. if you have any comments or know of any good source of imformation please feel free to email me. Thank you for your time

Name: Keith Tucker
Email: tukka@thewood44.freeserve.co.uk
Location: Ashbourne, derby, England
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at 13:37:13 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi,I am an experienced dry stone waller from Derbyshire in the centre of England(limestone country),I am looking for interesting projects in Canada or USA to become involved in either tuition or actual building jobs,I have travelled all over the States and Canada and have built several stone fireplaces in California for various freinds I have met along the way.Photos can be sent on request,thanks Keith.

Name: Scott Buchanan
Email: scottbetty@sympatico.ca
Location: Shelburne, Ont, Canada
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at 05:44:11 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great site. I have done some drystonewalling and would be very interested in helping with any projects and " picking your brains" for the do,s and dont's of this art. Please contact me.

Name: Analicia
Email: authenticantiqueflooring@sympatico.ca
Location: Cobourg, Ontario, Canada
Date: Friday, September 26, 2003 at 20:45:51 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been collecting rocks since I was in my teens. Every time we go on a fishing trip to Lake Superior or on vacation to South Carolina, or just for a walk I bring home a sovenier you guessed it a rock or two. We also have access to old barns and I bring home as many as our truck or trailer will hold. Until I seen you web site I did not know how to display all these rocks for all to see until we met John with his ideas of a dry stone wall. I think that is a perfect idea. So as soon as he has time and we have enough stones we are looking forward to having a crew come to our home and create a beautiful stone wall and possibly a arch as well if time permits.

Name: DAVE GRAHAM
Email: nwamgbada@yahoo.ca
Location: canada
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 16:53:45 (GMT -7)
Comments:
GREAT SITE FOR STONE PEOPLE.VERY INFORMATIVE.

Name: Mike
Email: rockpunk1@yahoo.com
Location: Victoria, B.C, Canada
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:28:20 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am a landscaper in training that is very interested in learning alot more about building dry stack walls. It is not easy finding people that specialize in dry stack and that is what i love to do so if there is anyone in the west doing this please contact me. Thanks and i hope to see you in Ontario for one of your weekends.

Name: (Rev.) Harvey W. Evans
Email: hevans@bmts.com
Location: Paisley, Ontario, Canada
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:27:52 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Picked up your information at Fergus highland Games yesterday. Very intested in learning more about Dry Stone Walling Across Canada. Harvey W. Evans

Name: Phil Whittaker
Email: pj-whittaker@yahoo.co.uk
Location: Burnley, Lancashire, England
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:27:17 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi, is there a lot of call for dry stone walling in canader if there is, is there anyone who does this professional.I would like to get in contacked or send them a e mail all the best phil

Name: Dean McLellan
Email: td.mclellan@rogers.com
Location: Orangeville, Ont, Canada
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:26:51 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hello there, I am writing to thank John for his time and efforts in organizing the Dry Walling Association. I highly recommend attending the events put on. I have furthered myself as a stone mason by helping out at some of these events and have met other great people with like interests. I have to say that the attention from onlookers and casual observers has been much greater than I expected. It seems like we have just scratched an itch that people seem to have to return to things that are natural and more permanent. John has spent a great deal of time organizing the events and the website and I must say that it has been an honor to work with him. I wish that more masons would spend the same time and effort he has, to pass on the knowledge and skills. Thanks again John and hopefully more people will realize the value of what we are doing!! Dean McLellan 519 942 8145 Orangeville

Name: Cynthia Byrne
Email: byrne@rogers.com
Location: Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:26:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I was at the Highland Games of Durham today and saw you all working on the very impressive walls. Please let me know when your next classes are being held I want very much to attend. I will be in Ireland until near the end of September so I hope that I will not miss the next class. Please keep me posted. Also, is there anyway we can see some of your responses to individual's email questions below? Some of the answers would assist all of us in learning more. Thanks for all your efforts.

Name: Mareta McDonald
Email: maretam@hotmail.com
Location: Moncton, NB, 
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:25:33 (GMT -7)
Comments:
We have some large rocks, but the majority of our rock is the smaller 'field' rock that we've spent 'picking' as we try & clear & return to pasture the 100 acre property we purchased 4 years ago. Along with the pile we've accumulated, there is a very large 'rock graveyard' that the original settlers hand picked as well. I would like to construct a stone wall along the front edge of the property, topped by the cedar rail fence i've been digging out of the borders of the property. Is there any way the smaller field stone can be used?? Any help would ge GREATLY appreciated.

Name: Tom W. Parkin
Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:24:51 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hello I'm an amateur stonemason with experience building very large retaining walls (in three different styles) on my own property at Nanaimo, BC. This experience over the last three years has encouraged me to begin a new midlife career in stonemasonry, which is why I recently accepted employment as a labourer on a large commercial project at Lake Louise, AB. I am still searching for a mentoring mason with whom I can find at least seasonal work leading to hands-on experience (not possible on the unionized jobsite at Lake Louise). WhiIe I'm away from home, and currently using a borrowed computer terminal, I would like to keep in touch by snail mail at: 1440 Frontier Place Nanaimo, BC V9X 1(5 Phone: (250) 722-7025 (I monitor this number for messages). I am interested in working anywhere in Canada on a substantial project, where I might work to learn more about the trade. Please remember me if you hear of anyone requiring such an assistant. I can provide photos, pictures and letters of reference regarding my masonry experience. Thank you, Tom Parkin

Name: Eric Forsyth
Email: stone.forsyth@amserve.com
Location: Inverness, Sutherland, Scotland
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:24:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi, I am an experienced drystone wall/dyker working and living in North West Sutherland (Europe's last wilderness). I am interested in travelling and working in other "wild" places. Contact me if you've any work/travel ideas. Thanks Eric.

Name: Ken France
Email: ken@shekkeina.freeserve.co.uk
Location: England
Date: Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:22:49 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Greetings to John and the drystone wallers of Canada. I am Ken France (National President of the DSWA of Gt Britain) and I am very impressed with your efforts to encourage the craft of drystone walling in Canada. If I can be of any help to anyone, please contact me or go to the DSWA website of Gt Britain - www.dswa.org.uk

Name: James McGillicuddy
Email: mcgillic@earthlink.net
Location: Lansing, Mich, USA
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 10:22:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
5/03 beginning our first esthetic dry stone wall. Any help appreciated! Wish us luck.

Name: Gord Mackie
Email: gmackie@rrc.mb.ca
Location: Cook's Creek, MB, Canada
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 10:21:32 (GMT -7)
Comments:
The glaciers left a lot of tumbled granite boulders behind in this part of the world. Few are symmetrical. Can other visitors to this page direct me to information about shaping/splitting this very hard material? Further, what home made machines are useful for positioning biggies (too big for a wheelbarrow, for example)in a wall?

Name: Bob Long
Email: deepwell@cnsp.com
Location: Sante Fe, NM, USA
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2003 at 10:08:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Many good stone masons out here on the high chaparral and home of The Stone Foundation. Love your site and would like to attend one of your events in the near future.

Name: Jane Russell
Email: jrussell@trytel.net
Location: Peterborough, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 10:07:18 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hello again, Am back and still interested in being involved in your events. Will watch for up coming events.

Name: Paul Whitehouse
Email: wendy@cottonandco.co.uk
Location: Sheffield, Great Britain
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 10:06:44 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am always interested to see how walling takes shape in other countries and who organises and pays for walling projects. In GB farmers are given grants by the government to rebuild walls which surround each field.

Name: Dean McLellan
Email: td.mclellan@rogers.com
Location: Orangeville, on, Canada
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 10:06:16 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Looks like a very good site. I have a hard time finding people in the business, but this seems like a good place to start. Could you please let me know when you have events going on this year as I would like to attend. Thanks Dean

Name: azli iftikhar
Email: azli_fifi@yahoo.fr
Location: setif, algeria
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2003 at 10:05:50 (GMT -7)
Comments:
interesting site. i would like like to know how to be involved in your projects . keep in touch with me for any activities you do.

Name: frank cunningham
Email: frankcunningham@eircon.net
Location: Navan, ireland
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 10:05:17 (GMT -7)
Comments:
interseting site. I am surrounded by stone walls in decay in rural ireland and hope to do a bit to rectify it.

Name: John G. Parisi
Location: Wilm, De, America
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 10:04:49 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I live in Wilmington, Delaware the countryside of New Castle County has a lot of dry stone walls. I am 73 years old retired from the postal service. I am doing research on dry stone walls and want to give presentations to children visiting the park. The park is surrounded by dry stone walls. I think it would be an interesting presentation to school children and tell them how dry walls are constructed. Right now I don't know myself. Can you give me some ideas and explain some of the terms like capstone.

Name: ewen manson
Email: manson@speyrod.freeserve.co.uk
Location: grantown-on-spey, invernesshire, scotland
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 10:04:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
great to see drystone dyking in canada

Name: Robin Thornrose
Email: robin@tintagel-stone.ca
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 10:03:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Encouraging to discover others with the 'bug'!

Name: Dennis Hubert
Email: doctorsteamclean@netscape.net
Location: Brantford, On, Canada
Date: Monday, December 2, 2002 at 10:02:41 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great looking website John. Looks like you've been busy building walls while I've been busy tearing them down. I think you are having more fun! It's cool what your doing. God Bless!

Name: Alain Beydts
Email: fritlander@hotmail.com
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 10:01:27 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I wish to construct dry-stone huts for a touristic project in Palolem beach - Goa - India, I hope to reach my goal soon. Hello from Belgium ;)

Name: Jhennifer Menting
Email: jhenzjunq@yahoo.com
Location: milwaukee, WI, united states
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 10:02:10 (GMT -7)
Comments:
HELP I am increasing the height of an already existing dry stone wall I need to disassemble the current wall and rebuild incorporating the new stone. I need to split the new stones which are dolomite and are 6 to 8 inches thick and 18 inches and more in length and very heavy. They are reclaimed stone from a building they are a beautiful yellow dolomite. I need the stone to be 2 to 3 inches thick I have had some success splitting the with a stone chisel and 3lb. hammer, If I find a natural crack in the stone its relatively easy to split however Not all the stones have these nice cracks which is my problem. I'm certain it can be done but how is the big ?. I'd be grateful for any advice.

Name: Dave Cudworth
Email: davemowog@hotmail.com
Location: Nottawa, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 10:00:25 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Member of the dswa in england (Lancashire) and would be interested to become involved in meeting up with fellow dry wallers, as now permanent in ontario.

Name: tom s
Email: gdbi@aol.com
Location: newbury, nh, usa
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 09:59:48 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i had a wall builder bring 6 ton of aged fieldstone to my cottage.he did a dry stack that is 3 ft high 32ft long and 1.5 feet wide.its not nice.i could use some help as i need to bring down the height.way to big for my place and of course in from ny and wasnt there to see it till it was too late.PLEASE HELP

Name: K. DesLauriers
Email: horseuuuus@hotmail.com
Location: Sonoma County, Ca, US
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2002 at 09:59:03 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great start on this site....I was desperately seeking help with my rock wall project...most of my neighbors feel that I am wasting my time and should hire seasonal workers...but I'm just too stubborn and have this creative urge that keeps me going...Your internet site has encouraged me even more to continue on...Is filling in cracks with soil legit ? or is chiseling stone to fit ( like Macchu Pichu ) acceptable...or must I keep trying to balance and fit my rocks together and be a purist ? I don't know much about this trade.

Name: Michael Parasiuk
Email: mwparasiuk@hotmail.com
Location: Wakefield, QC, Canada
Date: Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 09:58:27 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Well, we've decided not to build a cedar retaining wall but use dry stone. We have a lot of stone on the property but I'm going in cold. Wish me luck, suggest a book and I'll let the association know how I make out.

Name: jay fowler
Email: jfowler@sympatico.ca
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 09:57:07 (GMT -7)
Comments:
sure looks interesting, how can i get involved in your next project?

Name: Elizabeth Moon
Location: toronto, on, 
Date: Friday, September 13, 2002 at 09:56:23 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Please let me know of future events. Thank you.

Name: greg patterson
Location: beaverton, ont, 
Date: Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 09:55:56 (GMT -7)
Comments:
very interested in stone walls. own property with ample stone. need to attend your fall class.

Name: Ron Dempsey
Email: ron_dempsey@sympatico.ca
Location: Udora, ON, Canada
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2002 at 09:55:12 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I am a director ont he board of our local highland games and we have had the good fortune to have John and his group give demonstrations of DSW for the last two years. It is well received and as a result of last year's demonstration, I was inspired to do a small project in my garden, which while amateurish, was very, very therapeutic. Someone there is nothing like working with stone, very true. This year's demonstarion was an awe inspiring Celtic Cross, while fitting for our theme, makes me wonder how John and his group will top it next year!!:-) As a descendant of "drystane dykers" from Aberdeenshire, I am very pleased to see the ancient craft not being lost. Cheers

Name: Hamza ZEGHLACHE
Email: lam@wissal.dz
Location: Setif, Algerie
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 09:54:19 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Congratulation for your interest in the drystone construction. Hope to hear more on your activities and events.Feel free to contact me at the e.mail above.Felicitations

Name: Dan Lupino
Email: ldlupino@aol.com
Location: Ringwood, NJ, USA
Date: Friday, August 23, 2002 at 09:53:34 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I have been walling Professionally for about 5 years now and finally became a member of the DSWA of Great Britain. It is great to see you organizing an association of your own. I would be interested in being involved in opening a New England Chapter. Is there anything better than working with stone?

Name: Mike Hastie
Email: mikeh@michaelhastie.co.uk
Location: Scotland
Date: Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 09:52:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Greetings from Scotland and good luck with your dyking endeavours.It's good to know the ancient art is alive and well in Canada

Name: donald gunn
Email: dgunnwalls@hotmail.com
Location: warkworth, uk, uk
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2002 at 09:52:06 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Thanks for your interest in the Iceland projects,John,perhaps there will be a northern latitude project in the future now you have a walling group together?(Iceland/scotland/canada?) Best of luck Donald

Name: Rob Soutar
Email: robertsoutar@rogers.com
Location: courtice, ont, canada
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2002 at 09:51:08 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I would like to try stonewalling

Name: Jane Russell
Email: jrussell_smithy@hotmail.com
Location: Peterborough, ON, Can
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2002 at 09:50:33 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great to meet you at the Ren. Faire! Would to participate June 29, if I dont have too many irons in the fire.

Name: JONATHAN MEREDITH
Email: DRAGON_ENGINES@HOTMAIL.COM
Location: WALES
Date: Monday, June 17, 2002 at 09:47:36 (GMT -7)
Comments:
JUST ABOUT TO BEGIN LANDSCAPING A RICH MANS NINE ACRE GARDEN AND DRY STONE WALLS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY. ANY PICTURES OF ALTERNATE DESIGNS TO THROW IN A LITTLE VARIETY WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED I'LL TRY AND KEEP YOU UP TO DATE WITH SOME PICS

Name: Norman Haddow
Email: normanhaddow@bigstoneman.fsnet.co.uk
Location: Scotland
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2002 at 09:47:07 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Greetings to all you Canadian wallers. Its a great idea to get together in anassociation. Our D.S.W.A.has been a great help right from my first days walling ,giving me practice and a chance to meet others with a similar outlook .As I gained qualifications and started teaching others ,work followed from the contacts .Here in Scotland there are more walls to repair than folk to mend them.Our associatin also sets national standards and this helps to prevent poor workmanship being accepted. Nowadays I have my own website and always happy to hear from anyone who puts stone on stone to enhance the landscape. www.bigstoneman.freeservers.com also visit www.dswa.org.uk Happy walling!

Name: tod brechbill
Email: boltvon@earthlink.net
Location: usa
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 09:46:07 (GMT -7)
Comments:
i live in the mountains of southern pa. there is plenty of mountain stone (sand stone) available. i would like some information on building a free standing stone retaining wall. i want to build it where the ground is sloped, so it would be starting out two and a half feet tall and end up four feet at the other end. it would be over a distance of forty feet. i would then like to back fill with topsoil. can you please help me with some information and/or additional contacts. thank you

Name: Simon
Email: simonl@accel.net
Location: Campbellford, ON, USA
Date: Friday, April 12, 2002 at 09:45:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Looking for resources on building a fieldstone DSW. Is there a Canadian source for books?

Name: Bonnie Thomson
Email: glassartisan@attcanada.ca
Location: Seagrave, ON, Canada
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 09:44:42 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Fabulous! I surely appreciate the time and effort of building such structures! I spent many an hour gathering farmers "frost" rocks and created a beautiful garden wall at my home! Hope you can come to demonstrate in June at the Renaissance Faire in Port Perry! You group would be a welcomed addition to the other artists! Bonnie

Name: John Davies
Email: davies_j@hotmail.com
Location: Orangeville, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at 09:43:47 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Hi

Name: Eid Attia
Email: eattia@primus.ca
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 09:42:09 (GMT -7)
Comments:
WE Can suply YOU With All you need of granite stone & lime stone from our quarry look for more details at our web at attiaquarry.com or phone 416 286-7351

Name: lachlan oddie
Location: Kingston, ON, Canada
Date: Friday, August 10, 2001 at 09:43:16 (GMT -7)
Comments:
I can't wait untill your next function. You'll have to let me know when it is happening; by e-mail when i get it hooked up.

Name: Jason Wilson
Email: webmaster@jboyweb.com
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at 22:35:53 (GMT -7)
Comments:
Great start on the site!