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AVON — Maine School of Masonry students are undertaking a special project as part of their curriculum — helping to restore Titcomb House, in Farmington.
Recently, MSM founder/instructor Stephen Mitchell, Arbortech Representative Troy Conary, OSHA Representative Nancy Keune, and Mary Matthews, from the Maine Department of Labor’s Safety Works, met at the house to see how the students were progressing.
The Titcomb House is a historic jewel, and Jane Woodman, of the Farmington Historical Society, contacted the school regarding the brick foundation in need of repair. MSM is approved by the Maine Historical Society to do restoration work around Maine. The students and Mitchell are currently working at Fort Knox, in Prospect, on much-needed restoration as well.
Conary did an All Saw safety demonstration during the visit to Titcomb House. Arbortech is one of the leading companies in masonry tool development, and the All Saw significantly reduces the silica dust that is created by removing mortar. It is also a precise tool used for restoration. The saw can be hooked into a HEPA vacuum system which makes it safe to use in enclosed areas.
The MSM is in an alliance with OSHA and Safety Works, with the goal to teach students about best safety practices in the field of masonry. Six students from the school spent the day learning about the saw and other tools. Student Kenneth Summers had a chance to try the saw, and the students will be using the All Saw and vacuum system in the future.
These types of opportunities allow the students to work in the community and use materials and equipment that they are learning about. There are eight students enrolled in the school this year, with three efficiency apartments housing students from Maine to Virgina.
The program is designed for the students to develop skills and knowledge in the brick, block, stone, tile and restoration techniques used in masonry fields. The students develop skills through lab projects, classroom instruction, hands on projects, and community involvement projects. There is a great demand for masons in the United States and around the world; these students will be able to use their skills in a variety of work settings.
The school will have an open house from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 28, which is open to the public. For more information, visit masonryschool.org.
