Builder Backgrounds

Steve – Has been a Civil War reenactor with Taylor’s Battery since 1993 and started learning blacksmithing in 1999. He joined the 1st Michigan Engineers in addition to the battery, and used their rivet forge and anvil for demonstrations at reenactments. He got his own larger forge and set up a small shop in the garage when he purchased a house in 2001. Also has experience in machining and welding. By profession, Steve is a Tooling Design Engineer and Safety Director.
--See some of Steve's other projects.

Jason – Has been a Civil War reenactor since 1994, first with Chicago Illinois Light Artillery Battery A and the 8th IL. Cav., then joined Taylor's in 1999 (when his wife joined). Other interests are woodworking, 1800 and early 1900's farming working with both oxen and horses, and furniture and old home restoration. By profession Jason is a Middle School History and Science teacher and spends his summers Reenacting and working at Garfield Farm and Primrose Living History Farms.

Mike – Has been a Civil War reenactor with Taylor's Battery since 1994 and has been the Battery Commander since 1999. He is also a member of the 1st Michigan Engineers with Steve. Mike's woodworking interest dates back to his two years of wood shop in high school. He prefers the "old fashioned" way whenever possible, but does own a power tool or two, or ten, or a lot and has a 300+ SF shop in his home. During the day, Mike is a civil engineer and tends to wreck roads (but then fixes them).

Steve & Mike in Engineer duds during a parade.	Jason relaxing after battle.

Steve's field shop

Steve's home shop