It has been said, and it is plainly evident, that the construction of the Wachusett Dam was primarily a massive masonry job. Much credit also is often given to the lowly shovel men, both local and immigrant, and the horse.

Overlooked perhaps are the multiple other specialized trades.  Prominent among these were the carpenters.

The archives abound with fine examples of the skills these men brought to their work.

From the beginning, their knowledge of complicated geometry, sophisticated engineering principles and joinery was used to enable the construction of this great structure.

Sadly, because it is after all a masonry job most of their work is now gone and their secrets went with it.

We will have a look at some of it in this article.

Thanks,

Paul