Joe Dowden got started on what has become a fascinating journey after he by chance saw an article in a woodworker’s magazine outlining the oval box-making process. The self-taught artisan has been creating heirloom Shaker oval boxes for his customers for more than 10 years.
Although the traditional Shaker box was made of maple and pine, today’s box makers have expanded the offering to include cherry as well as other types of woods. Dowden favors the use of cherry bands with figured tops made from quilted maple, maple burl, black-lined flat maple, and redwood burl—the last a recent addition to his offerings. He also likes using highly figured tiger maple for that special, one-of-a-kind box.
Joe Dowden, Boxmaker 119 Rocky Dundee Rd. Stafford Springs, CT 06076 Phone: 860-684-5241 Email: jdowden4@cox.net Website: www.ovalboxman.com
Joe Dowden has been selected for the following Directories:
2020 BOXES
2019 BOXES
2018 BOXES
2017 BOXES
2016 BOXES
2015 BOXES
2014 BOXES
2013 BOXES
2011 BOXES
2010 BOXES
2009 BOXES
Biography updated February 9, 2021 Contact information updated April 17, 2017
The deadline for submitting entries for the 2021 Directory of Traditional American Crafts has past. All entries we have recevied are being processed and will be submitted to the jurors for anonymous judging. The 2021 Directory will appear in the August 2021 edition of Early American Life. Please do not call us. We cannot report on the status of any particular entry until the Directory is published..
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