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Mystic Knotwork
36 Perkins Avenue
Norwich, CT 06360
Telephone:
860-889-3793
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Website:
http://www.MysticKnotwork.com
Year Started:
1957
# American Employees:
3
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For our family it all started in 1939 when my grandfather worked on the McCormick line acting as a bosun’s mate on cargo ships running between Argentina and New York City. In New York City, he would stay at the Seaman’s Institute. After showing interest in knots, the retired captains and officers that were staying there showed him a few knots to work on while out to sea. Invariably upon his return, they would show him all the mistakes in his workmanship and through this schooling he learned the art. His skills were honed by weeks at sea and the stern eye of his skilled teachers. As the years went on, he developed talents nearly equal to theirs. Toward the end of Alton’s time in the merchant marine, he was teaching Able Bodied Seamanship in the New York Harbor.
When World War II broke out, Alton went from a Bosun’s mate in the merchant marines to a private in the US Army; soley because he wore glasses. He never talked much about his time in the Pacific Theater, but we all knew he had a rough time, not only because of the 3 purple hearts he earned.
After serving in World War II, he returned home with sad memories of war and loss of many friends. He didn’t talk much about it, but he used is talent with cord as his escape from these memories. Our whole family carries on the traditions started by my grandfather. My uncle ties macramé and sailor knots, but is better known for his castings of authentic knotwork. Because he casts in gold and silver, his artwork lasts more than a lifetime. My brother has applied what he learned directly to metal and has earned a reputation for his artistry. My sister translated her love for the sea and history into her career designing the Defender Co. online catalog. My father still works with me to help improve my splicing and keeps me humble with his attention to detail. |
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Thoughts on America:
We're in a rough state, but if we could keep American resources in the country, we can start building it again. When we began moving from a market and manufacturing economy into a service economy, our wealth and respect started bleeding away to foreign interests. |
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