Doug’s journey in restoration began in 1981 when he moved an 1850’s house from Tillsonburg to rural Ancaster, ON. To broaden his knowledge of historic structures and trades, he attended courses at Eastfield Village in Eastern New York. Shortly afterwards, he began his own business and hired a wood machinist who learned his trade in England. Some of their projects included dismantling and relocating houses in Southern Ontario. Our speciality became manufacturing doors, shutters, mantles, and bookcases for period homes.

Doug’s expertise in the field provided me with the opportunity to work in the US, particularly Virginia, to dismantle and relocate a house in Northern Virginia. He worked at the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, New York to reconstruct an 1818 Federal two-story house. The More House can be found at the museum. While at the museum, he consulted on moving a story and a half 1850s house, a kitchen house, and Hops barn. His interest in pre-1850’s decorative art led to working for Adelphi Wall Hangings as a representative at their trade shows.

Throughout the years, Doug has repaired and restored paint on antique furnishings. His passion for historic buildings and furniture continues to this day.