THE NEW YANKEE WORKSHOP - Heartbreaking Tragedy Of Norm Abram From "THE NEW YANKEE WORKSHOP"

[Music] well there it is the dressing table how do you feel when you pour your heart and soul into crafting a piece of furniture for your own home that sense of accomplishment and pride is what Carpenter Norm Abram has inspired in countless individuals through his iconic shows the new Yankee Workshop and This Old House but where is The Man Behind These beloved series if you had to start over again tell me what would those be all I have to do is think back I'm not going to sit back and do nothing and I'm always going to be involved in Woodwork in this video we will delve into Norm Abram's extraordinary Journey his impact on the world of Woodworking and the tragedy surrounding his life now stay tuned since its debut in 1989 the new Yankee Workshop has garnered a devoted following this beloved show has been a go-to for fans seeking first hand tutorials on Crafting furniture without the need for professional assistance however it offered more than just guidance for DIY enthusiasts it also provided a sense of fulfillment for those captivated by the intricate detailing and expert craftsmanship demonstrated by Norm Abram unfortunately the show's discontinuation in 2009 left many wondering about the current whereabouts of Norm Abram before we go into the tragedy that led to all this let's talk about his Incredible Journey the early days of Norm Abram on October 3rd 1949 Norm Abram was born in Wocket Rhode Island he was first exposed to carpentry at a very young age Norm's love of woodworking appeared to be instilled in him from the start as he naturally gravitated toward a career path that he had been exposed to early on his father a skilled Carpenter was instrumental in developing Norm's passion for working with wood young Norman watched his father expertly sculpt raw wood into Exquisite Creations while surrounded by the smell of sawdust as the other kids in the neighborhood played games Norm used his weekends to study under his father and work toward becoming an expert in the trade Norm's life was shaped by the fire that this early exposure kindled in him norm and his father had a close relationship together they took on several projects and at the tender age of nine Norm was already assisting his father in his work the Pinewood car project which norm and his father completed together is also one of the most well-known projects that Norm has mentioned it serves as a reminder of their mutual love of woodworking at some point as Norm Grew Older his father may have noticed that his son was determined to follow in his footsteps in the shop but he still wanted Norm to go to school school and follow his path he finished high school in Milford Massachusetts after pursuing his studies as an engineer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Norm decided he wanted more from his education and changed to business administration where he developed the abilities that have served him well throughout his career regretfully Norm lost his father in 1995 and has since suffered from his loss Norm will not regret anything even though this was a significant loss because they both made the most of their time together after completing his studies Norm wasted no time in landing a job with a major New England Construction Company after graduating from college because of his abilities and commitment he was quickly promoted to site supervisor during his time with the construction company even though Norm had only been employed by the company for 3 years his need for Creative control and Independence at the time drove him to take a risk to achieve his goal of owning something to realize his vision and develop his skills to an even Sharper Edge Norm founded his own general contracting business integrated structures Inc in 1976 Norm's reputation for High Caliber work and proficiency grew steadily during this time little realizing that an unforeseen opportunity would soon alter the course of his life This Old House Norm had previous ly worked on television even though he is most known for his role in the upcoming Yankee Workshop as Norm worked hard to build his Construction Company Destiny had other plans during the late 1970s Russell morash a producer for the nent PBS series This Old House was supervising the remodeling of his personal residence as Norm's company produced highquality work marash was impressed and realized there was more to Norm than just Construction Norm's easygoing personality clear communication style and carpentry skills could make him a successful television personality after that meeting Russell morash invited Norm to participate in the ongoing renovation of a Victorian house in Dorchester Bob V was hosting the show at the time and it was an excellent opportunity for Norm to demonstrate his abilities and Advance his career while Norm may have been initially hesitant to join the This Old House team he ultimately agreed to do so and that marked the start of a successful outing for him with this Choice a multi-decade career in television began since its 1979 Premiere This Old House has become a cultural phenomenon revitalizing several important historic buildings the program's emphasis on Home Improvement and restoration struck a chord with viewers all around the nation with his cool head and concise explanations Norm developed into a reliable Mentor who helped to simplify challenging carpentry tasks in addition to being a talented Craftsman he was also a teacher imparting knowledge to the audience on both the how and the why the viewers found that the behindth scenes procedures made things much easier enabling them to take the risk of restoring their buildings without going over budget this does not minimize the amount of work that goes into some of these projects rather people just had an example to follow even though Norm might not have anticipated it he would always be on This Old House for many years to come apart from undertaking an extensive array of restoration projects and observing ephemeral Trends he also inspired numerous viewers to embark on DIY Endeavors although his skill was evident what struck an audience was his sincere passion for carpentry Norm had the chance to expand on his knowledge while he was on the show he learned more and developed into a master Craftsman by fusing elements of the past and present to create incredibly one-of-a-kind pieces thanks to the new trends that emerged over time although This Old House demonstrated how Norm's carpentry abilities developed in the context of Renovations a new opportunity presented itself in 1989 here was another opportunity for Norm to own something of his own once more the new Yankee Workshop Abram launched his show the new Yankee Workshop on TV as a spin-off of This Old House it provided Norm's passion for woodworking with a more concentrated platform with each episode introducing a new project ranging from Classic Furniture pieces to intricate designs that could only be created by experts like Norm the new Yankee Workshop transformed into a Haven for woodworking enthusiasts for more than 21 Seasons custom furniture projects included Shaker chairs desks and queen beds as well as more elaborate Creations like a gorgeous hope chest or a backyard Playhouse Norm even undertook outdoor projects constructing sheds sailboats and gazebos viewers were given an insight into the history of woodworking in addition to the Practical every so often Norm would go to historical places or museums that displayed traditional methods and the histories of well-known Furniture Styles even though Norm accomplished amazing feats in his Workshop the new Yankee Workshop had more appeal than just the projects the success of the show was largely due to Norm's approach he prioritized safety at all times while breaking down difficult tasks into doable steps for viewers starting their woodworking Journey his plea for safety at the start of each episode served as motivation marash is the owner of the shop where the show was filmed which is situated on his property despite the impression given to the viewer that the shop is located in Abram's backyard it is actually owned by morash the shop itself measures 936 Square ft 87.0 square m in size its notable features include a sliding barn door that faces West inside the shop is organized with specific areas along each wall the West Wall houses the back bench and drill press while the South Wall is home to the miter bench storage unit radial arms saw and additional amenities such as a computer TV and small office area although these are not visible in the episodes the East wall of the shop features a staircase leading to a loft area as well as storage for jigs a horizontal Edge sander and a dust collector on the north wall there are sheet Goods a router table bar clamps a wide belt sander a planer a jointer a band saw and various mobile tools the center area of the shop is dedicated to the table saw and its Associated outfeed tables along with a large assembly table lastly in the Northeast section of the building there is a separate finishing room on October 16th 2009 WGBH Boston made an announcement stating that they would no longer produce any more episodes of the new Yankee Workshop in reflecting on the conclusion of the show Abram expressed his gratitude saying we've had a remarkable Journey constructing challenging projects meeting talented Woodworkers and receiving unwavering support from millions of viewers Abram later revealed that the show had been fully funded through underwriting for its entire duration and could have continued but he decided to conclude it as he had achieved all he had set out to do and desired to spend more time with his family until September 5th 2022 episodes of the new Yankee Workshop were accessible for streaming on new yankee.com and through the This Old House Insider Subscription Service additionally project plan PDFs were available to Insider subscribers however it was announced that the license agreement between morash acacy Inc WGBH Educational Foundation liner in and This Old House Ventures LLC parent company Roku Inc had expired resulting in the discontinuation of episodes being available through This Old House on January 13th 2023 the new Yankee Workshop YouTube channel released a video featuring Russell morash informing viewers about the episodes now being accessible on YouTube morash concluded the video by expressing his excitement over the opportunity for a new generation to discover the new Yankee Workshop emphasiz izing the availability of woodworking content for viewers to enjoy at their convenience on YouTube with This Old House pushing him into the scene and the new Yankee Workshop popularizing him even more Norm's television career has been nothing short of extraordinary over the years Norm's journey through Fame at the height of his career Norm had a blast his personality from those two other shows won people over and he was invited to a appear in other TV shows he was given the chance to appear on Good Morning America Oprah Entertainment Tonight and The Late Show with David Letterman an overwhelming sense of fondness and gratitude for Norm's contributions greeted the news of the show's end although the new Yankee Workshop created such a void that viewers of the show were not sure how to feel about it the man was not giving up on woodworking completely just yet he had left an enduring impression on on the hobby that inspired a generation of enthusiasts even after leaving the Yankee Workshop Norman has not entirely disappeared from the public eye he still makes frequent appearances on This Old House lending his knowledge most significantly he pursues personal goals with Vigor he eventually bought an old house close to the Rhode Island Coast which allowed him to combine his love of the coast and his carpentry skills Beyond his alluring onscreen Persona Norm Abrams Legacy has affected a lot of people although he is not the author of any well-known books his skills have been documented in writing for several different Publications and channels he has also co-authored multiple books at This Old House Magazine For example Norm developed his writing abilities since Norm was a regular cast member of This Old House he surely contributed his expertise and insights to the magazine articles that accomp comped the show and may have included project details he addressed this on the show providing viewers with both written instructions and an entertaining visual demonstration so even if you could not watch it on television you could still benefit from Norm Abrams years of experience unfortunately due to the growing popularity of digital content the show stopped publishing the magazine this year and instead focused on growing its website that webs it still contains all of the information you need about the show it will not come as a surprise to learn that Norm has written guest articles for other Home Improvement magazines or magazines considering his prominence in the carpentry industry these articles could have addressed project planning particular techniques or even more General philosophical Reflections on the craft of carpentry apart from the Publications mentioned above Norm has co-author Ed multiple books on carpentry and do-it-yourself projects he remains a guy full of surprises let's explore his books books authored and co-authored by Abram Norm this is the reason Norm Abrams 1995 book Norm's new house is included it is not your typical carpentry guide but rather a special look into the knowledge Norm has accumulated over the years it documents Norm's personal experience building his own custom home it provides an insight into Norm's approach to carpentry outside of the confines of a television Workshop measured twice cut once lessons from a master Carpenter was published in 1996 the book delves deeper into Norm's philosophy and approach to carpentry providing insightful insights that probably go beyond specific techniques the book offers helpful pointers for avoiding typical blunders as well as insights into the thoughts of skilled Crafts People additionally Norman is one of the people who should know the value of developing one's skills early on this realization inspired him to participate in another publication the 1998 release of the new Yankee Workshop children's Line This Book is intended for a younger audience children or families interested in woodworking together and is likely to include easier projects that are safe and doable for novices given Norm's characteristic enthusiasm and thorough explanation parents and Educators may find this to be a useful tool for introducing children to the joys of woodworking Beyond these few Norm Abram has published other books all of which are naturally focused on carpentry in 1989 he co-authored the new Yankee Workshop with Tim Snider these books have been published either alone or in collaboration with other well-known Legends in the field additionally Tim Snyder co-wrote Classics from the new Yankee Workshop in 1990 he also co-wrote the 1992 book mostly shaker from the new Yankee Workshop with David Sloan another collaboration with Roland Walker from 1994 was the new Yankee Workshop outdoor projects even though Norm is very old he does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon later in life Norm published some solo works such as measure twice cut once in ask Norm currently he is seeking new Endeavors to maintain his inner fire and is not willing to slow down let's talk about his recent projects Abram Norm's New Passion first of all a while back Norm also mentioned that he would like to learn ship building which is evidence of his lifelong passion for Learning and developing new skills above and beyond technical proficiency Norm promoted a feeling of community because of Norm's ability to make woodworking approachable and interesting viewers connected with norm and his team and felt as though they were learning alongside other enthusiasts this is why the show has remained popular for so long although television brought Norm to the attention of the country his life was much more than just the workshop Norm is a loving husband and father who is wed to Elise a talented Potter they both adore their Coastal Road Island home where Norm likes to explore new creative outlets and come up with new ideas it is important to remember that Tom was previously married to Laura con before he met Elise but their marriage ended abruptly in 1996 although the reason for their breakup is unknown the two have moved on since then not content to limit himself to woodworking Norm has dabbled in music throughout the years due to his desire to try out new hobbies he likes to demonstrate his varied creative abilities by playing the mandolin banjo and guitar it is impossible to Ute Norm Abrams influence on the carpentry industry through his work on television he not only inspired and educated countless viewers but he also helped them become more creative and accomplished by breaking down difficult woodworking techniques into manageable tasks Beyond television Norm embodies the essence of a true Craftsman who is always looking to advance his abilities and pursue new creative Endeavors his unwavering passion and commitment to his trade continue to motivate the next generation of Woodworkers but concerns about Norm's sparse appearances on This Old House have grown and neither his family nor the show's producers have explained to allay fans fears however there have been speculations that Norm is battling cancer until we find out for sure we can only hope that Norm will continue to encourage people to be the best versions of themselves Abram serves On The Board of Trustees at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge Massachusetts he gave the commencement address at the North Bennett Street School in Boston in 2001 a school known for its dedication to teaching craftsmanship Abram has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at training young students in the construction industry including the generation next apprenticeship program additionally he made a guest appearance on the Freakazoid episode normus where he was taken captive by the villainous lobe and coerced into creating a speci wooden weapon Abram has also made appearances on Between the Lions where in the World is Carmen San Diego and starred in a series of commercials for Foot Locker called House of Hoops he was featured on fetch with Ruff Ruffman in the episode this old lemonade stand and appeared on the 2010 episode of Ace of Cakes titled Indie ice and improv behind every successful man is a woman who is willing to stand by his side what you will find out about Abram's wife will surprise you elely howenstein elely the wife of Norm Abram is a talented artist and designer she is famous for her amazing work in interior design and has been showcased in many magazines like house beautiful in L Decor elely has even appeared on TV shows like this old house and the Today Show what makes elise's work so special is its Simplicity and elegance she loves using natural materials like wood and stone in her designs and let's not forget about her incredible attention to detail her work is always Flawless Elisa's designs have been featured in some of the fanciest homes in the country she has also created designs for offices and restaurants people in the design World respect her and both clients and critics absolutely adore her work Elise is not only a skilled interior designer but also a renowned television personality her presence on popular shows such as this old house and the Today Show has significantly contributed to her reputation and has served as a source of inspiration for aspiring interior designers Elisa's television appearances have played a crucial role in promoting her work as an interior designer through her segments on these shows she has been able to share her design expertise with a vast audience and showcase her distinctive style this exposure has effectively established her as a prominent figure in the interior design industry furthermore her television appearances have strengthened her bond with her husband Norm Abram the couple frequently collaborates on design projects and their shared passion for Home Improvement is evident in their onscreen presence their teamwork and unwavering support have served as a source of motivation for numerous viewers her artistic talents are widely recognized making her not only an accomplished interior designer but also a gifted artist Elise artwork has been prominently displayed in galleries throughout the country showcasing her boundless creativity and versatility through her paintings sculptures and other artistic Creations Elise finds a unique Outlet to express her emotions and unleash her Creative Energy these works of art often serve as a source of inspiration for her interior design projects for instance the color and patterns she incorporates into her designs may be influenced by her paintings in addition to being a successful interior designer Elise finds Solace and balance in her art it allows her to explore her creative side and unwind after a long day of work her husband Norm Abram is a staunch supporter of her artistic Pursuits he consistently encourages her to follow her passion and provides valuable feedback on her work she is not only a skilled interior designer and artist but also a committed educator she has imparted her knowledge and enthusiasm for the field by teaching interior design at various colleges and universities through her teaching career she has been able to share her extensive expertise in interior design covering a wide range of courses such as interior design fundamentals space planning and color theory as an educator Elise has made made a significant impact on the lives of her students she has served as a mentor and guide to numerous aspiring designers assisting them in honing their skills and pursuing their passions teaching has also allowed her to stay up to- dat with the latest trends and advancements in the interior design industry benefiting her work and keeping her at the Forefront of the field furthermore teaching is a means for aise to contribute to the community she is deeply passionate about helping others succeed and firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking one's potential Elise is not only an accomplished interior designer and artist but also a devoted philanthropist her participation in various charitable organizations showcases her dedication to social responsibility and her desire to make a positive impact on the world through her involvement with the American Red Cross she exhibits her commitment to providing assistance and support during times of Crisis Elise generously volunteers her time and resources to Aid victims of natural disasters and other emergencies furthermore her collaboration with Habitat for Humanity perfectly aligns with her passion for home design and her belief that everyone should have access to safe and affordable housing she actively supports the organization's mission to construct homes for low-income families additionally Alisa's philanthropic Endeavors often involve inspiring others to engage with their communities she firmly believes that everyone has a role to play in making a difference and she motivates others to contribute their time and resources through volunteering her unwavering dedication to philanthropy serves as a positive example for others both within the interior design industry and Beyond she exemplifies how prosperous people should support the underprivileged and give back to their communities Abram Norm's Awards throughout the years in addition to having a growing number of admirers on his social media accounts Norm has won several important Awards over the years for his accomplishments Norm Abram has won awards such as the I smart distinguished service award for his contributions to television and his commitment to safety this award given by the American Academy of Optometry recognizes Norm's steadfast dedication to safety on television and was given to him back in 2009 the year his show was cancelled if you watch the show you will be aware that he routinely set a good example for viewers by stressing the value of wearing protective goggles when working with wood throughout his career additionally in 2018 he won the prestigious Ken Burns Lifetime Achievement Award which is presented by filmmaker Ken Burns in association with Old Sturbridge Village and recognizes people who have made a significant contribution to the Arts through historically significant projects Norm's contributions to the new Yankee Workshop and This Old House are ideal examples of this in addition to his significant contribution to the restoration of historically significant homes he was recognized for his achievements on television in 2018 and was awarded the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award this is the highest honor for television Brilliance and it was given out by the same organization that presents the Emmy Awards undoubtedly this honor along with his appearance on This Old House cemented Norm's status as a television Legend Who delighted and informed millions of viewers for many years not only is Abram successful but his wife is too Elise is a true inspiration for women in the design industry her achievements and recognition have ignited the dreams of countless aspiring female designers in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men her journey as a woman in the design industry began at an early age she faced the challenges and obstacles that many women encounter in male dominated Fields however her unwavering determination and passion for design propelled her to overcome these barriers and Excel in her career as her reputation soared Elise became a highly sought-after interior designer renowned for her distinctive style and meticulous attention to detail her exceptional work has been featured in numerous Publications and television shows showcasing her talent and inspiring others to pursue their creative Endeavors not only has elely achieved professional success but she has also been recognized for her significant contributions to the design industry she has received several prestigious Awards including the interior design Excellence award from the American Society of interior designers these accolades serve as a testament to her exceptional skills unwavering dedication and profound impact on the field Elisa's success as a woman in the design industry has not only paved the way for her remarkable career but has also empowered and inspired countless other women to pursue their dreams in this field her journey stands as a powerful reminder that with hard work determin ation and a burning passion anyone can overcome barriers and achieve their goals let's not forget one important part she's a mother overall it is truly inspiring to see how successful this couple is Norm Abram went from being a young child enthralled with carpentry to becoming a television icon and a lifelong learner even though viewers of Television May no longer see him in the shop every week his influence on the woodworking Community is still great while Elise pursued her career despite setbacks and succeeded therefore keep in mind that something wonderful can come from that little thing that many Overlook did you enjoy watching this video give it a thumbs up and turn on the Subscribe button see you in the next video

Channel: The Ultimate Expedition

Views: 56,851

Keywords: THE NEW YANKEE WORKSHOP, Heartbreaking Tragedy, Norm Abram, New Yankee, workshop, heartbreaking, tragedy, Norm, Abram, carpenter, This Old House, woodworking, ultimate expedition, ultimate, expedition

Id: yox2cK4ZBgo

Length: 30min 48sec (1848 seconds)

Published: Tue May 28 2024