Last year Sachem’s Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Chairperson Mary Faller assisted the school district with the refurbishing of two chairs through the FCS department program. These chairs have been a staple of the district and have stood inside and outside of the Personnel Office for over 50 years.
The chairs were moved from the Union Avenue D.O. to the Samoset D.O. during the transition to a new building in 2010 and have been a constant from the days of Walter Dunham to present day with Jim Nolan.
Kudos and many thanks to the Family Consumer Science Department, specifically teachers and students involved in the housing and interior design and fashion and sewing and textile classes.
The teachers, Mrs. Hiltz and Mrs. Barnes, were able to demonstrate to their students how to use the original fabric covers to make a template to cut out the new fabric pieces. The teachers also showed students how the original covering was needed to repeat patterns in the new fabric, making sure they centered the “flowers” on the chair pads and that each chair pad was centered on the chair.
In addition, they demonstrated how an electric serrated knife was used to cut the foam cushions because of the thickness. All fabric and cushions were replaced, not restored. They discussed re-finishing the wood on the chairs but Mrs. Hiltz explained to her students a bit of history of the chairs and how they were in District Office at the time she was interviewed and hired more than 20 years ago. She suggested to her students that the wear on the wood may have been from anxious interviewees and potential teachers.
Next time you sit down, think about the history behind you.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro