The Tree That Kept Giving: 200 Boards and a Legacy of Resilience
Some trees tell a story through their rings; others tell a story through the lives they touch. At TH Custom Woodwork, we’ve always believed that wood is more than just a material, it’s a witness to history. But no project has defined our mission quite like the Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) Burr Oak.
A Storm of Historic Proportions
In May 2022, the Derecho storm tore through Ontario, uprooting a massive 150-year-old Burr Oak on the grounds of the Queensway Carleton Hospital. This tree had stood as a silent guardian longer than the hospital itself. When it fell, it felt like a loss to the entire Ottawa community. As a local craftsman, I knew this wasn't the end for the "Mighty Oak", it was just the beginning.
A Vision Born in the Delivery Room
The salvage of this tree is a story I’ll tell for the rest of my life. Just two weeks after the storm, my wife, Rachel, and I were at QCH for the birth of our second daughter, Rowen.
While Rachel was in the early stages of labor, we walked the hospital grounds to help move her contractions along. There, outside the west entrance, was the fallen giant. I even had Rachel snap a photo of me next to the trunk between her contractions! Ten hours later, Rowen was born safely, and I left the hospital with a new daughter and a mission: to turn that wood into something that would give back to the place that cared for my family.
Turning a Giant into a Movement: Tables & 200+ Boards
What started as a vision for a single table evolved into a massive community project. Over the last two years, the workshop has been a hive of activity as we processed this historic timber:
A Series of Heirloom Tables: I have since crafted several custom dining tables from the oak's massive slabs. These tables now sit in homes across Ottawa, each one a 150-year-old piece of local history.
Over 200 Handcrafted Cutting Boards: We wanted the community to be able to own a piece of this story. We meticulously crafted over 200 limited-edition charcuterie and cutting boards from the remaining timber, ensuring that no part of this majestic tree went to waste.
Thousands of Dollars Raised: This wasn't just about woodworking; it was about philanthropy. Through the sale of these boards and tables, we have raised thousands of dollars for the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, funding life-saving equipment and supporting our healthcare heroes.
Why This Matters to Your Home
When you commission a piece from TH Custom Woodwork, you are supporting a philosophy of Heritage & Heart.
Sustainable Salvage: We keep "tragedy timber" out of landfills and turn it into art.
Unmatched Character: Old-growth Burr Oak has a density and grain pattern that simply cannot be found in modern lumber yards.
Local Impact: Every project we take on is rooted in our commitment to the Ottawa community.
Start Your Own Heritage Story
The QCH Burr Oak showed us that even after the storm, something beautiful can be built. Whether you’re looking for a Walnut dining table, a White Oak desk, or your own custom reclaimed masterpiece, we bring that same level of passion and precision to every project.
Contact Tim Holland at HERE today to get a quote on your next heirloom piece.
and to see more about this check out the video CTV did on us HERE!
