Traditions in Timber

South Norwich Historical Society

Discover the stories, craftsmanship, and ingenuity that helped shape rural Oxford County at the South Norwich Historical Society's heritage sites. Several of the stories are connected to Thomas Wright who was a local inventor and Woodworker.  At the Otterville Station museum see the folding rocking chair he invented and also on the property you can see Woodlawn Place, a remarkable octagonal home he built in 1861 inspired by Dr. Orson Fowler's 1853 book The Octagonal House—A Home For All. Wright designed his home on an octagonal plan believing it was easier to heat and captured better sunlight.

Just a short distance away, the Otterville Mill stands as a reminder of the community's industrious past. It also demonstrates the size of the timbers available during its construction. Get in touch with the museum for their current seasons hours and to book a tour for these stops. Also check the calendar of events for activities like the annual car show and reenactments that occur on their grounds.

Otterville and neighbouring Springford, were home to the Springford Carvers formed in 1983 by Jack and Ruth Lawrence. Now the Tri-County Carvers, who meet periodically at the seniors centre in Ingersoll.

Ingersoll Cheese Museum

Discover the stories that helped shape Oxford County at the Ingersoll Cheese Museum, home to more than 150 years of cheesemaking history. Explore fascinating exhibits celebrating the region's dairy and agricultural heritage, marvel at the remarkable Pathway of the Giants woodcarving, and visit the resident blacksmith's forge to see a traditional trade brought to life. From the famous 7,300-pound mammoth cheese to hands-on demonstrations of historic craftsmanship, this award-winning museum offers a memorable glimpse into the community's handcrafted legacy.

The Pathway of the Giants was crafted by Wilson Johnston over two years and made with four types of wood. This sculpture documents his ancestors' story of their trip from Pennsylvania to Ingersoll Ontario. Take your time with this piece and discover the many elements of this massive sculpture.

Visit Town Hall and Ingersoll Branch of the Oxford County Library lobby (130 Oxford St, Ingersoll) to find a sculpture carved by Niel Cox out of one piece of Basswood. The sculpture is of Thomas Ingersoll, namesake of the community.  You can see other works by Neil Cox at ITOPA, Ingersoll's community theatre (88 Thames St S, Ingersoll) and a stone sculpture of George Leslie Mackay at the Oxford County Courthouse Square (415 Hunter St Woodstock).

Kintore Custom Hardwoods

Born from resilience and craftsmanship, this family-run business transforms locally sourced wood into beautiful furniture, charcuterie boards, and custom creations. Browse the showroom for one-of-a-kind pieces, explore live-edge lumber and woodworking supplies, or gather inspiration for your next project.

Whether you're a maker, DIY enthusiast, or simply appreciate quality craftsmanship, you'll find plenty to discover.

Click to learn more about the Houston family's story of transforming ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer into beautiful handcrafted creations.

Read this story and more about Oxford's woodworking history.

Big Ass Slabs

 A stop for woodworkers and individuals wanting to hire Dan's woodworking services.  In 2016 Dan saw a need for a business turning difficult-to-process trees into slabs, so that no wood would go to waste.  Explore unique lumber, learn about the milling process, and discover how each piece showcases the natural beauty and character of the wood. While Dan maintains an online shop (we see you woodworkers scrolling) visiting the shop, breathing in that sweet sawdust scent and hanging out with Dan is so much better. Book an appointment to touch and feel the timbers and get feedback from Dan on the best piece for your project or to hire him for a custom project.

Workshop Supply

A small-town gem for makers and craft lovers alike, this family-owned shop is run by a fellow woodworker who welcomes you to take all the time you need to browse, brainstorm, and find inspiration. Explore an impressive selection of specialty woodworking tools, clock parts, plans, quality clamps, abrasives, dust collection fittings, and Baltic Birch plywood—alongside locally sourced, kiln-dried Ontario live-edge slabs and ovals.

Whether you stop in to pick up supplies for your next weekend project, chat with our knowledgeable team, pick up a custom made laser-cut or engraved gift, you’ll leave ready to create. Can’t make the trip in person? You can explore their full lineup anytime online at www.workshopsupply.com.

Eddycrest Company

Discover the craftsmanship behind Eddycrest Co., a Woodstock-based woodworking studio specializing in handcrafted sewing and quilting furniture, as well as heirloom-quality Crokinole and Cribbage boards. Designed with makers in mind, Eddycrest's ergonomic workstations blend functionality, comfort, and beautiful craftsmanship to support creativity in every sewing room and studio.

Visitors can explore Eddycrest products at Country Patchworks, where owner Adam's passion for woodworking and thoughtful design is reflected in every piece. Whether you're a quilter, crafter, woodworker, or game enthusiast, Eddycrest Co. showcases the artistry and precision that make handcrafted wood products both practical and enduring.

Solid Edge Wood Products

Crafted from locally sourced Ontario hardwoods, this family-owned business creates beautiful cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other handcrafted wood products that showcase the natural beauty of the material.

Browse the shop for unique gifts, including family-made honey and handcrafted soaps, or roll up your sleeves and take part in a woodworking workshop to learn new skills and create something of your own. For DIY enthusiasts, a selection of hardwood lumber and live-edge slabs offers plenty of inspiration for future projects.

W.L. Dickson Arboretum

Between Innerkip and Woodstock, the arboretum was established in 1974 to preserve tree species.

The arboretum is home to 150 species including Carolinian species like Pawpaw and Chinquapin oak and interesting non-native species such as Amur Cork Tree and Golden Chain. Wander through the mown paths to discover new species and appreciate the desire to preserve biodiversity.

Jakeman's Maple Syrup

The bounty of trees goes beyond the grain. Stop in at a 5th generation family maple farm to tap into a sweet treat.

Purchase syrup, sweet treats, relax on the deck with a maple ice cream or wander through Trillium Woods for a short accessible stroll through a mature maple forest, just across the gravel road.