The New Yankee Workshop
The New Yankee Workshop | |
---|---|
Created by | Russell Morash |
Presented by | Norm Abram |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 21 |
No. of episodes | 284 |
Production | |
Production locations | 41 Pleasant St, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA |
Running time | 30 minutes |
Production companies | WGBH-TV Morash Associates |
Original release | |
Network | PBS |
Release | January 7, 1989 October 16, 2009 | –
The New Yankee Workshop is an American half-hour woodworking television series produced by WGBH Boston, which aired on PBS, and it was a spinoff of This Old House. Created in 1988 by Russell Morash, and aired for 21 seasons and 284 half-hour episodes from January 7, 1989 to October 16, 2009, hosted by Norm Abram, a master carpenter on Morash's television series This Old House. Produced by Morash Associates, Inc. in association with WGBH Educational Foundation.
Format
[edit]Each episode of The New Yankee Workshop features master carpenter Norm Abram sharing his woodworking skills, with step-by-step lessons in furniture making. Another segment of the show features Abram visiting many places on a field trip relating to the episode's project, showing interviews of people talking about furniture and other contributions.
Theme song
[edit]The theme music for The New Yankee Workshop was composed in 1988 by Peter Bell and David Mash of Musictech Productions, consisting of an acoustic guitar tune in a fast-paced rent, along with a harmonica sound.
Set design
[edit]The set for The New Yankee Workshop looks like a real workshop, where the show was taped, produced, and owned by Morash, located on his property even though the viewer was given the impression that it was in Abram's backyard.
When The New Yankee Workshop taped the first season way back in 1988, the workshop barn door wasn't here, so Norm Abram had to build the sliding workshop barn door, in order to open the workshop at the beginning of the show, and to close the workshop at the end of the show. The concept for the set was to bring the audience into some aspect of the woodworking industry, so we made to look like a real workshop. We had the sliding workshop barn door, we had the back bench, we had the drill press, miter bench and storage unit, and the radial arm saw.
Also, the set was not seen in episodes including a computer, a TV, and an office area. The wall of the shop has a staircase consisting of a loft area, jig storage, horizontal edge sander, and dust collector. The set also features sheet goods, router table, bar clamps, wide belt sander, planer, jointer, band saw, and various tools. The center area of the workshop consists of the table saw and associated outfeed tables as well as a large assembly table. In the northeast section of the building is a separate finishing room. Outside The New Yankee Workshop, we feature a sign that is carved by our friend in Lincoln, New Hampshire, featuring an image of Abram in the logo, along with the Copperplate Gothic font that we used to announce the show.
Cancellation
[edit]On October 16, 2009, WGBH Boston announced that no further episodes of The New Yankee Workshop would be produced.[1] In remarking on the end of the show, Abram stated, "We've had a great run, built challenging projects, met wonderful woodworkers and received loyal support from millions of viewers." Abram later claimed that the entire duration of the show was fully funded through underwriting and could have kept going, but he decided he had accomplished everything he wanted to do and wanted to spend more time with his family.[2]
Until September 5, 2022, episodes of The New Yankee Workshop were available to stream on NewYankee.com and through the This Old House Insider subscription service. Project plan PDFs were also available with the Insider subscription. It was announced that the license agreement between Morash Assoc., Inc. WGBH Educational Foundation, Linnor, Inc. and This Old House Ventures, LLC (parent company Roku, Inc.) had expired and episodes would no longer be available through This Old House.[3] On January 13, 2023, a year before Morash's death in 2024, the New Yankee Workshop YouTube channel released a video of Russell Morash introducing The New Yankee Workshop episodes on YouTube entitled "A Message from Russ", as he gives a tour of The New Yankee Workshop. After touring The New Yankee Workshop, Morash ended the video by saying "We are thrilled to know that YouTube is now showing The New Yankee episodes to a whole new generation of people who may have somehow missed out the first time it was around, and now they're available anytime you tune to YouTube and want to watch a feast of woodworking. It's all there and it's all for you to enjoy and I certainly hope you do."[4]
Award nominations
[edit]The New Yankee Workshop nominated Daytime Emmy Awards during its 21 season run, such as "Outstanding Service Show" featuring Russell Morash in 1997, 1998, and 2000. The show also nominated a Daytime Emmy Award for Single Camera Editing featuring Gary Stephenson in 1999.
Episodes
[edit]284 half-hour episodes were produced.
Season 1 (1989)
[edit]- The closing credits for Seasons 1-8 of The New Yankee Workshop consisted of an exterior shot of the workshop with The New Yankee Workshop sign, as we see Norm Abram closing the workshop door, and gets ready to go home and have dinner with his family. Also, the announcer's opening spiel was "The New Yankee Workshop, features the craftsmanship of Norm Abram, and is made possible by...", and the closing spiel was "The New Yankee Workshop is made possible by...", used on original PBS airings.
- When The New Yankee Workshop began taping Season 1 in 1988, the same year This Old House celebrated its 10th anniversary season on PBS during Bob Vila's final season as the host, the sliding workshop barn door wasn't here, so Norm Abram built the sliding workshop barn door, in order to open the shop at the beginning, and to close at the end of. Also, the sign featured an image of Abram in the logo, and the Copperplate Gothic font was used to announce the new PBS woodworking series, with funding in part from Parks Corporation; makers of Carver Tripp wood stains, and Square D.
- On early episodes of this season with the workshop door already opened, a dog belongs to Russell Morash runs away from the workshop while Abram puts his tools away. For the rest of the entire season after Abram puts his tools away, he moves the bedside table and the corner cupboard out of the way, and closes the workshop door.
- When The New Yankee Workshop started releasing projects on VHS during the first season in 1989, its first phone number was "1-800-843-0048", because The New Yankee Workshop projects began releasing on home video, including a measured drawing and a material's list, with all of the dimensions you will need to build your project.
Season 2 (1990)
[edit]- When The New Yankee Workshop still released their projects on VHS, the phone number was still "1-800-843-0048", and later changed to "1-800-272-0280".
Season 3 (1991)
[edit]- When The New Yankee Workshop still released their projects on VHS at the start of the season, the phone number was changed to "1-800-272-0280".
Season 4 (1992)
[edit]- When The New Yankee Workshop still released their projects on VHS, the phone number at the start of the season was changed to "1-800-892-0110".
Season 5 (1993)
[edit]- Norm Abram's beard is matted down beginning with this season.
Season 6 (1994)
[edit]- This was the last season to use the News Plantin credits font, which had been used since Season 1, also, Norm's beard became thinner starting with this season.
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Prod. code | Project Page |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
66 | 1 | "Easel" | January 1, 1994 | 601 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/easel/ |
67 | 2 | "Doll House" | January 8, 1994 | 602 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/doll-house/ |
68 | 3 | "Toy Chest" | January 15, 1994 | 603 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/toy-chest/ |
69 | 4 | "Cradle" | January 22, 1994 | 604 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/cradle/ |
70 | 5 | "Trundle Bed" | January 29, 1994 | 605 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/trundle-bed/ |
71 | 6 | "Marble Roll" | February 5, 1994 | 606 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/marble-roll/ |
72 | 7 | "Storage Units: Bureau/Cupboard and Bookcase" | February 12, 1994 | 607 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/storage-units-bureau-cupboard-and-bookcase/ |
73 | 8 | "Student's Desk" | February 19, 1994 | 608 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/students-desk/ |
74 | 9 | "Rocking Chair" | February 26, 1994 | 609 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/rocking-chair/ |
75 | 10 | "Alphabet Wagon" | February 5, 1994 | 610 | No Project Page |
76 | 11 | "High Chair" | March 12, 1994 | 611 | No Project Page |
77 | 12 | "Playhouse (Part 1)" | March 19, 1994 | 612 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/playhouse/ |
78 | 13 | "Playhouse (Part 2)" | March 26, 1994 | 613 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/playhouse/ |
Season 7 (1995)
[edit]- Starting with this season, the closing credits are shown in a Copperplate font, which is the same font used for The New Yankee Workshop sign to announce the first season of the show in 1989, which was taped in 1988. Also during this season, Abram's beard is still thinner.
Season 8 (1996)
[edit]- Beginning with this season, Norm Abram was credited as master carpenter, which was the closing credits, also, this was the last season to use Norm Abram's original glasses, which he had worn since the first season. On March 2, 1996, the 100th episode of The New Yankee Workshop aired on PBS.
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Prod. code | Project Page |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
92 | 1 | "Bedside Cupboard" | January 6, 1996 | 801 | No Project Page |
93 | 2 | "Chestnut Coffee Table" | January 13, 1996 | 802 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/chestnut-coffee-table/ |
94 | 3 | "Paymaster's Desk" | January 20, 1996 | 803 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/paymasters-desk/ |
95 | 4 | "Long Table" | January 27, 1996 | 804 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/long-table/ |
96 | 5 | "Double Dresser" | February 3, 1996 | 805 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/double-dresser/ |
97 | 6 | "Chestnut Desk" | February 10, 1996 | 806 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/chestnut-desk/ |
98 | 7 | "Irish Hutch" | February 17, 1996 | 807 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/irish-hutch/ |
99 | 8 | "Wine Storage Unit" | February 24, 1996 | 808 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/wine-storage-unit/ |
100 | 9 | "Three Turned Table Lamps" | March 2, 1996 | 809 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/three-turned-table-lamps/ |
101 | 10 | "Garden Shed and Recycling Center (Part 1)" | March 9, 1996 | 810 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/garden-shed-and-recycling-center/ |
102 | 11 | "Garden Shed and Recycling Center (Part 2)" | March 16, 1996 | 811 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/garden-shed-and-recycling-center/ |
103 | 12 | "Nest of Drawers" | March 23, 1996 | 812 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/nest-of-drawers/ |
104 | 13 | "Router Table" | March 30, 1996 | 813 | No Project Page |
Season 9 (1997)
[edit]- Starting with this season, The New Yankee Workshop introduced a new closing sequence. It shows an exterior shot of the workshop. Then, Abram opens the workshop door, and walks out to get some fresh air. Then, Abram walks back in the shop. It was also used for reruns of older episodes on HGTV. Also during this season, Norm Abram's glasses gained a new look. Also during this season, The New Yankee Workshop nominated its first Daytime Emmy Award.
Season 10 (1998)
[edit]- Season 10 marks Norm Abram's 10th anniversary season as the host of The New Yankee Workshop. To celebrate the 10th anniversary season of The New Yankee Workshop, new projects were built. So Norm celebrates his 10th anniversary season as the host of The New Yankee Workshop, since the show premiered on January 7, 1989. Also during this season, The New Yankee Workshop nominates its second Daytime Emmy Award.
Season 11 (1999)
[edit]- Starting with this season, the closing credits reverted back to an exterior shot of the workshop with The New Yankee Workshop sign, and Norm Abram closing the workshop door, which was used in the first eight seasons from 1989 to 1996. Also, The New Yankee Workshop nominates its third Daytime Emmy Award.
Season 12 (2000)
[edit]- Starting with this season when The New Yankee Workshop still released their projects on VHS, together with the measured drawing and a material's list, or just the measured drawing alone, so the phone number was changed to "800-892-0110". Also during this season, The New Yankee Workshop nominates its fourth and final Daytime Emmy Award.
Season 13 (2001)
[edit]- This is the last season to use the announcer's opening spiel "The New Yankee Workshop, features the craftsmanship of Norm Abram, and is made possible by..." at the beginning, and the closing spiel "The New Yankee Workshop is made possible by..." at the end, which had been used on original PBS airings since Season 1 in 1989.
Season 14 (2002)
[edit]- Starting with this season and ran until the end of the show's run in 2009, The New Yankee Workshop continued releasing projects on VHS with a measured drawing, and the toll-free phone number was changed to "866-545-9708", along with additional information at www.newyankee.com. Also at the beginning of this season and ran until the show's ending in 2009, the announcer's spiel was changed to "Funding is provided by..." at the beginning and end of the show, used on original PBS airings.
Season 15 (2003)
[edit]Season 16 (2004)
[edit]- On January 31, 2004, the 200th episode of The New Yankee Workshop aired on PBS.
Season 17 (2005)
[edit]Season 18 (2006)
[edit]No. overall | No. in season | Title | Notes | Prod. code | Project Page |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
222 | 1 | "Colonial Style Mantel" | TBA | 0601 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/colonial-style-mantel/ |
223 | 2 | "Plantation Shutters" | TBA | 0602 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/plantation-shutters/ |
224 | 3 | "Workshop Helpers" | TBA | 0603 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/workshop-helpers/ |
225 | 4 | "Poker Table" | TBA | 0604 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/poker-table/ |
226 | 5 | "New Yankee Shop Clock" | TBA | 0605 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/new-yankee-shop-clock/ |
227 | 6 | "Router 101 (Part 1)" | Continuation of a series of tool-specific episodes that provide instruction and techniques for using a particular shop tool. | 0606 | No Project Page |
228 | 7 | "Router 101 (Part 2)" | TBA | 0607 | No Project Page |
229 | 8 | "Corner Table" | TBA | 0608 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/corner-table/ |
230 | 9 | "Greek Revival Bookcase" | TBA | 0609 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/greek-revival-bookcase/ |
231 | 10 | "Storage Shed" | TBA | 0610 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/storage-shed/ |
232 | 11 | "Wall Hung Console" | TBA | 0611 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/wall-hung-console/ |
233 | 12 | "Corner Chair" | TBA | 0612 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/corner-chair/ |
234 | 13 | "Wall Paneling" | TBA | 0613 | https://www.newyankee.com/product/wall-paneling/ |
Season 19 (2007)
[edit]Season 20 (2008)
[edit]- To celebrate The New Yankee Workshop in its 20th anniversary season, new projects were built. Master carpenter Norm Abram celebrates the 20th anniversary of "The New Yankee Workshop" since the show debuted on January 7, 1989. Season 20 was the last season where original projects are built for the show.
Season 21 (2009)
[edit]- Season 21 had no new projects built, instead, these episodes were rebroadcast with new introductions by Abram. After 21 seasons and 284 half-hour episodes (1989-2009), The New Yankee Workshop concluded its run on PBS, so Norm Abram continued working projects on This Old House until Abram's retirement in 2022.
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Notes | Prod. code |
---|---|---|---|---|
261 | 1 | "Planter's Desk" | Original episode #901. | 0901 |
262 | 2 | "Turkey Table" | Original episode #902. | 0902 |
263 | 3 | "Nantucket Settle" | Original episode #903. | 0903 |
264 | 4 | "Tiger Maple Washstand" | Original episode #904. | 0904 |
265 | 5 | "Dough Box" | Original episode #905. | 0905 |
266 | 6 | "Garden Gate" | Original episode #906. | 0906 |
267 | 7 | "Serving Trays" | Original episode #907. | 0907 |
268 | 8 | "Carousel Table" | Original episode #908. | 0908 |
269 | 9 | "Seven Drawer Chest" | Original episode #909. | 0909 |
270 | 10 | "Hat Rack" | Original episode #910. | 0910 |
271 | 11 | "Greenhouse (Part 1)" | Original episodes #911/#912. | 0911 |
272 | 12 | "Greenhouse (Part 2)" | Original episodes #911/#912. | 0912 |
273 | 13 | "Fireplace Mantle" | Original episode #913. | 0913 |
274 | 14 | "Irish Table" | Original episode #9801. | 0914 |
275 | 15 | "Linen Press" | Original episode #9802. | 0915 |
276 | 16 | "Walnut Table" | Original episode #9803. | 0916 |
277 | 17 | "Library Ladder" | Original episode #9804. | 0917 |
278 | 18 | "Old Pine Bar" | Original episode #9805. | 0918 |
279 | 19 | "Morris Chair" | Original episode #9806. | 0919 |
280 | 20 | "Cupola" | Original episode #9807. | 0920 |
281 | 21 | "Mesquite Bookcase" | Original episode #9808. | 0921 |
282 | 22 | "Chop Saw Station" | Original episode #9809. | 0922 |
283 | 23 | "Whirligig" | Original episode #9810. | 0923 |
284 | 24 | "Chaise Lounge" | Original episode #9811. | 0924 |
285 | 25 | "Roll Top Desk (Part 1)" | Original episodes #9812/#9813. | 0925 |
286 | 26 | "Roll Top Desk (Part 2)" | Original episodes #9812/#9813. | 0926 |
References
[edit]- ^ Potter, Tony. "Norm Abram Closes 'Yankee Workshop' - Roger Catlin | TV Eye". Blogs.courant.com. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
- ^ "Festool Connect 2013 - Norm Abram". youtube.com. 2013-03-21. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved 2013-03-21.
- ^ "Important Update: New Yankee Workshop". This Old House. 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ "A Message from Russ". YouTube. 13 January 2023.
External links
[edit]- The New Yankee Workshop Official Web site which includes a shop tour, a program guide and other features including a Webcam
- The New Yankee Workshop at IMDb
- A Norm Abram Fan Site features documentation of tools used in the series and a comprehensive program guide
- TV.com Information about the show; includes Original Air Date and project dimensions.