Since 1985

Black River Woodworking History

A Saint John woodworking shop built around heritage craft, traditional joinery, architectural restoration, custom doors, windows, and large turned wooden columns.

Rooted in Saint John Craft

Black River Woodworking Ltd. began in 1985 under Walter Derkson. From the beginning, the shop was shaped by practical millwork, traditional woodworking, and the needs of New Brunswick homes and buildings that deserved repair rather than replacement.

After decades of work from the Saint John shop, Walter sold the business to Josh Dugas. This new chapter is the reason this site is being built: to preserve Black River Woodworking's history while helping customers see the work that continues under Josh's ownership.

Local recollections connect the Fallsview Avenue area with older Reversing Falls mill, lumber, and industrial activity. Research is still underway on the earlier sawmill, boiler, and site history so those details can be documented carefully.

Timeline

1985

The Shop Begins

Black River Woodworking Ltd. begins under Walter Derkson, serving Saint John and the surrounding region with custom woodworking and architectural woodwork.

Research

Reversing Falls Mill Context

The Fallsview Avenue and Reversing Falls area has a much older industrial history, including mill, lumber, pulp, and heavy-traffic activity. The specific sawmill, boiler, and building history connected to the shop site is still being researched.

Heritage

Windows, Doors, Columns, and Restoration

The shop developed a reputation for the kinds of work that older buildings need: custom sash, doors, architectural millwork, stair parts, and large wooden columns turned on the shop lathe.

Mactaquac

Historical Village Work

Black River Woodworking has completed historical village work in the Mactaquac area, with the exact project name and date still being confirmed. This connects the shop's craft to New Brunswick's living-history and preservation community.

Today

Josh Dugas Carries the Shop Forward

Walter Derkson has sold Black River Woodworking to Josh Dugas, opening the next chapter for the business. The work continues from the same shop location, combining restoration experience, practical lumber knowledge, and the ability to reproduce the pieces that give historic buildings their original character.

Large Wooden Columns

One of the shop's specialty skills is turning large wooden architectural columns. These pieces are not decorative extras; they are part of the language of older porches, storefronts, churches, civic buildings, and heritage homes.

Windows and Doors

Older buildings often need custom wood windows and doors that respect existing proportions, profiles, and materials. Black River's work fits that tradition of repair, reproduction, and careful replacement.

Architectural Millwork

Mouldings, trim, stair parts, casework, and custom details help restore the look and function of buildings whose original components cannot be bought off the shelf.

Why This Work Matters in Saint John

Saint John has one of New Brunswick's richest architectural stories. The Great Fire of 1877 destroyed a large part of the city, and the rebuilding that followed helped shape the brick, stone, and late-Victorian character still visible in historic districts such as Trinity Royal. Many of those buildings depend on skilled restoration trades to keep their original appearance.

Black River Woodworking belongs to that practical heritage: making and repairing the wood pieces that allow older buildings to keep their shape, scale, and dignity.

Source Notes

Business start details should be confirmed against owner records and historical documents. Current owner-provided history places the shop opening in 1985 under Walter Derkson. Other details should be expanded as dates, photographs, and project records are confirmed.