Retired Oklahoma Shop Teacher Showcases Creative Carvings

Rick Wells,News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- When you were in high school did they offer woodshop? Most industrial arts classes are gone now.

So when Rick Wells found a retired woodshop teacher, he was eager to learn what former shop teachers do in retirement.

James Broughton taught woodshop at Webster High School for almost 30 years. His health got the better of him and he had to give it up, but he was working on his third generation of students, mostly boys.

"I had one girl, that was probably the best student I ever had," he said.

James said he had to get special permission to let her in because they wanted the girls to take home-economics back then.

So what does a retired woodshop teacher do? He becomes an artist. If it's wood he can create something out of it.

Most of his wood burnings are first place winners at the Tulsa State Fair. He sells most of what he makes, but you kind of have to catch him when he's home.

The stuff would be great at one of those weekend craft shows, but he doesn't go.

"They're mostly on Saturdays in the fall, and we have OU season tickets," he said.

Everything is for sale at James' place. He says you can call him at 918-743-9641.