James L. Ford Custom Carpentry celebrates 40 years in business

James L. Ford III, LLC, Custom Carpentry, recently celebrated his 40th year of business in Lewes. Ford moved to Lewes in 1976, opened his business and has been performing improvements to the buildings of the Lewes community ever since. While specializing in historic properties and custom carpentry work, his business has also covered the gamut of constructing new homes, additions, commercial buildings, as well as minor repairs.

"It is extremely rewarding to be able to step back at the conclusion of a project and physically see your work," says Ford, "particularly when you are able to give new life to an older home."

During the majority of his years in business, Ford gives credit to his two dedicated employees, Neal Murabito and Tom Morris. "I have been very fortunate to have these two men in my employment. Not only are they top-notch craftsmen, but they also provide input into the construction challenges we face on a regular basis. Between the three of us, we have about 100 years of on-the-job experience."

Ford estimates he has worked on about 250 different projects over the years, mostly within the City of Lewes. His company has worked on most of the properties in Shipcarpenter Square and the Lewes Historical Society, including the Ryves Holt house and the Cannonball Museum, the original Maritime Exchange Building, the DAR Maull house, many privately owned historic properties, and a variety of churches in Lewes. Ford's work has encountered a need to relocate properties, elevate homes, perform many total "gut and redo" projects, and also create new, more contemporary decks, gazebos, additions, and houses. He has salvaged materials from various locations and reused them throughout his construction career, including the counter at his wife's store, Kids' Ketch, which is made from recycled doors and flooring of Lewes homes.

Lewes' architectural diversity has provided Ford with a plethora of opportunities. His company has encountered challenges to re-create or revive houses or features including early colonial and Dutch colonial, Greek revival, Victorian, and Georgian style architecture to name a few. "No two jobs are the same, which is one aspect of my business that I enjoy," says Ford. "We face different, unique challenges each day, depending on the situation. Sometimes, this creates complexity, but also allows creativity and provides satisfaction upon successfully addressing each issue."

Naturally, when an older home is restored, there are opportunities to open walls, and find artifacts that were intentionally, or unintentionally left behind. "I'm still waiting to find the mother lode!" says Ford. He has found numerous bottles and cans, dental drill bits and accessories, marbles, wallpaper murals, and baby boots or shoes, a symbol of good luck.

"We leave the booties in the wall to not break the karma." Ford has also had some paranormal experiences with homes, but says, "I'll leave the numerous ghost stories for another conversation."

When reflecting on his favorites, Ford says, "It is very difficult to pick out just a few, as we have had the opportunity to work on so many interesting and historic projects, as well as to work with customers who are interested in quality while at the same time, preserving a part of the community for future generations to enjoy."

Ford and his wife Teresa live at 910 Savannah Road in Lewes, a property they restored in 2007-08. He can be reached at 302-228-2214 or at jimfordiii@aol.com.