This first woodcarvers retreat was held the weekend of 10,11,12 Oct 1997 at the Alton B Jones annex of the University of RI. This was a two day event with no formal instruction planned. Each attendee brought there own project to work on. Ten people signed up but one forgot about it so only nine people attended.

Check in was at 6pm on Friday, no meal was served that night. All meals were provided on Saturday and only breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Check out was at 6pm Sunday. Total cost was $95 all inclusive.

During the course of the weekend Peter Bensen and Jim O'Dea each taught informal classes. The weather and colors were exceptionally great that year and paddleboat rides in the pond were enjoyed.

All attendees bunked in Cabin # 6, unfortunately we did not know how to start the furnace so it was very cold at night.

Attendees included:

Rip Stangroom

Peter Bensen

Harold Griffin

Ray Johnson

Jim O'Dea

Betty White

(if you know who the others were please let me know and i will add them)