John and Anna Lee Hampton feature not only their own work but the work of many other local artisans in their log gift shop just north of Lurton on Scenic Byway 7. One of those who's work merits a place of honor is Mt. Judea chairmaker Charles Christian. His cane-bottomed chairs have been presented to two Presidents, are displayed in the Smithsonian, and brought him an invitation to tour Japan as a guest of the country's largest department store to exhibit his craftsmanship. They are built of Ozark walnut or oak and have caned seats of hickory bark.
Wood is purchased from local sawmills and cut into posts and slats.
Using techniques honed by generations of chairmakers, he cuts and sands, turning all posts free-hand and following his feeling for the correct measurements. Back posts are boiled in water for 45 minutes to an hour and then put into presses to rest for 72 hours. Backs are paired up according to their curve, then sanded. Three-quarter inch dowels are dried in the kitchen oven. A mortise and tenon joint is used to fit pieces together, a technique in which a notch is cut in the wood.