Three Generations Of Builders
Welcome to Hammond Handcrafted!
Our journey begins with Grover "Billy" Hammond, a skilled carpenter local to Clarks Hill, SC, near Augusta, GA. Billy's passion for construction led him to work on various projects, including the Clarks Hill Dam and Reservoir. After retiring from his multi-decade career in carpentry, Billy's creative spirit found expression in the art of handcrafting oak-split baskets. His exceptional craftsmanship earned him the esteemed 1991 South Carolina Folk Heritage award, propelling his oak split baskets into homes across every state in the contiguous US.
Billy's legacy of building and creating continued through his son, William "Ted" Hammond. At the tender age of four, Ted discovered his love for craftsmanship while spending time with his father at what is known in the family as "the big house" - the original Hammond homestead. Armed with just a tiny hammer and a box of 4-penny nails, he would diligently drive those nails into blocks of wood, setting the foundation for a lifelong passion.
Growing up, Ted actively participated in building projects around the house with Billy, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the art of carpentry. During high school, he worked summers in construction alongside his father, honing his skills and understanding the value of hard work and dedication.
Ted's unwavering commitment and talent led him to embark on a carpentry apprenticeship with Local 283 of Augusta, GA. Juggling construction jobs with his apprenticeship, Ted's dedication culminated in a notable victory when he represented Augusta in a state apprenticeship contest held in Atlanta- which he won.
Ted's skills later brought him to the forefront as he represented the state of Georgia in the 1976 International Carpentry Apprenticeship Contest held in Las Vegas, NV.
Following the completion of his apprenticeship, Ted ventured into the dairy business with his brother Fred. He embraced new challenges while cherishing the legacy of craftsmanship passed down through generations by building his own custom house from the ground up -by himself. The tiny hammer traded for a pneumatic nailer is now displayed in his home office.
The tradition of building and creativity continues with Ted's son, Michael Hammond, who spent his formative years on the family farm. Michael was the first of the Hammond men to graduate university and his professional pathway led him to building (of different sorts) business relationships and representing several Fortune 500 companies.
Although he initially pursued a different path, Michael's rediscovery of the joy of building came with the purchase of his first home. With his crafting spirit re-awakend, and a new appreciation and connection with his parents, he founded Hammond Handcrafted LLC in 2023 …with his father, Ted, as chief advisor.
At Hammond Handcrafted, we celebrate a heritage of craftsmanship that spans generations. Under Michael's leadership, we offer a curated selection of finely crafted woodworking items available for purchase across the United States. Our passion for building and creating runs deep, and every piece we craft is a testament to the legacy of our family's commitment to artistry and dedication.
Join us as we embark on this inspiring journey of handcrafted excellence and pay homage to the art of building that has shaped our lives and continues to enrich the lives of those we touch.
Welcome to Hammond Handcrafted—the heart and soul of craftsmanship, a legacy passed down with love.