September Lessons
Monday, 07 September 2020:
Purpose and Motivation
Hello, class! Please settle. I am your teacher, Prof. Sirius Fudge. I am a Hufflepuff professor and this is the first time that I am teaching this class as a full-pledged professor. Ideally, this class is for sixth and seventh years who want to pursue and follow the footsteps of Elias Grimstone, Gladys Boothby, and other broom makers in the illustrious career of broom making or who are just interested in taking the class. However, for us in HOL, anyone is invited to take the class and take a peek at the subject matter of broom making.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In at least five sentences, introduce yourself in our class forum thread. Mention the following: your name, house, and year in HOL; why did you take the subject; what are your expectations in the course; and other things that you want to share to the class. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.
Broom Making is a one-term class at HOL Virtual Hogwarts, a Harry Potter simulation site. In this class, we will delve into the science and art of broom making. This is where you will be making your signature brooms. We have excellent brooms that are a product of this class. They are: Astraddle 9 (2013) by Kyrie Adderholt, Crystal Chariot (2012) by Zoki Phantom, Fiery Quest (2014) by Hannah R Thomas, The Merc (2012) by Prof. Tarma Amelia Black, Unus Mirabile (2017) by Arianna Stonewater, and Windbreaker (2013) by Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis. Is your broom the next in line in this great list of broom products of this class? I surely hope so.
Feel free to explore the classroom and learn from it. If you have any questions, concerns or anything, send me a PM in HOL or in the HOL Forum.
Purpose and Motivation
Hello, class! Please settle. I am your teacher, Prof. Sirius Fudge. I am a Hufflepuff professor and this is the first time that I am teaching this class as a full-pledged professor. Ideally, this class is for sixth and seventh years who want to pursue and follow the footsteps of Elias Grimstone, Gladys Boothby, and other broom makers in the illustrious career of broom making or who are just interested in taking the class. However, for us in HOL, anyone is invited to take the class and take a peek at the subject matter of broom making.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In at least five sentences, introduce yourself in our class forum thread. Mention the following: your name, house, and year in HOL; why did you take the subject; what are your expectations in the course; and other things that you want to share to the class. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.
Broom Making is a one-term class at HOL Virtual Hogwarts, a Harry Potter simulation site. In this class, we will delve into the science and art of broom making. This is where you will be making your signature brooms. We have excellent brooms that are a product of this class. They are: Astraddle 9 (2013) by Kyrie Adderholt, Crystal Chariot (2012) by Zoki Phantom, Fiery Quest (2014) by Hannah R Thomas, The Merc (2012) by Prof. Tarma Amelia Black, Unus Mirabile (2017) by Arianna Stonewater, and Windbreaker (2013) by Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis. Is your broom the next in line in this great list of broom products of this class? I surely hope so.
Feel free to explore the classroom and learn from it. If you have any questions, concerns or anything, send me a PM in HOL or in the HOL Forum.
"As every school-age wizard knows, the fact that we fly on broomsticks is probably our worst-kept secret. No Muggle illustration of a witch is complete without a broom and however ludicrous these drawings are (for none of the broomsticks depicted by Muggles would stay up in the air for a moment), they remind us that we were careless for far too many centuries to be surprised that broomsticks and magic are inextricably linked in the Muggle mind."
So what you are seeing in the board is a quote by Kennilworthy Whisp from his book "Quidditch Through the Ages", which is one of our references for this subject. Make sure you have a copy of it. Continuing on, the use of brooms for sure had developed dramatically in its use and design, to the point that Muggles define us with brooms in our side.
Brooms developed in the wizarding world depending on how we view them. Sports enthusiasts easily associate brooms with quidditch, or other broom sports such as broom race, creaothceann, aingingein, among others. Others would attach different meanings to their brooms such as a travel companion or a reminder of their loved ones who passed away. Brooms as antique objects have high prices on them. Lastly, brooms are used in other several purposes each of one can think of.
With that being said, let us take a look at this wonder, the Nimbus 2000! Since we are making brooms, we will make sure we know what we are making. For this first meeting, we will talk about the parts of a broom, a magic broom, to be exact. Now, they are different from each other but we can discuss those common to them.
So what you are seeing in the board is a quote by Kennilworthy Whisp from his book "Quidditch Through the Ages", which is one of our references for this subject. Make sure you have a copy of it. Continuing on, the use of brooms for sure had developed dramatically in its use and design, to the point that Muggles define us with brooms in our side.
Brooms developed in the wizarding world depending on how we view them. Sports enthusiasts easily associate brooms with quidditch, or other broom sports such as broom race, creaothceann, aingingein, among others. Others would attach different meanings to their brooms such as a travel companion or a reminder of their loved ones who passed away. Brooms as antique objects have high prices on them. Lastly, brooms are used in other several purposes each of one can think of.
With that being said, let us take a look at this wonder, the Nimbus 2000! Since we are making brooms, we will make sure we know what we are making. For this first meeting, we will talk about the parts of a broom, a magic broom, to be exact. Now, they are different from each other but we can discuss those common to them.
Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.So, Nimbus 2000! Harry's first broomstick! Let's see, hmm. Good speed, sleek, light, the fastest in 1991. Exceptional handling, mahogany handle. Appearance wise, it is shiny. Long tail of neat twigs, neat being the operative word. With words "Nimbus Two Thousand" in gold near the top of the handle. For our class participation, see below.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In at least five sentences, give me five things you initially thought about after seeing the Nimbus 2000? Post it in our class forum thread. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.
BROOM MAKING GUIDING PRINCIPLE #1
In making brooms, the first thing to ask is what is the PURPOSE of the broom? For what will it be used? Is it for long distance travel? Quidditch? For leisure travel? It is in this purpose that all the components of the broom add up to. All the answers to our broom making questions will center on this purpose.
For our Nimbus example, clearly, the purpose is for the playing of the professional sports Quidditch. We can see that elements of the broom add up to Quidditch, especially in terms of speed. The details of the broom from the sleek handle, the handle being made of mahogany, the broom being light, the twigs being neat. As I've said earlier, it is the fastest broom at the time of its release. The broom is made for that purpose and it served its purpose well. The Japanese National Quidditch team even rode Nimbus 2000s in the 1994 Quidditch World Cup
As early as today, ask yourself. What is the purpose of the broom that you will be making? The answer shall be the guiding principle to the rest of the process.
Okay, back to the main lesson for today, parts of a broom. You can see, we have two main parts, the 1) handle, and the 2) tail twigs. All the other parts, such as the footrest, the stand, and even the twig bars are dependent to the decisions of the broom maker. However, I shall add a third main part to a wizarding broomstick. This is the 3) spells cast on the broom which makes the broom magical and functional.
Having mentioned this, making a broom would focus on making these three main parts and integrating them in a way envisioned by the broom maker. I guess that's it for the first meeting. Homework!
HOMEWORK [5 HOUSE POINTS]
Research on one of the broom makers and in at least five (5) sentences, write about him or her, his or her broom, AND most importantly, what you think is his or her motivation in making brooms as well as the purpose for which his or her broom was made. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.1. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please.
Also, do not forget to read the first chapter of "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp. There's a copy in the library. We will be talking about the evolution of the flying broomstick soon.
Instructions for the next meeting: We will be having a field trip! Wear appropriately. See you next time.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In at least five sentences, give me five things you initially thought about after seeing the Nimbus 2000? Post it in our class forum thread. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.
BROOM MAKING GUIDING PRINCIPLE #1
In making brooms, the first thing to ask is what is the PURPOSE of the broom? For what will it be used? Is it for long distance travel? Quidditch? For leisure travel? It is in this purpose that all the components of the broom add up to. All the answers to our broom making questions will center on this purpose.
For our Nimbus example, clearly, the purpose is for the playing of the professional sports Quidditch. We can see that elements of the broom add up to Quidditch, especially in terms of speed. The details of the broom from the sleek handle, the handle being made of mahogany, the broom being light, the twigs being neat. As I've said earlier, it is the fastest broom at the time of its release. The broom is made for that purpose and it served its purpose well. The Japanese National Quidditch team even rode Nimbus 2000s in the 1994 Quidditch World Cup
As early as today, ask yourself. What is the purpose of the broom that you will be making? The answer shall be the guiding principle to the rest of the process.
Okay, back to the main lesson for today, parts of a broom. You can see, we have two main parts, the 1) handle, and the 2) tail twigs. All the other parts, such as the footrest, the stand, and even the twig bars are dependent to the decisions of the broom maker. However, I shall add a third main part to a wizarding broomstick. This is the 3) spells cast on the broom which makes the broom magical and functional.
Having mentioned this, making a broom would focus on making these three main parts and integrating them in a way envisioned by the broom maker. I guess that's it for the first meeting. Homework!
HOMEWORK [5 HOUSE POINTS]
Research on one of the broom makers and in at least five (5) sentences, write about him or her, his or her broom, AND most importantly, what you think is his or her motivation in making brooms as well as the purpose for which his or her broom was made. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.1. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please.
Also, do not forget to read the first chapter of "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp. There's a copy in the library. We will be talking about the evolution of the flying broomstick soon.
Instructions for the next meeting: We will be having a field trip! Wear appropriately. See you next time.
Monday, 14 September 2020
Discomfort on Their Faces
Welcome to the Museum of Quidditch, here in London. Yeah, good thing our headmaster agreed to transport us through the Floo. Hope you are not that tired. We'll proceed to the lesson for today. And that is this broom here. Look at it.
Discomfort on Their Faces
Welcome to the Museum of Quidditch, here in London. Yeah, good thing our headmaster agreed to transport us through the Floo. Hope you are not that tired. We'll proceed to the lesson for today. And that is this broom here. Look at it.
Did someone read Whisp's book, the first chapter? This is a medieval broomstick. What do you notice?
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In at least five sentences, give your opinion on the appearance of the medieval broomstick displayed. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the broomstick? You may also comment other things you notice. Post them in our class forum thread. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answer.
Yes, it looks just like a broom used for sweeping. Our early brooms have the bit of necessity to look just like that. A broom shinier than that would make them target for Muggles at the time when magical folks are exploited for their powers. A magical form of transportation should be discreet, portable, and inexpensive, hence the broomstick.
You're asking for a specific year for this one? Records show that as early as 962, wizarding folks had been using flying broomsticks. If you read Chapter 1 of Quidditch Through the Ages, you'll know of the existence of a German manuscript in this period "showing three warlocks dismounting from their brooms with looks of exquisite discomfort on their faces". Another account is that of Guthrie Lochrin, a Scottish wizard who wrote, in 1107, of the "splinter-filled buttocks and bulging piles" he experienced after a short broom ride from Montrose to Arbroath.
We cannot blame them, though. With a broom like that, their resilience were outstanding. Now, let us check the medieval broomstick we have here. Let's check the three main parts of the broom:
1) Handle: The description is "thick knotty handle of unvarnished ash"
2) Tail Twigs: "Hazel twigs bound crudely to one end"
3) Charms: Basic - "only moves forwards at one speed, will go up, down, and stop."
For sure, as stated in the book, the ride was "neither comfortable nor aerodynamic". For once, even though the wood for the handle is ash, it is rough. As for the twigs, the crude bounding offers no stability to the broom, decreasing its aerodynamic characteristics. Lastly, the charms were basic, which was understandable at the time.
In the medieval period, each families make their own brooms. In this situation, several variations in the qualities of brooms were available. However, by the 12th century, bartering system developed and more skilled broom makers began focusing their time and efforts in making brooms not just for their families but also for other families, in exchange for something. The quality of brooms improved and comfort somehow increased. The brooms' usage stretched not just for traveling but also for pleasure and entertainment, like the games using brooms.
Well, I guess that's it for today. Let's queue here so we can proceed back to Hogwarts! Oh, before I forget, Homework!
HOMEWORK [10 HOUSE POINTS]
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write a field trip report including at least one of the following: 1) things we did and places we went to; 2) your opinion on the medieval broomstick display; 3) what did you learn in the trip. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.2. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
[5 HOUSE POINTS] Submit two images (either taken from the internet or drawn or created by you): 1) one of the other place that we went to in our field trip, and 2) the other of a souvenir that you bought as a remembrance from the trip. Include one sentence captions for the two images. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.2 together with the one above. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
Also, do not forget to read chapters 2 and 3 of "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp. There's a copy in the library.
Instructions for the next meeting: Bring your wand. See you next time.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In at least five sentences, give your opinion on the appearance of the medieval broomstick displayed. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the broomstick? You may also comment other things you notice. Post them in our class forum thread. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answer.
Yes, it looks just like a broom used for sweeping. Our early brooms have the bit of necessity to look just like that. A broom shinier than that would make them target for Muggles at the time when magical folks are exploited for their powers. A magical form of transportation should be discreet, portable, and inexpensive, hence the broomstick.
You're asking for a specific year for this one? Records show that as early as 962, wizarding folks had been using flying broomsticks. If you read Chapter 1 of Quidditch Through the Ages, you'll know of the existence of a German manuscript in this period "showing three warlocks dismounting from their brooms with looks of exquisite discomfort on their faces". Another account is that of Guthrie Lochrin, a Scottish wizard who wrote, in 1107, of the "splinter-filled buttocks and bulging piles" he experienced after a short broom ride from Montrose to Arbroath.
We cannot blame them, though. With a broom like that, their resilience were outstanding. Now, let us check the medieval broomstick we have here. Let's check the three main parts of the broom:
1) Handle: The description is "thick knotty handle of unvarnished ash"
2) Tail Twigs: "Hazel twigs bound crudely to one end"
3) Charms: Basic - "only moves forwards at one speed, will go up, down, and stop."
For sure, as stated in the book, the ride was "neither comfortable nor aerodynamic". For once, even though the wood for the handle is ash, it is rough. As for the twigs, the crude bounding offers no stability to the broom, decreasing its aerodynamic characteristics. Lastly, the charms were basic, which was understandable at the time.
In the medieval period, each families make their own brooms. In this situation, several variations in the qualities of brooms were available. However, by the 12th century, bartering system developed and more skilled broom makers began focusing their time and efforts in making brooms not just for their families but also for other families, in exchange for something. The quality of brooms improved and comfort somehow increased. The brooms' usage stretched not just for traveling but also for pleasure and entertainment, like the games using brooms.
Well, I guess that's it for today. Let's queue here so we can proceed back to Hogwarts! Oh, before I forget, Homework!
HOMEWORK [10 HOUSE POINTS]
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write a field trip report including at least one of the following: 1) things we did and places we went to; 2) your opinion on the medieval broomstick display; 3) what did you learn in the trip. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.2. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
[5 HOUSE POINTS] Submit two images (either taken from the internet or drawn or created by you): 1) one of the other place that we went to in our field trip, and 2) the other of a souvenir that you bought as a remembrance from the trip. Include one sentence captions for the two images. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.2 together with the one above. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
Also, do not forget to read chapters 2 and 3 of "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp. There's a copy in the library.
Instructions for the next meeting: Bring your wand. See you next time.
Monday, 21 September 2020
Volare!
Welcome to the third session. Today, we will be taking time out from history. For now, we will be using our wands. Wands out, everyone! What do we have here in the middle of the class? Yes, a "mouldy old log" , as Draco would describe it. Here, we have a rough wood, more or less similar to the medieval broomstick in the museum last week, without the tail twigs. We can think of this as the handle of our broomstick. What shall we do with it?
We will test to it the, yes, you guess it right, the Flying Charm! I think it is the most essential charm a broom maker should know. Less has been written about it. Anyway, for the purpose of this class, the incantation of the flying charm is Volare [vo-LA-re], with a stress in the second syllable. Repeat after me, everyone!
As for the wand movement, you have to point the wood, and say the incantation while doing an upward wand movement. Let's do it this time with the wand movement, do not use your wand first. Do it first with your hands. Okay, let's do this, Volare!
Now, you might expect that the wood will immediately float or fly, but it does not work like that. The charm makes the object flyable. It has to do with the change in structure, character of the wood such that when we wanted the broom to fly, it shall do so. It will respond to it's rider's wish, more like a change in character, from a wood to something with a bit of personality.
We will spend the rest of the session practicing the spell and make this wood able to fly. Geminio! How many are you in this class? Geminio! Geminio! ... Geminio! Now, each of you have a wood you can work on. You can test if you did well by shouting Up! and expecting the wood to fly to your hands. Okay, let's start making these woods flyable.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In no less than 50 words, narrate what happened to your class practice of the flying charm. Did you succeed? Fail? How many times did you try before succeeding? How did you feel while doing the exercise? What did you learn? Any other thoughts you want to share to the class? Post them in our class forum thread. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.
Time is up, everyone! Hopefully, you are able to make these woods able to fly. Now, let us proceed to homework!
HOMEWORK [10 HOUSE POINTS]
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write a narrative about your story of additional practice of the charm as homework. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.3. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write an essay about the following: 1) your own version of the incantation of the flying charm, 2) wand movement of the charm, 3) rationale for the two. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.3 together with the other homework above. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
Also, do not forget to read chapters 2, 3, and 9 of "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp. There's a copy in the library. This is my second time for this reminder.
Instructions for the next meeting: Bring a parchment and a quill. We will have a quiz in the class. So make sure you read all the required readings. See you next time.
Volare!
Welcome to the third session. Today, we will be taking time out from history. For now, we will be using our wands. Wands out, everyone! What do we have here in the middle of the class? Yes, a "mouldy old log" , as Draco would describe it. Here, we have a rough wood, more or less similar to the medieval broomstick in the museum last week, without the tail twigs. We can think of this as the handle of our broomstick. What shall we do with it?
We will test to it the, yes, you guess it right, the Flying Charm! I think it is the most essential charm a broom maker should know. Less has been written about it. Anyway, for the purpose of this class, the incantation of the flying charm is Volare [vo-LA-re], with a stress in the second syllable. Repeat after me, everyone!
As for the wand movement, you have to point the wood, and say the incantation while doing an upward wand movement. Let's do it this time with the wand movement, do not use your wand first. Do it first with your hands. Okay, let's do this, Volare!
Now, you might expect that the wood will immediately float or fly, but it does not work like that. The charm makes the object flyable. It has to do with the change in structure, character of the wood such that when we wanted the broom to fly, it shall do so. It will respond to it's rider's wish, more like a change in character, from a wood to something with a bit of personality.
We will spend the rest of the session practicing the spell and make this wood able to fly. Geminio! How many are you in this class? Geminio! Geminio! ... Geminio! Now, each of you have a wood you can work on. You can test if you did well by shouting Up! and expecting the wood to fly to your hands. Okay, let's start making these woods flyable.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In no less than 50 words, narrate what happened to your class practice of the flying charm. Did you succeed? Fail? How many times did you try before succeeding? How did you feel while doing the exercise? What did you learn? Any other thoughts you want to share to the class? Post them in our class forum thread. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers.
Time is up, everyone! Hopefully, you are able to make these woods able to fly. Now, let us proceed to homework!
HOMEWORK [10 HOUSE POINTS]
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write a narrative about your story of additional practice of the charm as homework. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.3. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write an essay about the following: 1) your own version of the incantation of the flying charm, 2) wand movement of the charm, 3) rationale for the two. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.3 together with the other homework above. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
Also, do not forget to read chapters 2, 3, and 9 of "Quidditch Through the Ages" by Kennilworthy Whisp. There's a copy in the library. This is my second time for this reminder.
Instructions for the next meeting: Bring a parchment and a quill. We will have a quiz in the class. So make sure you read all the required readings. See you next time.
Monday, 28 September 2020
Quiz... Recitation, Rather...
Class, the first month is nearly over. Looking back, we have discussed the parts of a broom, motivation in making a broom, brooms in the medieval period, and our first spell, the flying charm. Today, we will move back to history, still in the medieval period. And I've reminded you in the past two sessions to read Chapters 2 and 3 of the "Quidditch Through the Ages". So, I think you have enough time to know the answers to our recitation questions today. Yeah, I told you we would have a quiz today. But, I changed my mind. We'll be having a graded recitation today.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In our class discussion thread in the HOL forum, post your answer in one of the following questions. Choose only one.
1) The course used in the Annual Broom Race in Sweden runs straight through a reservation of what beast? Also, the trophy for the winner of the race is shaped like a what?
2) TRUE or FALSE. The bladder-guardian in the game Stichstock was not allowed to use his or her wand to repel the attacks.
3) What is the name of the ball in the game Aingingein? What is the ball made up of?
4) The game Creaothceann is considered by many Scottish wizards to be the supreme test of what?
5) Who wins in the game of Shuntbumps? Shuntbumps was a crude form of what?
6) Swivenhodge, still played in England, survives only as a what?
7) In the game of Quidditch, what is the early form of goalscoring, as narrated by Gertie Keddle in her diary?
8) Where in Britain did Goodwin Kneen live?
9) In the 12th century, what crucial element in the game of Quidditch was still missing?
In the event that you find that all the questions have been answered in the thread, you can post a trivia about the broom games, including Quidditch, to earn the house points for class participation. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, if you had any.
We have tackled the different broom games and the early history of everyone's favorite, Quidditch. Let me just quote a statement from the textbook. First sentence of Chapter 2: "Broom sports emerged almost as soon as broomsticks were sufficiently advanced to allow fliers to turn corners and vary their speed and height".
Recalling from our museum lesson, we can see development from the broom in the museum. From only one speed and only going up, down, and stop, the brooms are now able to turn corners and vary their speed and height. I also imagine that the thick, knotty, and unvarnished handle may not be that rough anymore. Also, the twigs may not be as crudely bound to one end as compared to the one in the museum. Notice the development in the broom making. It may still be uncomfortable but relatively better than the one in the museum. More developments happened in the broom design, style, and craftsmanship throughout hundreds of years, depending on the broom makers' skills.
It is in 1820 when Elliot Smethwyck invented the Cushioning Charm which propelled the broom making into greater heights. It surely made brooms more comfortable than ever before. We will practice the charm in the next lesson. For today, we will have a discussion on three broom makers in the cottage industry. They are Elias Grimstone, Gladys Boothby, and Leonard Jewkes. What do I mean by cottage industry?
As I said in the past lessons, barter systems worked in the medieval ages, resulting to some broom makers developing their craftsmanship and specializing in making brooms. As mentioned in Chapter 9 of the QTTA, "brooms tended to be hand-produced by individual broom-makers...". However, these brooms, while excelling in style and craftsmanship, fell short in their performance. It may be that the purpose of these broom makers (see Lesson 1) focus on appearance, rather than performance. They tend to focus on one characteristic of the broom, sacrificing the others.
For example, Elias Grimstone, in his Oakshaft 79 (made in 1879), he focused on the endurance of the wood to withstand high wind conditions. It was proven when the broom was used by Jocunda Sykes crossed the Atlantic in 1935. That's how effective the thick oak handle for endurance traveling. The broom was never used in Quidditch because of its lack of agility, a downside of the thick oak handle.
Another cottage industry broom is that of the Moontrimmer (made in 1901) by Gladys Boothby. It is made of a slim ash handle and the ability to fly than any other brooms while remaining controllable at the time. It was in demand by Quidditch players. She focused on the elevation the broom is able to reach.
Last one notable broom maker is Leonard Jewkes who made the famous Silver Arrow, which is considered as the forerunner of racing brooms. The broom's speed of 70 miles per hour with a decent tailwind is a revolution at the time. It was also in demand by Quidditch players.
The common story of these cottage industry broom makers is that they work alone, making them unable to keep up with the huge demand. But we cannot deny their legacy in the history of broom making, them paving the way for broom companies that will grow in the next decades. I guess that's it for today. See you in the next class. Oh, homework!
HOMEWORK [10 HOUSE POINTS]
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write an essay about the following: 1) which broom you prefer among the three mentioned in the lesson and 2) your opinion on the broom cottage industry brooms and broom makers. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.4. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In no less than 50 words, write about the following: a monthly assessment of the lesson; what have you learned so far; what do you look forward to; a summary of the lessons we had; and other things you want to say. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.4 with the homework above. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
Continue reading Chapter 9 of QTTA. we'll continue on the broom companies and their brooms.
Instructions for the next meeting: Bring your wand. It is time to learn a new charm used in broom making. See you next time.
Quiz... Recitation, Rather...
Class, the first month is nearly over. Looking back, we have discussed the parts of a broom, motivation in making a broom, brooms in the medieval period, and our first spell, the flying charm. Today, we will move back to history, still in the medieval period. And I've reminded you in the past two sessions to read Chapters 2 and 3 of the "Quidditch Through the Ages". So, I think you have enough time to know the answers to our recitation questions today. Yeah, I told you we would have a quiz today. But, I changed my mind. We'll be having a graded recitation today.
CLASS PARTICIPATION [5 HOUSE POINTS]
In our class discussion thread in the HOL forum, post your answer in one of the following questions. Choose only one.
1) The course used in the Annual Broom Race in Sweden runs straight through a reservation of what beast? Also, the trophy for the winner of the race is shaped like a what?
2) TRUE or FALSE. The bladder-guardian in the game Stichstock was not allowed to use his or her wand to repel the attacks.
3) What is the name of the ball in the game Aingingein? What is the ball made up of?
4) The game Creaothceann is considered by many Scottish wizards to be the supreme test of what?
5) Who wins in the game of Shuntbumps? Shuntbumps was a crude form of what?
6) Swivenhodge, still played in England, survives only as a what?
7) In the game of Quidditch, what is the early form of goalscoring, as narrated by Gertie Keddle in her diary?
8) Where in Britain did Goodwin Kneen live?
9) In the 12th century, what crucial element in the game of Quidditch was still missing?
In the event that you find that all the questions have been answered in the thread, you can post a trivia about the broom games, including Quidditch, to earn the house points for class participation. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, if you had any.
We have tackled the different broom games and the early history of everyone's favorite, Quidditch. Let me just quote a statement from the textbook. First sentence of Chapter 2: "Broom sports emerged almost as soon as broomsticks were sufficiently advanced to allow fliers to turn corners and vary their speed and height".
Recalling from our museum lesson, we can see development from the broom in the museum. From only one speed and only going up, down, and stop, the brooms are now able to turn corners and vary their speed and height. I also imagine that the thick, knotty, and unvarnished handle may not be that rough anymore. Also, the twigs may not be as crudely bound to one end as compared to the one in the museum. Notice the development in the broom making. It may still be uncomfortable but relatively better than the one in the museum. More developments happened in the broom design, style, and craftsmanship throughout hundreds of years, depending on the broom makers' skills.
It is in 1820 when Elliot Smethwyck invented the Cushioning Charm which propelled the broom making into greater heights. It surely made brooms more comfortable than ever before. We will practice the charm in the next lesson. For today, we will have a discussion on three broom makers in the cottage industry. They are Elias Grimstone, Gladys Boothby, and Leonard Jewkes. What do I mean by cottage industry?
As I said in the past lessons, barter systems worked in the medieval ages, resulting to some broom makers developing their craftsmanship and specializing in making brooms. As mentioned in Chapter 9 of the QTTA, "brooms tended to be hand-produced by individual broom-makers...". However, these brooms, while excelling in style and craftsmanship, fell short in their performance. It may be that the purpose of these broom makers (see Lesson 1) focus on appearance, rather than performance. They tend to focus on one characteristic of the broom, sacrificing the others.
For example, Elias Grimstone, in his Oakshaft 79 (made in 1879), he focused on the endurance of the wood to withstand high wind conditions. It was proven when the broom was used by Jocunda Sykes crossed the Atlantic in 1935. That's how effective the thick oak handle for endurance traveling. The broom was never used in Quidditch because of its lack of agility, a downside of the thick oak handle.
Another cottage industry broom is that of the Moontrimmer (made in 1901) by Gladys Boothby. It is made of a slim ash handle and the ability to fly than any other brooms while remaining controllable at the time. It was in demand by Quidditch players. She focused on the elevation the broom is able to reach.
Last one notable broom maker is Leonard Jewkes who made the famous Silver Arrow, which is considered as the forerunner of racing brooms. The broom's speed of 70 miles per hour with a decent tailwind is a revolution at the time. It was also in demand by Quidditch players.
The common story of these cottage industry broom makers is that they work alone, making them unable to keep up with the huge demand. But we cannot deny their legacy in the history of broom making, them paving the way for broom companies that will grow in the next decades. I guess that's it for today. See you in the next class. Oh, homework!
HOMEWORK [10 HOUSE POINTS]
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In at least 50 words, write an essay about the following: 1) which broom you prefer among the three mentioned in the lesson and 2) your opinion on the broom cottage industry brooms and broom makers. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.4. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
[5 HOUSE POINTS] In no less than 50 words, write about the following: a monthly assessment of the lesson; what have you learned so far; what do you look forward to; a summary of the lessons we had; and other things you want to say. Send your answers in my email [email protected] with subject BMC - HW1.4 with the homework above. Remember to follow HOL rules and guidelines in your answers. Cite your sources, please, if you had any.
Continue reading Chapter 9 of QTTA. we'll continue on the broom companies and their brooms.
Instructions for the next meeting: Bring your wand. It is time to learn a new charm used in broom making. See you next time.
Sources:
- Whisp, K. Quidditch Through the Ages.
- https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Broomstick
- https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Nimbus_2000
- https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Flying_charm
- https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Doubling_Charm
- https://img00.deviantart.net/0a04/i/2015/363/2/0/medieval_broomstick_by_emmanuel_oquendo-d9lzf9c.png