"You Can Make It" Series

This series of books represents one of the earliest material recycling efforts in the United States.
When Herbert Hoover, as Secretary of Commerce, struck the National Committee on Wood Utilization in the late 1920s, it was in recognition that the U.S. was using between three and four billion board feet of lumber every year to build shipping crates. Realizing that these crates were normally only used once, the committee thought it would be useful to publish a book of ideas for reuse of wood recovered from crates.

The first "You Can Make It" book is 64 pages long with 105 projects, the "Camp & Cottage" book is 49 pages long with over 90 projects, and the "Profit" book only one page shorter with another 90 projects. Each is softcover, saddle stitched, 8-1/2" x 11".

All are illustrated and include critical measurements.

A. In 1929, the Utilization Committee published the first "You Can Make It" book, which illustrated 105 general projects – all of which could be made from recycled boxes and crates. In today's world, pallets would be the main source of such wood. But the great value of the book is not just in its recycling message; most of the projects are simple and straightforward, ideal for a beginning woodworker.

B. The Utilization Committee quickly realized they were onto a good thing. By the time the second book came out in 1930, the country was in the grip of the Great Depression. You Can Make it for Camp & Cottage proved particularly useful as a low-cost source of practical items. It featured camp and cottage equipment with everything from tables, seats, toys, weather vanes and doorknockers to a simple scow.

C. In 1931 their emphasis changed a bit when they focussed on products that could be made for profit and described their 90+ projects as an "aid to the development of home industries", including such things as trellises, circular tree seats, rockers, etc.

A set of all three books is available at a reduced price.