Blacksmiths set up forge at Historical Park
A century or so ago, the transportation business meant horses,
and horses meant blacksmiths.
Blacksmiths set up forge at Historical Park
A century or so ago, the transportation business meant horses, and horses meant blacksmiths.
Smiths still ply their trade as horseshoers, but the trade in the 19th Century involved much more. Smiths wrought hoops for wheels and created a host of everyday items over open forges.
A few local residents continue to practice the craft, and they gather on the first weekend of every month at San Juan State Historical Park near Mission San Juan Bautista to demonstrate their craft.
Thanks to a grant from Granite Rock Co., the latter-day blacksmiths are able to ply their craft with a little more authority.
Bill Martinie, Reb Monaco and Bill Mohrmann inaugurated a new forge last Saturday that was built with materials and funds donated by the local company.
The donation was a labor of love, according to Granite spokesman Jim West.
“That mission area is a critical element to the county,” West said. “We’re pleased to have been able to have done that.”
Volunteers will be back at the forge on Feb. 2, demonstrating an almost-forgotten skill.
“It’s just great to watch the kids’ faces when they drop by,” West said.
