August 6, 2010

The Blacksmith in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

In colonial times, the blacksmith made items from iron and steel for use by other tradesmen and made or repaired household items for local residents.  Their tools were simple, their skill well-honed, and their work absolutely necessary to the survival of their neighbors.

Blacksmiths made agricultural implements that allowed food to be grown; commercial tools needed for carpenters, coopers, and wheelrights to complete their tasks; and, cast, bent, or riveted items for the home, such as andirons, pothooks, locks, and decorative iron pieces.

2 comments:

  1. We have a lot of blacksmithing demonstrations here locally. I love watching them work. Makes for great photo ops too.

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  2. Nice to see people are keeping these old trade skills alive.
    thanks!

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