The Blacksmith & Tinsmith Shop was built on-site in the 1990s and has two coal-driven forges on display: the crank-fan forge and the bellows forge. The latter — although not in use — is often pointed out during demonstrations due to its unique aspects.
In the mid-1850s, the blacksmith shop became the new reality and unofficial social centre at which to catch up on world events and local news.
A blacksmith (also known as a smith) made and repaired iron objects by hammering them by hand on an anvil. He first heated the iron to a red glow in a forge, which was kept hot by hand-operated bellows. The bellows is a wind-making machine used to fan flames and intensify their heat. Consisting of two compartments formed by three boards and soft, airtight leather sides, plus a simple arrangement of weights, levers, and valves, air is first drawn into the lower compartment. It then travels into the upper and is finally expelled through a nozzle facing the forge so the two compartments permit a continuous current of air.
The smith could shape and weld objects like hinges, latches and irons, farm and household tools, as well as utensils. Perhaps the most important articles that smiths made in the past were horseshoes to protect the feet of horses. These smiths (who shod horses) were called “ferriers,” which came from a Latin word meaning "of iron.”
The automobile and mass-production methods practically eliminated the blacksmiths of yesteryear; however, Henry W. Longfellow has immortalized the craftsmen in his poem "The Village Blacksmith."
At the PTM shop, you will notice blacksmith equipment along the north wall and tinsmith equipment along the south wall (donated by Mr. Hruda in Gretna). Volunteers permitting, the PTM is pleased to offer demonstrations during Heritage Day in June, Pioneer Days throughout the summer, and Reunion Days on the Labour Day weekend.
