Blacksmithing is a trade once used to manufacture or repair iron for farm equipment. At one time, every community had a livery stable and the blacksmith's duties were associated with shoeing horses. Today, those who practise the skill of blacksmithing either use their abilities to create detailed, intricate pieces of art or to fabricate a part needed for an agricultural implement.
Blacksmithing is an art and each blacksmith has a natural talent to not only be able to envision the finished product but to also be able to take pieces of iron and heat, pound and shape them into useful items such as plant hangers, steak turners, pendants, barbecue utensils and more.
Pop's Old Forge, located on Hubert and Alice Smith's farm east of Marcelin, was a social hub April 13 for blacksmiths and spectators. The annual event is a unique opportunity to observe, share and collaborate with the best craftsmen. It was a beautiful sunny day however reminders of winter were evident as snow covered the fertile soil.
The event is an opportunity for hobby blacksmiths to gather, practice blacksmithing and share ideas. Individuals travelled from Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Titanic/Carlton and Hague to participate.
Alan McPhee of Saskatoon has been attending the workshops for a number of years and utilizes the time to develop more skills and techniques. For McPhee, blacksmithing is a hobby he has been entertaining for nine years and he enjoys making lawn and garden items and unique tabletop décor.
On the day of the event, he was making candlestick holders out of half-inch pipe. The iron is heated and the one end is shaped and rolled back to make the candleholder. The bottom is spliced into four and the pieces are pulled back to make the base. Once that stage is complete, McPhee heats the stalk of the pipe and used a homemade fuller to crimp a design into the shaft. This creates a decorative piece that will add rustic yet elegant charm to any mantle or dining table.
"I enjoy this ancient art because not only does it have a lot of history but it also allows me to create a versatile piece of décor from scrap metal," commented McPhee while he continued to shape the candlestick.
Monty Wilkins of Saskatoon has been blacksmithing for over 10 years including five years as assistant instructor at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. Murray Stachura of Saskatoon has also been blacksmithing for a number of years. Together these men conduct blacksmithing workshops and demonstrations, often educating spectators in the process.
The day was productive as well as educational. The day also serves as a fellowship luncheon and a brief meeting before blacksmithing resumes.
