Pop's Old Forge, located on Hubert and Alice Smith's farmyard east of Marcelin, was a social hub for blacksmiths and spectators on April 9.
The annual event is blessed with beautiful weather and blacksmiths work both inside the large shop or outdoors. It is an opportunity for hobby blacksmiths to gather, practice blacksmithing and share ideas. Individuals traveled from Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Langham, Osler, Humboldt, Titanic, Deer Ridge and Hague to participate in the event.
Seven-year-old Tyson Grismer of Saskatoon traveled to Pop's Old Forge with his grandfather, Glen Grismer, to watch the blacksmithing skills of others. He is fascinated with the art and was fortunate to make a leaf from a piece of tin. Zach Hauser of Saskatoon assisted the young lad with the heating of the tin while Tyson excelled at the pounding out of the object.
Some blacksmiths at the field day used coal or propane fueled forges. The beautiful warm spring day provided an opportunity for some to work outdoors while others chose to work in Hubert's shop where there was easy access to hammers and other accessories. Dave Morach, a farrier from Deer Ridge, was busy practicing his skill of making horse shoes. His demonstration drew a lot of interest from many.
Blacksmithing is a century old trade that was used to manufacture or repair iron pieces required for farm equipment. At one time blacksmiths were associated with shoeing horses and working in livery stables. Now, blacksmithing is considered more of a hobby as large manufacturing plants have taken over the steel and iron parts industry.
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.
