by Bob Roemer 10/24
EAIA held a regional meeting at the reconstructed Moses Wilder Blacksmith shop in Bolton, Massachusetts on October 5th. The Shop, the original of which was moved to Old Sturbridge Village in 1957, was rebuilt in the early 2000’s as an exact reconstruction on the original foundation.
The purpose of the EAIA regional meeting was to develop interest in early American crafts and tools through witnessing and actually using them in a supervised and mentoring environment. The meeting included a hands-on demonstration by a master blacksmith, and gave participants an opportunity to try basic blacksmithing using coal forges. The event, with 22 participants, lasted the entire day with a detailed 3-hour demonstration in the morning followed by a break for a buffet lunch and conversations in the Roemers’ barn.
Jennifer Petrila, a master blacksmith and edge-tool maker, forged one side of a scissors blade. She started with low carbon steel to which she forge-welded high carbon steel and then drew out the blade and the section which was forged and welded into the handle eye. The demonstration started with setting of the fire and continued with a discussion of the process and importance of fire management in addition to the discussion and demonstration of the forging process itself. The demonstration was accompanied by very informative discussions about forging processes and the behavior of wrought iron, carbon steel in the forging and welding processes. Throughout the entire presentation and demonstration Jennifer emphasized how much can be done with basic tools, good technique….and mentoring.
The afternoon was dedicated to blacksmithing by attendees under the guidance and encouragement of experienced smiths. The participants used the two forges in the shop as well as a blacksmithing station (forge, post vise, anvil and tools) on the lawn. The participants left with a better understanding of the craft and the products of their afternoon efforts…and awareness of the importance of EAIA to understanding and preserving early American crafts. Thanks to the several blacksmiths who helped with the afternoon session and Alice Roemer who coordinated and managed the luncheon.
An unexpected added attraction was a demonstration of a portable spring pole lathe by Sarah Elkind, a participant in the meet.
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