Nov2014_SAMFORD MUSEUM NEWS

The Blacksmith

Under the spreading chestnut tree.

the village smithy stands;

The smith, a mighty man is he.

With large and sinewy hands;

And muscles of his brawny arms

Are strong as iron bands.

 

The first verse of many for his well known and recited poems "The Village Blacksmith" written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Can you remember this from your school days?

Blacksmithing is believed to have been started in 1500BC and this profession was very important in the Middle Ages. There has been very little changes over the years.The smell of burning coal lured many people as it permeated and wafted into the air and down the street. A variety of different sized anvils were utilised in the shop. These heavy pieces were used by both the blacksmith and the striker as they worked side by side, they created a certain ring, musical rhythm while belting out their current piece. This sound also brought people to the shop, there they would stand and watch work progress.

The Smithy really was responsible for keeping most businesses operational. He was surrounded by his many tools of trade. The anvil used as a template on which to shape the object, hammers to flatten and shape metals, rasps, files to smooth out rough edges, chisels to sculpt and carve details or designs on objects, punchers to pinch, close and twist metals. Chasing tools, and draw plates for wire making. Councils, emporiums, farmers and general stores certainly would not been as successful without the smithy’s expert knowledge and assistance especially with repairing implements, sharpening tools and keeping horses shod. He even made iron gates, chains, horse shoes, pot and pans, buckets, dishes, knives and forks, ladles, kettles, cake tins, jugs, you name it and he fashioned it.

In later years the blacksmith reshaped/altered motor vehicles to become utilities, used mainly on the farms. Replacing the tyres on cart wheels proved a huge job, a job which required a few pairs of capable hands, buckets of water and exact timing with every step so as to produce the product ordered. The blacksmiths shed was used as a social gathering hub, where the village inhabitants assembled waiting to hear or be told of the latest gossip while watching the actions of their host. 

Forward thinking was certainly an asset as the blacksmith , being creative and with a natural attribute could use his “scraps” found around the shed.  It certainly was an era where time was not money, and money did not determine quality -when a job was done with pride.  At the end of the day the Smithy would be very fatigued, understandably dirty, hungry and possibly dehydrated.  After overnight rest, his day in the shop started all over again, ensuring the coal was clean and the forge was burning and heating to the correct temperature. 

One of the many items we are still proud of, and certainly treasure, is the steel bridle hand made by Paul Lawson, a local identity of many years.  It is the exact replica of the usual leather item.  Must be seen to be believed.  Our Blacksmith Shop was opened on the 10th November 2001. 

The local blacksmith here in Samford during World War 11 was called to service as a blacksmith.  Not only were the locals catered for, the American soldiers had their horses shod here. 

Gold is for the mistress.  Silver for the maid

Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade.

“Good!  Said the Baron, sitting in his hall,

“But Iron.. Cold Iron.. is the master of them all”.

Rudgard Kipling 

Our local resident and blacksmith, Martin, displays his skills at the museum on the last Sunday of the month.  It is very interesting and relaxing to watch as items go from a piece of steel to the completed item.  Perhaps a door hinge, a chain, medieval swords and helmets.

Visitors are welcomed to visit our Museum, Station Street, Samford.  We are open on Wednesday and Sunday 10am – 4pm and by appointment for groups.  Contact number 3289 2473 or Geoff on 0417 610 983. 

“Volunteers are an important part of any club and society”. That statement certainly includes the Samford Historical Museum.  Please consider offering your services as a volunteer (Wednesday is working bee day and or one Sunday for four hours every six weeks).  Your reward is in the knowledge you have been involved in saving and maintaining our local history of years gone by.

Bev Campbell.