Furnace Creek Forge Blog

In Remembrance of Lester Breininger

2011-12-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

Robesonia has lost someone who was truly larger than life on 12/3/11.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Lester Breininger who is now at rest after passing away at home in his beloved Taylor Mansion.

Lester was a man of extraordinary talents and abilities.
Thank you Lester for sharing your knowledge with and being kind to us over the years.
You are greatly missed by us both.

The below article is from the Reading Eagle today:

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=350378

Family members mourn renowned teacher, antique collector who died on Saturday, 12/3/11.
In a dining room adorned with 200-year-old Pennsylvania Dutch antiques, Barbara Breininger chatted Monday about her late husband's legacy.

Lester Breininger, 76, a renowned antique collector, teacher and potter, died Saturday in his Robesonia home. He had been under hospice care for complications due to Alzheimer's disease, family members said.

"Lester's spirit lives on in the things he's preserved and the lives of the people he touched," said Barbara, 76, his wife of 54 years.

Over more than six decades, Lester amassed one of the largest collections of Berks County antiques and artifacts ever assembled.

The collection, much of which reflected the county's German roots, filled the family's 20-room Victorian mansion. The Breiningers lived in the house, built by iron foundry magnate George Taylor in 1886, for 51 years.

Much of the Breininger collection was recently sold in a two-day auction at Pook & Pook gallery in Downingtown, Chester County.

Born in Tilden Township, Lester was the son of Lester and Mamie (Hunsicker) Breininger of Shartlesville.
He graduated from Hamburg High School and attended Kutztown University, where he earned a degree in science in 1957.

Lester and Barbara were married in 1957, the year she graduated from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing.

A teacher by profession, Lester taught biology in the Conrad Weiser School District for 33 years before retiring in 1991.

"We had a wonderful life together," Barbara said.

The Breiningers achieved national recognition for their redware pottery decorated with tulips, distelfink and other Pennsylvania Dutch motifs.
Their annual front porch sale of pottery, made in an outbuilding on the property, drew collectors from around the country. The 42nd, and last, porch sale was held in August.
Lisa Randolph, the Breiningers' daughter, marveled at her father's many interests.

"He was a teacher, a potter, an antique collector and a patriot," said Randolph, 50, of Washington. "All those things were deeply ingrained in him."

After her husband died, Barbara got out his red-and-white Patriotic Order Sons of America sash and placed it on the dining room table. Lester was a former state and national president of the order. POSofA Bernville Camp No. 113 met in the Robesonia Foundry paymaster's building on the Breiningers' property.

Scott Shultz, who followed Lester as POSofA state president, said the order is planning a memorial service for Lester. A Conrad Weiser teacher and a former student of Lester's, Shultz hopes to have the service at Conrad Weiser Middle School, where Lester once taught.

"He was very proud when one of his students became a teacher," said Shultz, 55, a former Conrad Weiser athletic director.

The Breininger family said there will be no funeral service because Lester's body has been donated to science.

Thank you to everyone we saw at our Christmas Show last weekend.

2011-12-06T16:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone that helped make our Christmas Show at the Robesonia "Furnace Firehouse" a success.

Ken and Carolyn of Handwerk Tin along with Kurt, Brooke and TJ of Robesonia Redware along with both of us had a wonderful three days.

The Friends of the Robesonia Furnace had the museum open all three days and their collection of local artifacts is truly impressive.
They are to be commended for all of their hard work to preserve the heritage of our community.

We saw some familiar faces and made some new friends.
The weather was fantastic and I ended up in shorts and a polo shirt on Sunday. :)

Looking forward to next year.

The Spirit of Christmas Trail in Robesonia - Tickets are available now

2011-10-06T15:07:00.005-04:00

The Spirit of Christmas Trail in the Robesonia area runs from 12/2 to 12/4.

Furnace Creek Forge, Robesonia Redware and Handwerk Tinsmiths are participating in the Trail and will be set-up at the Robesonia Furnace Firehouse.
The five other businesses outlined below are also participating.

"A Wrinkle in Time"

"Lori's Candy Station"
"The Salt Box"

"Rowe Sales and Service, Inc"

"1700 Historical Collectibles"

Tickets are available for $5.00 each from any of the participating merchants.
Tickets can be purchased before or during the Christmas Trail.
All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Robesonia Community Library.

Tickets are not needed to attend the Christmas Trail but you get the following perks with one:

A ticket entitles you to $5 off each purchase of $30 or more from each merchant on the Trail.
There are also over $600 in door prizes.
To be eligible for the door prize drawings you must have your ticket validated at each location on the Trail ( no purchase required).

Contact us for further details if needed or to purchase a ticket.
484.651.9402

Rainbow over Stouchsburg

2011-10-04T15:23:00.001-04:00

While traveling backroads the other day from Schaefferstown to Millardsville via Richland I was able to capture these two images looking towards Stouchsburg:
The camera used is a little Canon pocket cam Powershot SX110.

The end of an era at the Robesonia Furnace

2011-08-24T08:28:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, 8/20 and 21 was the final Breininger Pottery Porch Show which was first started way back in 1970.
We want to express our thanks and gratitude to Lester and Barbara Breininger for allowing us to be a part of the Porch Show for the previous sixteen years.
We would also like to express thanks to our new and previous customers who again helped to make it a successful weekend after hours toiling at the anvil.
Many of us that have grown up in this part of western Berks County have fond memories of Lester and his unique personality. Some had him as a teacher. Others knew him through local historical organizations. I spent many hours at the Taylor Mansion while growing up with his son Preston.

My earliest remembrance of Lester was as a little tyke during a Halloween trick-or-treat night. While out with my mom visiting local homes for candy, we walked up to these huge doors at the front of the Taylor Mansion. She rang the doorbell and stepped off to the side leaving me to wait alone. That scared me a little as this was my first time at this house and it after dark. The door opened slowly with a long drawn out squeak but no one was there. Ok, this is scary... The interior of the house was dark. Some strange noises could be heard from within but you couldn't see inside. I'm getting a little jumpy now.
Slowly this face comes into view from behind the door and this man was laughing at how scared I was. It was Lester and some of his children were there also.
That memory gives me a chuckle every now and then.

While in high school at Conrad Weiser, I was part of a class that Lester and Mr McComsey taught which was modeled after the Foxfire program in Georgia. The founder of that program came to Conrad Weiser and discussed with us how it all started. That class was an interesting experience.

Lester encouraged me in my pursuit of blacksmithing and provided materials to read on the early blackmith's and how they plied their trade. He made me aware of some of the local smith's and there was at least one that worked at the Robesonia Furnace by the name of Moyer.
As a youth, I ate supper at their home many times and learned what spaetzle was. We dipped water for drinking out of a bucket from a spring up on a hill in the back of the property.

A number of years ago Lester's grandson, Allen Michael started hanging around the coal fire and anvil while I demonstrated during the Porch Show weekend. Of course what young man isn't interested in the roar of the fire and making sparks fly. I encouraged him to try hammering and showed him how to operate the forge blower. He picked it up fairly quick and in later years even demonstrated a few times for interested onlookers. I was glad for the break. LOL
Thank you Allen Michael for your friendship and quick wit.

Lester, being an avid historian of many things "local", has provided the citizens of our area with many important details and artifacts of how the Robesonia Furnace operated.

Thanks Lester and Barbara for all that you have done.

Almost Time for the Breininger Pottery Porch Show

2011-08-09T14:50:00.000-04:00

August 20th and 21st.
Our tent will be set up with ironwork to sell and I'll be giving blacksmithing demo's.
Stop by and say hello.

Added a Little Giant mechanical hammer to our smithy

2011-04-21T11:18:00.020-04:00

After waiting many years I was able to purchase a 50lb Little Giant mechanical power hammer to assist me in the smithy.

It was located at Tyson's Forge in nearby Fritztown.
Some friends and I made the move during an early weekend morning when traffic would be light.
A local backhoe operator loaded and unloaded it. Total time from start till finish was about three hours.

We used a template of the hammer base to mark and drill bolt holes in four 8"x 9" white oak beams.
The beams are bolted together with 5/8" threaded rod and the hammer is bolted down with 5/8" bolts.

The backhoe lowered the hammer onto the template and bolts and then the base was bolted down.
Both were then lifted so two 2x4's could be laid underneath the beams and it was gently pushed into the shop onto some pipe.
The backhoe continued to slowly push to its limit and then we took over by manually pushing and using prybars to yutz it into position.

The approximate weight of the hammer is 1800lbs not including the white oak beams.
Manufacture date was sometime during World War 1.

I ran a 220 line to the motor later that day and started it.
All grease and oil points need to be lubed up and then I'll give it a trial run.

Here are a few images to show how things went.

Breininger Pottery Christmas Show

2010-12-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone that helped make the Breininger Pottery Christmas Show last Friday thru Sunday a success.
We were set up on the front porch of the Taylor Mansion along with Ken and Carolyn Handwerk of Handwerk Tin.
It was a bit cold at times but the time flew by.
Looking forward to next year.

Had a great time at the Hay Creek Festival

2010-09-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

If you have never been to the Hay Creek Festival, you need to attend at least once.
Each day begins with a local Boy Scout Troop raising the flag and then ends with them lowering it.
Patriotism and Americana are in great abundance at this event and I am glad to see it.
There are Early American crafts and trades being demonstrated.
The two gentleman building Pennsylvania Longrifles are a favorite of mine to see.
Once a day there is a parade of old restored tractors.
Most unusual are the hit and miss engines and how they were used in every day life.
The belt-driven woodworking machines are fascinating.
While there I met some new friends and saw some old ones.
Spent a portion of the day on Friday and Saturday giving blacksmith demonstrations.
Looking forward to next year.

Next Event: Hay Creek Festival 9/10-12

2010-08-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

Our tent will be set-up next to the Blacksmith Shop.

Stop by and say hello if you're in the area.

http://www.haycreek.org/festivals.htm

September 10 - 12, 2010 (rain or shine), 10am till 5pm

Blog Site for Old Dry Road Farm

2010-08-28T09:46:00.001-04:00

The new Blog for Old Dry Road Farm can be found here: www.dryroadfarm.blogspot.com/
Be sure to read their press release for the Annual Harvest and Acoustic Music Festival being held on 9/26 from 11am till 5pm.
We will be next to the white barn demo'ing blacksmithing and dutch oven cooking.

Next Event: 41st Breininger Porch Show 8/21 and 22

2010-07-24T23:35:00.001-04:00

Hard to believe its time for another Porch Show. Time flies.

Stop by our tent to see what we have and to say hello.

Our next event: Lebanon Union Canal Days

2010-04-09T14:44:00.002-04:00

Our sutler tent will be pitched on 5/15 and 5/16 at Union Canal Days in Lebanon.

http://lebanoncountyhistoricalsociety.org/canal-tunnel/canal-days

Here is an excerpt from their website:

Union Canal Days

For the past twenty years, on the third weekend in May, the Friends of the Union Canal Tunnel Park, under the auspices of the Lebanon County Historical Society, have sponsored Union Canal Days at the Union Canal Tunnel Park.

There is no admission charge for the festival and only a $1.00 per vehicle parking fee.

Hours:

Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

I believe admission is still free but there may be a small fee for parking.

Stop by and say hello if you're in the area.

We are back on Blogger

2010-03-04T12:31:00.001-05:00

We're back on Blogger for the time being and am looking at a new Flash website.

WordPress seems like a good application but I can't get it to work as a Blogsite.

Once the Flash site is up and running we'll look at WordPress again as a stand-alone application.
One complaint I have with WordPress is the constant spam posts.
Sometimes 40 or more at a time. Never had that problem with Blogger.

Here is a photo of the Smithy during one of the February snowstorms.

The Furnace Creek Forge Blog has moved

2009-10-19T09:37:00.001-04:00

We have moved our blog to a blogsite powered by WordPress.
Look for it at http://www.furnacecreekforge.com/
This is the last blog entry on Blogger.

No ceremony planned to mark 100th anniversary of Conrad Weiser statue

2009-09-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=158542

I wanted to provide text to the article but Blogger crashes when copying and pasting.

Next Event: Old Dry Road Farm on 9/27/09

2009-09-16T12:45:00.007-04:00

PRESS RELEASE- OLD DRY ROAD FARM FESTIVAL

Old Dry Road Farm is pleased to invite the public to the annual Harvest and acoustic Music Festival on Sunday, September 27 from 11:00 A.M. til 5:00 P.M. This year there will be a variety of activities to entertain you. There will be butter churning and sauer kraut making being demonstrated. The master gardeners will be demonstrating making brooms from broom corn that was grown in the 4 square garden at the farm. They will also be showing wool dying and explaining the uses of flax. As usual our freshly squeezed cider will be available. Bring your lawn chairs, because after you walk around you might want to sit and enjoy the music provided by Full Circle Music Society.

Dawn Fry our teacher will be supervising crafts and games for the children in the white barn. There will also be candle dipping where the children can make their own candle and take it home. Allen Schaeffer, our blacksmith will also be demonstrating his trade at that location. Outdoor cooking in a dutch oven will be demonstrated as seen in the accompanying picture. Rustic breads, pineapple upside down cake and main dishes will be prepared. If you are around at the right time you might be able to get a taste of some of these flavorful dishes.

Chicken Noodle Corn Soup, Ham and Bean Soup, Bar-B-Ques, Hot Dogs, Lemonade, and Cakes, Cookies and Pies will all be on sale for your enjoyment. Our bake stand is one of the most popular refreshment stands as most of our cakes and pies are homemade and taste delicious. We also sell spearmint tea made from the tea grown in our four square garden. The garden is open and you are invited to stroll the paths among the herbs and vegetables.

Carriage rides will again be available for visitors. The carriage will be taking approximately 20 minute rides which will include passing the Speicher House which is seldom seen by the public but is the oldest building on the property. Carriage rides will be conducted by Rodney Dieffenbach from Womelsdorf who owns “County Carriage Rides".

If you have been staying close to home this year trying to save gas, this festival provides a relaxing day in the country at a minimal cost. There are no frills, just a typical day on the farm. Music and good food round out the enjoyment of the day.

Our event is held rain or shine and admission is $2.00 for everyone age 16 and older. From Reading take 422 West. Go to Church Road in Wernersville and turn right onto Church Road. Follow Church Road until you come to Brownsville Road. Turn left onto Brownsville Road, pass the Lower Heidleberg Grade School and the next road to the right goes in to the farm. This road is next to Spitler’s Garage. For more information on the Festival or help with directions call 610-678-1226.

Next Event: Hay Creek Festival

2009-08-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

Stop by and say hello at the Hay Creek Festival on 9/11-13.
http://www.haycreek.org/festivals.htm

40th Breininger Pottery Porch Show

2009-08-27T12:00:00.019-04:00

We exhibited at the 40th Breininger Pottery Porch Show this past weekend.

Despite the threat of rain and high humidity, we said hello to some of our past customers and met quite a few new ones.

Here are some photos of that event.

The second photo shows Lester Breininger signing a piece of pottery for an admiring customer.

Visit us at the Breininger Pottery Porch Show

2009-08-19T21:03:00.002-04:00

The Porch Show is on 8/22 and 23.
We'll be demonstrating blacksmithing and selling our decorative hand-wrought ironwork.

Conrad Weiser Homestead Upcoming Events

2009-08-07T09:01:00.004-04:00

Some interesting events will be happening at the Conrad Weiser Homestead this month and in September.
http://www.conradweiserhomestead.org/index.asp

August 9 French & Indian War Interpretive Sunday 12 PM to 4 PM
August 15 Evening Tours 6 PM to 8:30 PM
September 13 French & Indian War Interpretive Sunday 12 PM to 4 PM

Be sure to set some time aside in your schedule to visit and learn more about Conrad Weiser and what he did for our country.
Also, The Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead are looking for volunteers to help keep this important historical site alive.
A meeting is being planned for those that are interested in volunteering.
That meeting may be after the September F&I War interpretive Sunday.
Please check back for a confirmation of date and time for the meeting.

D-Day June 6th, 1944

2009-06-05T22:15:00.007-04:00

Watch this stirring speech from President Reagan at the 4oth anniversary of D-Day.
He offered no apologies to anyone.

I will never forget.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBeyZAmmJNg

Conrad Weiser Homestead meeting with the PHMC last night

2009-06-05T10:20:00.009-04:00

I was overwhelmed with the show of support by citizens from our community and other parts of the state who attended last nights meeting.
Many citizens spoke and I was proud of how well they articulated their viewpoints concerning this important issue.
Despite all of that, the future doesn't look good for the Conrad Weiser Homestead.

Some of my info may be a bit fuzzy. I tried to retain as much as possible during the meeting. Please correct me where needed.

The PHMC has basically told us there is no money in the budget for the continued operations of the CW Homestead.
Those who attended last night were told that the State of Pa is in a significant financial crisis and is experiencing a deficit of 1 to 3 billion dollars.
The PHMC understands the value of our history but when the rubber mets the road, the Homestead must be shut down to save money.
That decision will be made on 6/17/09.
The PHMC stated that if local municipalites and/or private (for now) business were to step up with money, they will keep the status quo.

PHMC also said that the rest of the state historic sites are also in danger of cutbacks or being closed.

Representatives of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead spoke last night. It was stated they would accept a larger role of responsibility in the operation of the Homestead.
But, to do that they would need time, much more than the 6/18/09 deadline that the PHMC is operating under
PHMC does not appear to be willing to work with them in that regard.

Currently the buildings are open for visitors on a limited basis.
Under PHMSC's plan the buildings will be closed and the exhibits will be removed.
The grounds will still be available for public use.

If I understand the current financial situation correctly, by closing the site the state will realize a total savings of just under $30,000.00.
There is currently no curator which is a cost savings right there. There is also a part-time maintance/groundskeeper and one part-time person who is a history interpreter and tour guide.
We have all heard of wasteful spending in government.
I'm sure there are many areas in gov't that are in need of accountability and transparency to save money.
Attacking our history is not a way to save dollars.

Maybe Fast-Eddie could drive the speed limit on the turnpike and save some taxpayer funded gasoline he wastes by speeding back and forth from Philly to H-burg...

Hiking our taxes is a bandaid solution to the bigger problem of gov't being out of control and not accountable to its citizens in how our dollars are spent.

If the budget is in such a critical state, how about the Judicial, Executive and Legislative branches of our state goverment taking some major pay cuts to show they "feel our pain".
I'm sure we could scrape together quite a bundle right there.

I urge everyone who reads this to contact the state starting with the governor and voice your displeasure at the direction our state is heading.

Gov Rendell: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/contact/2998
PHMC: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=1579&&PageID=259337&mode=2
Pa General Assembly: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/

Colonial Crafts Day at the Conrad Weiser Homestead

2009-05-28T15:42:00.031-04:00

Here are some images from the Colonial Crafts Day at the Homestead:

Conrad Weiser Homestead to conduct living history event

2009-05-13T07:37:00.002-04:00

Come out and support the Conrad Weiser Homestead at this event.

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=138384

"Colonial Crafts: Demonstrations and Skills," a living history program, will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Conrad Weiser Homestead along Route 422 near Womelsdorf.
The program includes demonstrations of 18th century crafts and trades.
Open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing and woodworking are among the crafts that will be demonstrated.
At 2 p.m., an actor portraying botanist John Bartram will talk about plant life on the 26-acre preserve.
For more information, contact Mary Fenton at 610-589-2934 or email mfenton@state.pa.us.

Help Save the Conrad Weiser Homestead

2009-04-24T13:18:00.003-04:00

The Pennsylvania Historic & Museum Commission is considering closing the exhibits and educational programs within the Conrad Weiser Homestead.
Here are some newspaper links about it:
http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=130420
http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=131672

State might close Conrad Weiser Homestead
Public meetings planned about Berks historic site
By Rebecca VanderMeulen
Reading Eagle
The Conrad Weiser Homestead near Womelsdorf is among six historic sites in jeopardy of being closed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The commission recently studied income, attendance and other factors at its 22 sites, but the report wasn't expected to lead to any closures, spokesman Kirk R. Wilson said. That changed when Gov. Ed Rendell called for $8.8 million to be cut from the commission's funding in the 2009-10 state budget. "We had reached a point where the cost of operating the sites wasn't keeping up with the budget that was allotted to the commission," Wilson said. One of Berks County's most notable historical figures, Conrad Weiser was an Indian interpreter and treaty maker. He negotiated every major treaty between Colonial settlers in Pennsylvania and the Iroquois Nations from 1731 to 1758. The 26-acre homestead off Route 422 in Heidelberg Township includes buildings from the period, the Weiser grave site and a park. David Sonnen, president of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead, said the group pays for free special events. According to the state study, 14,017 people visited the homestead during the 2007-08 fiscal year. Of those, only 655 visitors paid, bringing in $1,722 in revenue.

Wilson said it cost more than $170,000 to operate the homestead last year. It's unclear whether the sites will be closed. The commission plans to hold public meetings at each site. No dates have been set. Wilson said other options include reducing staff and hours or maintaining the homestead without opening it to visitors. State Rep. Jim Cox, a Spring Township Republican whose district includes the homestead, said commission officials have reassured him that the state doesn't want to close the homestead, but perhaps would like to see the Friends take on a larger role. Sonnen said that wouldn't be easy."We have a very limited number of volunteers right now, and most of them are still working," he said. "We have our own jobs. "The state-run Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter Township is not among the sites in jeopardy of closing. In fact, construction of a new building at the visitor center is anticipated.

Here are some links about the homestead:
http://www.conradweiserhomestead.org/
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/ppet/weiserhome/page1.asp

Conrad Weiser was an 18th century German immigrant who served as an Indian interpreter and who helped coordinate Pennsylvania's Indian policy. He played a major role in the history of colonial Pennsylvania.
His historical contributions to Pennsylvania simply cannot be overlooked. Weiser was predominantly responsible for negotiating every major treaty between the colonial settlers in Pennsylvania and the Iroquois Nations from 1731 until 1758. In addition to serving as one of the most knowledgeable and successful liaisons between the Indian and the colonist, Weiser was chiefly responsible for both the settlement of the town of Reading and the establishment of Berks County. Finally, in 1755, Weiser organized a local militia to quell Indian uprisings during the American phase of the Seven Years War, and was appointed Colonel of the First Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment a year later. Exempting some Berks County locals and various individuals with genealogical ties to this man, few are conscious about the relevance, let alone the existence, of Conrad Weiser.

There is a public meeting set for 6/4/09 from 6pm till 8pm at St Daniel's Church in Robesonia.
There are many ideas on how to keep the Homestead open and they will be brought up at the 6/4/09 meeting.
Please come out and show your support for Conrad Weiser, his homestead and our history.

History can teach us many things.
By closing down and taking away an important part of the history of our country, we won't be able to learn from the mistakes and successes of our past.

Forge website is changing

2009-04-23T13:50:00.003-04:00

We are transferring our website www.FurnaceCreekForge.com to a new web hosting company and the site will be down for awhile.
If you need to contact us, you can reach us the following ways:
Email: furnacecreekforge@comcast.net
Landline: 610.693.6817
Sorry for the inconvenience.

Visit us at the May 9th Leesport Farmers Market Craft Show

2009-04-20T13:08:00.002-04:00

Stop by and say hello at the Leesport Farmers Market.
The show starts at 9am and goes till 4pm.
You can check out our new display and see some of our ironwork being offered for sale.
Here is a link for more info with directions: http://www.leesportmarket.com/5973.htm

We're on Facebook!

2009-04-20T13:04:00.002-04:00

Check out our Facebook page and add us as your friends.

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New Straps and Pintles

2009-04-01T16:31:00.021-04:00

Its been a long winter and quite some time since my last entry.
Hope all is well.
We display our ironwork at different events throughout the year and needed some kind of wall-type display to show off our work.
Years ago, we purchased some rough cut pine boards from a local sawmill and used them for siding on the forge. We had a bunch leftover and decided to make the display from them.
Due to size and weight, the panels needed to come apart for transport. I figured why not make a pair of strap hinges with strap pintles to be an example of what we can make and also will allow the display to come apart easily.
Here are some examples of what I came up with.
The straps are 1.5" wide by approx 34" long.
I used a coal fire to forge-weld the eyes and pintles.
Some of the other forming operations were done in a gas forge.
The pintle straps are not quite identical and they were left that way on purpose.

Click on the photos to make them larger.

This is how our new display looked while at the Leesport Farmers Market Easter Craft Show last weekend. We received many compliments on it and our work.

The panels are eight feet high and 58" wide.

Two tables are also used to show items that can't be hung on the walls. We will be adding a third panel later on with another style of hinge to attach it.

Check us out at the new Bonanzle Marketplace

2008-12-25T09:23:00.004-05:00

We have a seller account at eBay. New changes were made by eBay in 2008 which made it more difficult to sell products and we have not listed since earlier in the year.
Recently I came across a new on-line marketplace called Bonanzle. I've looked at ecrater, Etsy, eBid, iOffer, ePier and others and didn't like what I saw.
Bonanzle is so simple to use and the environment is friendly so we set up a Booth.
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/FurnaceCreekForge
A Booth is the equivalent of an eBay store. It has a real-time chat feature so you can ask me questions about our products while I'm "on-line" in the store.
So stop by and check us out. We don't have too many items listed at the moment and will get more after the holidays.
Merry Christmas.

New movies for the Forge

2008-11-26T23:54:00.004-05:00

Finally took the plunge into movie making with Windows Movie Maker.
I created a "Channel" at Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FurnaceCreekForge
and uploaded two simple movies (sure wish the quality was better).
They show some of what a blacksmith does in the smithy.
You can also check out the sidebar on the right side of this blog to see our movies.

Gruber Wagon Works Tour

2008-10-20T11:28:00.028-04:00

My wife and I and several friends visited the Gruber Wagon Works museum on Sunday.
Russ, who is one of their tour guides, spent 3.5 hours with us going thru the building. He conducted a wonderful tour and went into great detail about the Grubers and their trade.
A normal tour doesn't go that long but it was a slow day and he could spend the time with us.
Two members of our group had a great interest in the woodworking sections and of course I eagerly anticipated the blacksmith shop.
Once we got to the smithy, about an hour flew by till I was almost dragged out. :)

I've borrowed some text from two County of Berks websites to better explain how fascinating and important this museum is.
http://www.co.berks.pa.us/parks/cwp/view.asp?A=1229&Q=447534 http://www.countyofberks.com/parks/cwp/view.asp?a=1246&q=475681

The Gruber Wagon Works survives as one of the most complete examples of an integrated rural manufactory of its kind in the nation. Erected in 1882 by Franklin H. Gruber, the wagon works evolved from a single craftsman shop, having a variety of specialized hand tools, into a family-operated business which employed up to 20 men who utilized mass-production methods. Unlike a modern assembly process, wagon parts were transported back and forth between various rooms in order to complete a segment of the work.
Wagon wheels were constructed in the bench shop, and wooden parts of the wagon were made from patterns in the wood shop. Wheels were "tired" and wagons were "ironed" and assembled in the blacksmith shop. The distinctive striping and scrollwork were applied by hand in the paint shop.
During the winter of 1976-77, the Gruber Wagon Works was moved by the Army Corps of Engineers from its original location near Mt. Pleasant. In 1978, the Gruber Wagon Works was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the United States Government, commemorating its historic significance as an industry from a bygone era of American craftsman.

Here is more text from the second Berks County Page:

The Gruber Wagon Works was built in 1882 by Franklin H. Gruber. Gruber had begun making farm-use wagons in the 1870's; as demand increased, he built the Wagon Works. It remained a family-owned business until it closed in 1971. It was unusual for its time because all of its processes were under one roof.
Originally, the Wagon Works was on the Licking Creek, about 1000 feet from where it flows into the Tulpehocken Creek. The Licking Creek was used to supply power for the machines in the early days of the Wagon Works. Part of the creek was diverted to run through the basement, turning a small water wheel before flowing back into the creek.
With increases in business, the Wagon Works modernized. A steam engine was installed in 1896, replaced in 1906 by a gasoline-powered engine, which was used through the 1950's. The water diverted from the creek was still used, only now to cool off the engine.
An elevator was built in the building in 1905. It was designed by one of Franklin Gruber's sons, who, as a side job, did repairs on clocks and watches and was familiar with the workings of gears. With the installment of the elevator, two men could lift the wagons into the upper levels of the shop in a few minutes, a process which had previously taken five to six men half an hour. Fixed to the building near the elevator were two small wooden outlines of anvils, one facing in either direction. These told people passing by that there was a blacksmith's shop there. In an area that had some people speaking German and some speaking English, and many being illiterate, the use of this symbol eliminated potential language problems.
In 1912, E. I. Shower put in electric lighting. It was the first electric lighting in the rural Berks area, and Shower encouraged people to go to the Wagon Works to see how it worked. This was also beneficial for the Grubers, as they could show off their wares while the people were there.
At its peak period, between 1910 and 1920, up to 20 men worked there at a time. They worked for 11 hours a day, six days a week, and were paid 15 to 20 cents an hour. At this time, approximately 100 wagons were being produced each year.
One of the keys to the success of the Wagon Works was its use of patterns. Having a pattern for each part meant that less work had to be done in sizing the pieces and the wagon could be built faster and more efficiently. With more wagons being built, more orders could be taken, and more money flowed into the business. During slow times, they would build extra parts to have some ready for the future.
As a family business, the Grubers were very concerned about the safety of their workers. They put in special safeguards, such as barriers on saws and other machinery to keep workers from cutting their hands while using them. During its entire operation, there were no major accidents.
No glue was used in the wagons; instead, the parts were fitted tight enough that they stayed together by themselves.
The paint they used was linseed oil-based and had to be mixed every morning. The body of the wagon was always painted green, while the chassis was always painted red. Intricate scrollwork was done on the sides of the wagon by hand.
With the advent of the automobile, demand for horse-drawn wagons decreased. To keep in business, the Grubers began making wooden truck bodies and socket wrenches for cars. One auto dealer had a deal where he would give a complete set of wrenches, made at the Wagon Works, to everyone who bought a Model-T.
After 1956, until it finally closed in 1971, the Wagon Works was a wagon repair shop. The ultimate dominance of the automobile and modern farm equipment meant that the services of the Wagon Works were no longer needed.
When the Army Corps of Engineers, in charge of the Blue Marsh Project, went into the Wagon Works, they found over 19,000 tools, all left in place, as if the workers had simply gone home and would be back the next day.
The building was moved to the Heritage Center in early December 1976. It was cut into four major sections and taken along Route 183. Restoration on the building began immediately and was soon finished. The building and everything inside it, including the placement of tools and materials, was made to look as it did in 1915. In 1977, the Wagon works was designated as a National Historical Landmark.

If you appreciate American history and enjoy seeing what craftsmen did in times past, Gruber Wagon Works is a must see.

I recommend two books which are available from the Berks County Heritage Center Gift Shop:
The Gruber Wagon Works: The Place where Time Stood Still
and
Wagon-Making in the United States during the Late-19th through Mid-20th Centuries: A Study of the Gruber Wagon Works at Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania

And two links for more info:
http://www.amazon.com/Gruber-Wagon-Works-Place-where/dp/0977072401/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224520815&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Wagon-Making-Late-19th-through-Mid-20th-Centuries/dp/0939923971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224520815&sr=1-1

But there is a sad note to this story.
The Wagon Works has fallen into disrepair and parts of it are in danger of being lost forever.

Here is part of an article from 4/30/06.
Apr. 30--Repair of deteriorating walls at the historic Gruber Wagon Works in Bern Township cannot begin until the federal and state governments approve the method, local officials have said. So Berks County Commissioner Thomas W. Gajewski Sr. said he has written letters to legislators, trying to speed the approval process before the deterioration worsens. Gajewski said he hopes legislators will use their influence with the National Parks Service and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to get a repair plan approved soon...

Two and a half years later the Wagon Works still waits for approval of money to hire a company that will determine what repairs need to be made.
Once that part is completed, more money will be needed for the actual repair.
There aren't that many more years left for this old building and the stories it can tell.

Chester P. Basil's Wooden Spoons

2008-10-16T10:16:00.011-04:00

Our next door neighbor at the Leesport Farmers Market is Mark Hamm from CPBasil's Wooden Spoons.
Mark handcrafts his wooden spoons and other items in nearby Lenhartsville.
No cheap "buy and sell" imported products from Asia.

He is a knowledgable and great guy to talk with about wooden ware. You might think "well its just a wooden spooon" but when you actually hold one of his products in your hands, you'll think differently.
Check out his site: http://www.cpbasils.com/index.html

We cook in dutch ovens quite often and his products go hand-in-hand with outdoor cooking as well as in the home. Using wood to stir or serve food in or from cast iron is preferred so the seasoning is not scraped off like a metal utensil would do.

Here are some of the items we purchased from him last Spring and have been using throughout Summer.

12" Basic Spoon

13" Country Ladle
14" Branch Spatula

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Harvest Craft Show a success

2008-10-16T09:35:00.004-04:00

It was a great time talking to many people at the Leesport Farmers Market.
The weather was warm and large crowds attended the event.
We met new people and some friends even stopped by to visit.
While there we were commissioned to create some custom orders and were able to sell existing hand-wrought ironwork products from our inventory.
I enjoy creating and selling ironwork, but, sometimes when a person is ready to make a purchase, I almost hesitate to sell it because I like that item too much.
Another blacksmith taught me that you never sell your first creation of any product. The first of any item is usually a bit rough and not as refined as subsequent items, the rest is sentimental.

Harvest Craft Fair at Leesport Farmers Market

2008-10-08T08:48:00.004-04:00

On Saturday October 11 & Sunday October 12 we're going to be selling our hand-wrought ironwork at the Harvest Fair held at the Leesport Farmers Market.
Here is a link to their site: http://www.leesportmarket.com/
Show hours are 9am to 4pm.
The weather is supposed to be great and we're looking forward to large crowds as this is one of their biggest events of the season.

You can also look for us at their next event, the Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday November 29 & Sunday November 30.
Stop by and say hello.

Old Dry Road Farm Fall Festival

2008-09-29T11:38:00.030-04:00

We were involved with the annual Fall Festival at Old Dry Road Farm yesterday. The site is part of the old Hottenstein Farm that was flooded when Blue Marsh Lake was created by the US Army Corps of Engineers. During the school year, the farm is used as a learning environment for school children and is open to the public for that one day of the year. Even though there was rain and the distant rumble of a thunderstorm, folks still came out to participate and observe. Some of the features at yesterdays event were the Full Circle Music Society, fresh apple cider making, candle dipping, carriage rides, blacksmith, outdoor cooking with dutch ovens and other hands-on crafts for kids.

We were there to demonstrate blacksmithing and dutch oven cooking. Between the rain and the time it took to get hot coals for cooking, we didn't have much time to demonstrate forging.

The meal included chicken paprika over noodles, homemade biscuits and 3 loaves of no-knead bread. Folks got to taste the food and it received great reviews.

An overlooked part of the farm is the peaceful nature of the countryside to enjoy while taking a stroll around the grounds. Here are some photos of the event.

The Hottenstein Home The Hottenstein Home cooking fireplace The colonial-styled garden The forge, leg vise and anvil for demonstratingThe blacksmith checking on chicken paprika in the dutch oven

A donation to the 15th Annual BCTV Octoberfest Auction

2008-09-25T12:23:00.016-04:00

We donated this forge-welded firepoker to the Octoberfest Auction in Reading, Pa

Every year BCTV holds an auction over several days to raise funding to support their community programming.

This years event is 10/13 to 10/18.

Here is a link to their site: http://www.bctv.org/Octoberfest.aspx

The firepoker is 27" long and is made from 3/8" square stock.

There is a forge-welded pike on the working end.

It has three reverse twists in the body and a hook on the opposite end for hanging when not in use.

Firepokers can be used in your woodstove, fireplace or at the campfire and are made in varying lengths.

A Forge-Welded Trivet

2008-09-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

We enjoy creating decorative and functional hand-wrought ironwork.

Here is one of our forge-welded trivets. It measures approx 8" across by 4" high and is made from mild steel

Trivets are used for different purposes.

Use it to support a hot dish or pot on your dining room table so the heat doesn't damage the tabletop.

Another use ( my favorite), is to support a dutch oven for cooking in your fireplace at home or while camping. The legs allow hot coals to be placed underneath which control the amount of heat needed to cook or bake your food.

We're working on a shorter trivet than the one pictured for a customer who will use it inside their dutch oven to support a pie pan for even baking all around.