The Blacksmith Shop
In the late 1800's and early 1900's, nearly every community in Lake County had a blacksmith and livery stable. Blacksmiths were called upon to build and repair wagons, fabricate metal fasteners, parts, tools and every type of implement for the home and the farm.
The Richard Paddock Blacksmith Shop has a forges fueled by coal or 'coke' (a by-product of burning coal). In addition to providing an educational experience for our visitors, our 'smithies' will be creating needed items for the Museum, as well as historically accurate items for purchasing. Proceeds will help to acquire the materials required to run the shop.
Lake County Chamber of Commerce hosting blacksmith shop ribbon cutting ceremony
Blacksmith Shop Sponsor Elizabeth Paddock cuts the ribbon
Museum guests look on
Interpretive panels explain Blacksmithing in Lake County
Tools of the blacksmith
Roberto working on a project
Stoking the fire
Heating the iron
Shaping the iron
Explaining the process
Blacksmith sponsor Elizabeth Paddock talking with Greg Dills.
Professional farriers and blacksmiths Jordan and Roberto team up in the shop
Jordan shaping the iron
Building the barn to hold the blacksmith shop.
Blacksmith barn construction.
Getting ready for the slab floor.
Building brick wall behind forge.
Mixing mortar for the brickwork.
Bill Lane working on brick wall.
One of our two anvils.
The forge in action.
Elizabeth Paddock (blacksmith shop donor) standing next to blacksmith sign burned by Cheyanne Parker