Hearthside - The House That Love Built

STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR BLACKSMITHING CLASSES

An all-day demonstration by some 25 blacksmiths from the Connecticut Blacksmiths Guild and New England Blacksmiths Association kicked off the official re-opening of the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop on May 8, 2004. During the event, the blacksmiths took inventory of the tools currently in the Shop and spent the day making the necessary tools that were not there, so that the Hannaway Shop can be fully operational. Pat and Don Hysko of Lincoln took the lead in gathering the blacksmiths and donating coal to get the effort going.

Blacksmith demonstration at Hannaway Blacksmith ShopAs part of the re-birth of the Shop, classes in hand forging and blacksmithing are now being formed. The classes will be taught by blacksmiths from the area who are well-experienced in this traditional art. “It is our desire to perpetuate the unique art of blacksmithing as well as to have ongoing activity at the Hannaway Shop,” says John Scanlon, Vice President of Friends of Hearthside. Friends of Hearthside is the nonprofit organization heading up the activities at the town-owned Hannaway Blacksmith Shop as part of their effort to coordinate tours of the historic sites along the Great Road Historic District.

Classes will be comprised of 3-4 students, and schedules will be coordinated according to class members preferences. If you are interested in participating in a class, please contact John Scanlon at 724-1522.

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