Blacksmiths Rally for Local Student
David Wickstrom, a 5th grader at Forest Lake Christian School, chose to be a blacksmith for a class project which was to construct a small western town where the children got to run the shops. They were supposed to decorate the shop and dress in proper attire. David asked if the Empire Mine would contribute some items to “sell” in his blacksmith shop. Jon Borad and Marilyn Sakowicz, Lead Blacksmith and Shop Coordinator, respectively, agreed to help David with his project. Marilyn began contacting fellow smiths to make “Prairie” Rings and wall hooks out of horseshoe nails. While the smiths worked diligently on the goods, Marilyn was in contact with David as to his progress. David was so interested in blacksmithing that his family took a trip all the way to the old Town of Shasta to watch a blacksmith demonstration, only to find it was cancelled once they arrived. Marilyn was able to offer David some suggestions of what a blacksmith wears while working at the forge and anvil as well as what types of tools would normally be found in an old-time shop. David sent several e-mails enthusiastically telling us of his progress.
On May 1 st David and his family visited the Empire Mine blacksmith shop and Marilyn demonstrated how to make the “Priarie” ring and the wall hook. She explained the history behind the ring and told stories about other items in the shop. David’s mother especially liked the story of the Courting Candle. She purchased one to display and the story was included on the photo board at David’s shop in “Millersville”. The Empire Mine shop supplied David with 1 00 rings and 1 00 hooks. David made up a game for people to win a ring or hook, using a gun to shoot a rubber band at a tin cup target.
The grand Open House at school was held on May 7th, and afterwards Marilyn received this note from David: “My Blacksmith shop was a huge hit! I had a line of people waiting to win a Prairie Ring or Wall hook all night! The rings and hooks were such a hit, we had a lot of parents that came up and just bought several at a time and did not even play the game. My parents and I talked a lot about the Empire Mine so I hope more people will go and visit it. I only had 3 wall hooks left and I think my mom hid those so she could have some …. I had so much fun, thank you for helping make that happen for me. . .. Maybe when I am old enough I can come and learn how to be a real Blacksmith from you. Thank you again and we all hope to see you again. The Wickstrom Family”
Special thanks go out to all the blacksmiths who helped make David’s project a reality. And, David, you are welcome to visit our shop anytime. And when you are older, training happens every Spring!
Story by: Marilyn Sakowicz
