Jeffrey Miller, blacksmith, works at his temporary forge at the Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta. Submitted photo
A master blacksmith and historian from Waldoboro, Jeffrey Miller, is set to demonstrate his trade at the Chapman-House from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1. He will be working at his 18th century temporary forge, built to replicate original forges of this type.
Admission is free, as that day is Community Day at all the Lincoln County Historical Association’s historic sites: the Chapman-Hall House at 270 Main St. in Damariscotta, the 1811 Old Jail at 133 Federal St. in Wiscasset, and the Pownalborough Court House on Courthouse Road in Dresden.
Miller worked as the head blacksmith at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Mass. and Fort at No. 4 in Charlestown, N.H. He established his present blacksmith shop in Waldoboro 15 years ago. His work has been commissioned by individuals and museums across the United States and Canada.
At Chapman-Hall House, he will forge a number of small items and share his insights about the daily work of blacksmiths as recorded in their account books and day books. The blacksmith’s work pattern changed according to the season, and he will show samples of items that the smith might make for his customers.
During colonial times, the work of a blacksmith was highly valued in a new settlement. Some of the smiths worked in specific areas such as white-smiths, wheel-wrights, armorers, and farriers. However, a blacksmith who could make plows and axes, as well as oven peels and andirons, cooking forks and knives, and repair firearms was an important tradesman in any colonial community. Tilden Hall, who purchased the Chapman house in 1835, was a blacksmith.
Chapman-Hall House will be open to visitors June 1 and 2, then every Saturday during June from Noon to 4 p.m., closing for the season after Pumpkinfest. Admission is charged to tour the house, $10 per person. Children 16 and under are free.
For more information visit lincolncountyhistory.org or find Lincoln County Historical Association Maine on Facebook.
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