Lost Art Of Blacksmithing

Lives At Farmers’ Museum

…well, not completely lost, as Lucas Novko, Oneonta, (top photo) a blacksmith/interpreter at The Farmers’ Museum, demonstrates this afternoon during the first day of the Blacksmithing Weekend.  Inset, John Patterson, New Lisbon, describes how the functions of blacksmiths (making useful and decorative tools)  and ferriers (shoeing horses) separated after World War II, when workhorses were phased out, and horseback riding for pleasure moved to the fore.  Listening are David Martin and Melissa Nekrase, visiting from Pittston, Pa.  Behind them are Taylor Tripp and ferrier Jeremy Scudder, Town of Maryland, who were about to set up his forge next to Martin’s.  Blacksmithing Weekend continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.  (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)