Pie Safe Panels

[Glenn]

What was the purpose of the decorative tin panels in the pie safe?

Was it the lack of available glass during that period of time, or ventilation, or what?

[ladysmith]

A pie safe is to keep pies, breads, and other baked goods safe from flies, and other pests, (and childrens' little hands).

Because the kitchen's source of cooking was a wood stove, they were often hot places to work. I suspect that a glassed-in pie safe would quickly create too much moisture, thus ventilation was important. The decorative tin panels do both very well.

[JohnTheBlacksmith]

We got a ladysmith here

Brave!!

[Glenn]

Careful John, she swings a 165 pound hammer (head weight) manually (pun intended). <grin> She like other lady blacksmiths have a different vision, and can do things with metal we never considered.

[Ted T]

Glenn,
How true, how true!
I would like to have some of the talent and skills I have seen some lady blacksmiths exibit! I will take my hat off to lady blacksmiths anytime.
Be safe!
Ted

[ladysmith]

Hi John,

I am Ladysmith.

I use to go to a couple of festivals growing up that had blacksmiths. I would stand there totally lost in the forge fire, and entranced by what could be made.

My first real experience blacksmithing was around 1995, and I have been blacksmithing off and on since. I am the demo blacksmith at Caledonia State Park near Gettysburg, PA. (and yeah, I still get totally lost in the fire.)

Last year, due to an injury at my day job, I chipped my elbow, which caused a lot of nerve and tendon damage. Two surgeries later, and these guys are right, the current hammer I use weighs 165 lbs. You can search the archive for the story, or find me in chat, and I'll be glad to show you a picture of it.

I am by no means the only female blacksmith in this group. Honestly most of them know more than I do, and produce some amazing artwork. Do a search of the gallery for some of the pictures.

Pam