rcable

I may be able to help you understand a little bit more of what happened to the blacksmiths at Greenfield Village. I was one of the two last working blacksmiths there when they decided to cut our budget and eliminate myself and my boss. I was only part time, but was required to join the UAW (yep, that's right) to work in the shop. There may have been disputes between my boss who worked full time in the shop for 18 years and his management, but the only explanation I got was, "We just can't afford to keep the shop running at this time." It was great fun and we enjoyed the heck out of our jobs, neither of us was very happy about this decision. They offered us jobs as custodians, but for $7.35/hr and no more than 20hrs a week, I called it quits. Besides, I came to work in the shop and learn. Since that wasn't available there was no reason to stay. I'd be happy answer any questions you may have about the shop, the work we performed or any related issues. I had only been there from 99-01 and haven't been back to visit since. It was the most enjoyable job I've ever had and would love to see someone enjoying it just as much as I did. I sincerely hope that they decide to staff the shop again, but I have much doubt in that.