February 1, 200719 yr 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?
February 1, 200719 yr 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.
February 4, 200719 yr Author Careful John, she swings a 165 pound hammer (head weight) manually (pun intended). She like other lady blacksmiths have a different vision, and can do things with metal we never considered.
February 4, 200719 yr 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
February 7, 200719 yr 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
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