Devilsnose Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Hi, im not sure if this is the right board or forum for this but ill give it a whirl. I live in Wears Valley, a scenic community on the road from Pigeon Forge to Cades Cove. We are in Sevier County Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains- It is a very very high traffic area, and very much like a postcard. . On my property is the Smithy that served the community for years and years and I am restoring it and plan on operating it as a heritage attraction.The door of the Smithy looks out over several ridges and the view cant get much better. Does anyone know of any blacksmiths in my area who might be interested inworking with me on this project? Where is a good place to look for interested persons? I also welcome any advice, suggestions, etc. on Smithy restoration. Oh by the way the forge itself is a floor to ceiling brick one with a arch. it looks very much ready to work again. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scjohnson243 Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 I cant help with the restoration, but I would *LOVE* to see some pictures if you have them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pug}{maN Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 I'm in Missouri so can't help rather, but yes pics would be nice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilsnose Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 LOL ok ill get some up. I should have been more clear. Im looking for a smith who wants to work the forge, kinda like some kinda partnership.I believe this could be operated as a highly successful heritage tourism type thing. If no interested smiths see this id just like some advice on locating interested smiths in my area. That being said I will definitly get some pics up could win prize for best view from Smithy door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maillemaker Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Why not learn how to smith yourself? You have the workshop, why not acquire the skills? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Greetings, My friend... First of all. Blacksmiths are a different breed... They are the most sharing , giving, honarable people you will ever meet.... I suggest you get to know some of us first... Ya can't just go out and expect one to fall off the old chestnut tree... Good luck on your project.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilsnose Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 OH, I fully intend on learning myself. Im not trying to "harvest" anyone. I am trying to get to know someone , who perhaps has the skills, but not the location to practice thier craft- a mutually beneficial agreement, no big deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 If I were only closer..... Til then, here's a good link to your local blacksmithing group. Lots of professionals and hobbyists, and I'm sure they could provide you with all the help you could ask for. Hurry up with the pictures! http://www.appalachianblacksmiths.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhblacksmith Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 You might check out ABANA's website for local affiliate blacksmithing organizations Most groups have regular meets and maybe a newsletter where you could contact locals about your idea. Dues are usually inexpensive and it might pay to join and attend a function where you could present the proposition in person. The previous post suggested a good place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck in Ms Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I think you have a good idea there. Find that blacksmith associations next meeting and ask if you can solicit your offer there. Would you be interested in visiting demonstrators as maybe a way to get this started? I am guessing this will be seasonal like most of the other outdoor attractions around there? The historic site will bring the people so if you could make small stuff ( nails, drive hooks, whatever) you will still get the ooh's and aah's from most travelers. As your skills increase so will your sales if that's where you are headed here. Some will not agree with this but I know the area well, the old buildings and cemeteries are what bring the people out there so a fair demonstrator would be a bonus to most. Learn the history of your shop and surrounding area well and collect some items made during its heyday. Be honest with people after all you will not be a master smith but a student of the craft which is where we all are I think. So find someone or do it yourself, either way is great. Be true to the history and honest with the visitors. And be aware there is a working forge in Cades Cove that they fire up from time to time. Good Luck and I might see you this fall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 From: The ABANA Affiliate list: http://www.abana.org/affiliates/affiliate_list.shtml APPALACHIAN AREA CHAPTER OF BLACKSMITHS President: Donnie Ferguson 159 Fergus Lane Lavergne , TN 37086 USA 615-793-6027 --------------------------- Editor: Danny Parsons 1018 Lone Oak Road Mt. Juliet , TN 37122 USAdannyparsons1184@gmail.com 615-444-4431 -------------------------------------------------------- Website: www.appalachiablacksmiths.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLINCH RIVER BLACKSMITH GUILD President: Bob Bell 5946 Westmere Dr. Knoxville , TN 37909 USAAnvil4bob@Knology.net (865) 690-5564 Website: www.artintheburrow.com/crbg -------------------------------------------------------------------------- RIVER BLUFF FORGE COUNCIL President: Bob Rogers 1897 Crump Memphis , TN 38107 USAmeltingman@bellsouth.net (901) 278-7826 Editor: Jeannie Tomlinson Saltmarsh 1475 Faxon Ave. Memphis , TN 38104 USAforgencast@gmail.com 901-336-6904 Website: http://rbfcmemphis.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilsnose Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 Thank you everyone for all the great input! Vaughn, where are you in Northwest SC my Daddy lives in Seneca. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilsnose Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 As for the history, it is long and interesting. My house was also the home of the original blacksmith, his name was F.D.Hedricks. The house was moved here from Elkmont area of the National park. When the park came he had to sell his land but he took his house board by board and brick by brick with him to where it stands today. They were checker playin fools..so much so that an ad was taken out in the local newspaper asking for "skilled checker players-apply at Hedricks station" They added a garage in later years and made bets with each other as to who could or couldnt pick up various sized engine blocks! There are various things around the farm that im sure he smithed. The forge is in shape but is missing the original Tuyere-if anyone has an old style one let me know. Im currently working with a friend building a set of bellows for the forge. It originally had big chambered bellows but in later years they went to a hand cranked blower. Thanks again for all the input so far! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gor Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 This seems like a great idea. I believe there's a fellow that does smithing demos at Cade's Cove on most Sundays, so you could try and catch him. I live pretty close, but I'm still early on in the learning phase. I do have a double-lung bellows that you could use as a template for your new set. The bellows themselves aren't in working condition, but they are intact. The tuyere from it is currently attached to the bottom of my firepot, though. I'd really love to help in any way that I can, but I'm currently in no situation to leave my regular job, so I would have to work around that schedule. Send me a PM if I can help at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I have found that you can be working, demonstrating or selling---but never two or more of those at the same time. If a person is trying to forge items they can't spend all their time and attention answering questions or working a till. If they are demonstrating they don't expect to make anything but fairly simple items that don't have a high profit margin. If they are selling stuff (watching the inventory, taking money, etc) then they can't work a fire. Just think what a flashbulb in the face of someone doing a drop the tongs weld could cause! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilsnose Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Good point. It is def. a two man operation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don A Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 I was raised in Townsend at the end of Wears Valley Rd. My g-grandmother was one of the original Townsend/Wears Valley Headricks. My avitar is from her fathers headstone in the Myers Cemetary behind the visitors center. I live over the mountain in Seymour, Blount County now, about 30 minutes from the Valley. PM me and I'll give you my phone number. I'd love to see what you have going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gahawker Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 We were in your area at the end of December. We came up Hwy 441 from the south, spent the day in Pigeon Forge and when we started to leave, found out 441 was closed due to ice. We had to go through Wears Valley over to Townsend to get back to Blairsville, Ga. The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC has a blacksmith teaching program and they have an awful lot of blacksmiths come through their programs. They would probably be a good contact for you. Paul Garrett is the resident blacksmith there and he might know of someone who could help you out. Their web site is https://www.folkschool.org. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Blacksmithing Groups Bellows information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadmetal61 Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I was up that way about October when I first started picking up smithing I would have been overjoyed to see something like this so a truely hope you can get this going. Even if you can't find a smith close enough to help out or join you I would suggest sticking around the site a lot of the folks on here are some of the most knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful people you could meet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilsnose Posted March 21, 2013 Author Share Posted March 21, 2013 The response so far has been great! I should have some pictures up soon.. Several guys have stopped by to check things out, and all have been impressed with the construction of the forge. We have decided to start with a hand cranked blower and will possibly move to bellows. Right now we are working on reconstructing the firepot as it was missing. does anyone know of an old firepot/ tuyere? Part of the brick chimney is also being replaced.When i upload pics this will all be much more clear. the firepot sat in concrete on top of an old table which is badly rusting. We are trying to decide wheter or not to tear out everything and rebuild the table, or simply insert the new firepot in the hole where the old one was and seal around it.Anyway pics are on the way prolly tomorrow night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratcliff Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 Just curious about how this was going? I just came back from Pigeon Forge and would have stopped in if I would have know about you earlier. Pictures? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Ling Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 Pictures would be nice...... I love to see pictures of the old smithys. To bad I'm not near you or else I would be over there to help. Littleblacksith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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