By battlefordsNOW

New blacksmith shop set to open at Fred Light Museum

Jul 9, 2018 | 6:00 PM

Battleford’s Fred Light Museum will be having the grand opening of its new blacksmith shop, called Eagle Hills Blacksmith, on July 21.

Blacksmith Justin Miller will be giving demonstrations throughout the day. He said he is thrilled to see the shop completed now, since it started about a year ago.

“I’m pretty excited,” Miller said. “I feel really blessed. It’s an awesome little shop, with a great view outside. I’m looking forward to spending time out here.”

Miller, 36, has practiced blacksmithing for about 14 years. He said he has a great admiration for early blacksmith work, such as wrought iron decorative metal work and scroll work pieces. 

“It’s more of a hobby,” he said. “Now I’m just looking to share it with other people, and enjoy it a little more.”

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

16h ago

Rustlers Volleyball

Crusaders' Bell excited for next chapter with Lakeland College

16h ago

Nothing but Net

Vikings' standouts ready for national stage with Team Saskatchewan

19h ago

He said he starting mastering welding and gradually became more interested in the art of blacksmithing when he decided to take up the trade.

Miller said he often enjoys using his skills both for creating metal art crafts as well as to form more practical items such as tools.

“As I need tools I make tools that will suit the job at hand,” he added.

The museum’s new blacksmith shop includes a forge, a power hammer, a fly press, and an anvil, as well as a number of tools and supplies for the trade. The shop building was constructed with financial support from the Eagle Hills Community Club, located south of Battleford. The Fred Light Museum board and volunteers pitched in to construct the shop.  

The blacksmith shop will be running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 for the grand-opening celebration.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW