As we reflect on our country’s 250th birthday milestone, we are reminded of the historical roots that run deep throughout our coverage area. The Northern Neck is often referred to as the “Birthplace of the Nation” as the birthplace of three of the first five U.S. Presidents: George Washington, James Madison and James Monroe. During this Rivah season, we are highlighting a few of the sites, volunteers and crafters who help bring history to life.
With a history that dates back to the 1500s, blacksmiths played an essential role in American history and were vital tradesmen in colonial settlements.
Indeed, without the blacksmith, life in the 18th-century would have stopped. These craftsmen, who forged and tempered iron, made everything from tacks and nails to anchors and agricultural tools.
The craft is still being practiced in a modest forge on the grounds of the Northern Neck Heritage Arts Center, Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern, 73 Monument Place, Heathsville.
“It’s an old art,” said Ken Kauffman, president of the Tavern Blacksmith Guild. “We make modern items but do it the old way.”
When the Tavern underwent major renovations over 20 years ago, one of the rangers—or volunteers on the project—Dan Purvis had a dream of building a blacksmith forge on the property. Apparently there was a blacksmith shop in Heathsville a century ago, said Kauffman. Guild members believe it was located on what is now a vacant lot between The Buoy and a service station in the middle of the village.
Purvis said “we need a blacksmith shop again,” said Kauffman. So construction began in 2003 and the forge was completed in 2005 unfortunately after Purvis had passed away.
The working coal forge, powered by manual bellows, offers visitors a glimpse of a simpler time with most of the tools and equipment given to the shop by the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library. However, many of the tools and the used metal—stacked behind the shop—have been donated by private individuals.
With 16 members, including five active, the guild strives to both educate and provide a service by making “items to sell that people would like.”
Along with its regular weekly hours, the guild is open by appointment for school field trips and during the Heathsville Farmers Market days. It also offers classes for ages 16 and older on select Saturdays. The next one will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 30.
The classes are limited to eight people, and participants craft three items including a hook, leaf and center punches. They learn hammering, tapering, tempering, bending, twisting and hardening.
Kauffman, who joined the guild in 2010, had no experience with the skill, like most of the guild members.
“You just have to be dedicated. We’re all the time learning, learning from each other,” he said as he tugged on the rope attached to the bellows, fanning the flames of the bituminous soft coal as the flames jumped higher in the forge. He pulled a red hot piece of iron from the heat and dipped it into a cooling bath. Steam rose from the tub. He said the kids that visit always love that.
He quickly hammered the iron to form a small leaf. It was simple but with more work it could become an elaborate piece with intricate details.
The guild offers custom work. Kauffman showed an elaborate set of handrails for a home in the final stages. The members have made a 12-foot tall T-Rex, make 5-feet-tall colorful lawn flowers and recently raffled a 6-foot tall mermaid. Smaller items like crosses, hooks and tools are always for sale in the forge.
The Blacksmith Guild at the 
