Blacksmiths have played an important part in communities for hundreds of years. Come watch blacksmith Matthias Penn display his craft on Sunday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shelter B. A coal forge from the late 1800s and traditional tools will be used to make a wide variety of ironwork.
Matthias has been blacksmithing for 14 years and enjoys making custom ironwork for folks and teaching and demonstrating the craft. A longtime member of BAM (Blacksmith Association of Missouri), he has picked up the trade with some help from blacksmiths along the way. Matthias uses traditional tools and methods as well as modern machines to make household ironwork, tools and railings that will serve his customers for many years to come. His home smithy is located near Ava in Douglas County, Missouri.
For more information, contact the Bennett Spring nature center at 417-532-3925.