Apr 26, 2002 By Ted Boscia 2 min read

RICES LANDING – Although the lathes, milling machines and foundries in the W.A. Young Machine Shop and Foundry haven’t operated regularly in nearly 40 years, the building will roar to life with activity Saturday as part of an annual hammer-in and auction sponsored by area blacksmith associations. In conjunction with the Greene County Historical Society, the Pittsburgh Area Artistic Blacksmith Association and the Appalachian Blacksmith Association, based out of Clarksburg, W.Va., will host hot forging demonstrations and a variety of historical activities.

According to John Steel, president of the PAABA, the two groups have presented the blacksmithing event for “at least 10 years.”

“When the old machine shop was shut down, everything was still there,” Steel said. “It’s just like when they closed the doors. We thought our members would enjoy spending a day there.”

Steel said event organizers have planned a range of activities to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bill Fulgate, president of the ABA, and blacksmith Bob Stone will demonstrate smithing during the program’s morning segment. Demonstrations will continue throughout the afternoon, as well.

For $5, guests may eat a catered lunch put on by the historical society, or they may dine on their own.

The yearly auction of hand-forged items starts at 1 p.m., with an iron-in-the-hat raffle to follow. Additionally, an exhibit gallery of crafted items and tailgaters selling wares will operate throughout the day.

“It’s an auction of donated items to raise money for the machine shop,” Steel said. “Usually, the nicer items are saved for the auction and we put the less desirable things in the drawings.”

According to Steel, the event generates much-needed funds for the preservation of the foundry, and, in past years, the proceeds have paid for a power hammer and various maintenance items.

Steel said he anticipates about 100 people to attend, a typical crowd for the event. Admission is free, and parking is available at the boat docks.

“Quite often, we get the interest of the public,” he said. “(People) walk through and see the blacksmiths and feel the atmosphere of the old days.”

The PAABA will participate in a similar event May 4-5 at the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington. Steel said this event will feature four demonstrators, and food and lodging are available for those interested.