THE NEWSLETTERO THE BLACKSMITHS GUILD C THE POTOMAC. INC.

A Chapter of the Artist-Blacksmiths’ Association of North America

Bill Gichner and Georgia Reflin. Billis holding froe he had just received asthe recipient of the Alex Bealer Awardfor 1987. This award is presented byABANA each year to someone who hasworked extra hard to spread the wordabout blacksaithing.

June/July 1987VOL. IV, No. 3

eTHE BLACKSMITHS’ GUILD OF THE POTOMAC

1987 Board of Directors

Brad Silberberg, President*11414 Schuylkill RoadRockville, MD 20852(301)468-1362

Ed Jackson, Secretary *

7409 Morgan RoadWoodbine, MD 21797(301)549-2829

Dan Boone*137 Hedgewood DriveGreenbelt, MD 20770(301)474-2967

Ted Coffey806 College ParkwayRockville, MD 20850(301)424-4068

Jan Kochansky10807 Bornedale RoadAdeiphi, MD 20783(301)937-6538

Tina Chisena, Vice President *

4402 Clearfield RoadWheaton, MD 20906(301)933-0676

Adrian Clary, Treasurer*407 S. Pitt StreetAlexandria, VA 22314(703)836-4982

Tom Coker12611 Bluhill RoadWheaton, MD 20906(301) 942-8573

Karl Saalbach6019 Brunswick StreetSpringfield, VA 22150(703)451-3875

* Denotes Executive CommitteeMe4aber

Committee Chairmen

BUILDING:CORPORATION:LIBRARY:MEMBERSHIP:NEWSLETTER:PROGRAM (Friday):HOSPITALITY:DOOR PRIZE:DEMONSTRATIONS:EDUCATION:BLACKSMITH DAYS:HOTLINE:SPECIAL EVENTS:

Tom CopasFay LeCompteRay McClureAdrian ClaryJudy BooneDan BooneEd JacksonTom CokerChris WorsleyTina ChisenaTom CopasTom CopasTina Chisena

-oOo

(703) 978-8886(703)938-6566(703)430-4735(703)836-4982(301)474-2967(301)474-2967(301)549-2829(301)942-8573(703) 960-9030(301)933-0676(703)978-8886(703) 978-8886(301)933-0676

This newsletter is published six times a year to help keep ourmembers informed as to what is going on in blacksmithing. The primarypurpose of the Guild is to educate those interested in the craftof blacksmithing. Material from this newsletter may be reprintedby other blacksmithing organizations without written permissionas long as credit is given.

All are invited to contribute articles to this newsletter, sendarticles/pictures/whatever to Judy Boone, 137 Hedgewood Drive,Greenbelt, MD 20770. We’re waiting to hear from you!

Mark yourcalendars.July 3 NO MEETING! Due to the long holiday weekend.

July 10—12 14th Annual Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Show, Easton, MD. On-sitecolonial blacksmith shop will be in operation, manned byHutchison and Dan Boone, (See flyer for more information)

July 17

Aug. 7

Aug. 21

Sept. 4

Meeting will be at Barron Brown’s Shop, Leesburg, VA. See belowfor directions.

Regular business meeting at Gulf Branch

Meeting in Shop at Gulf Branch, Special Demonstrator will be GlenKorr from Berkley Springs, WV - Iron and brass utensils.

Regular business meeting at Gulf Branch

Sept. 12—13 Annual Wrought Iron Conference, Delaware Agricultural Museum. Thisyear’s scheduled demonstrators are: Fred Crist of the YellinFoundation, Ken Schwarz of Colonial Williamsburg, and our own DanBoone. Information will follow shortly, start making your plansnow to attend another great conference!

Sept. 18 Meeting will be at Jan Kochansky’s, 10807 Bornedale Road, Adeiphi,MD. Ya’ll come and help Jan break in his new anvil!

Meetings beyondYOUR turn!!!!!(301)474—2967 —

this date areIt’s easy tolie’s waiting

still in the planning stages — It’svolunteer, just call Dan Boone at

to hear from YOU!

UPCOMING MEETINGS - JULY & AUGUST

Our only meeting in July willbe held on Friday, JULY 17, at ourregular meeting time. It will beheld at Barron Brown’s shop inLeesburg, Virginia. Barron plansto demonstrate casting. Don’t missit! See the map below fordirections.

(Leesburg

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, one of ournewest members, GLI fORk, will becoming from Berkley Springs, WestVirginia will be at the Shop at GulfBranch Nature Center to demonstratefor us. If you saw the beautifulladles Glen shared during theBlaeksmithing Days exhibit you knowwhat a talented smith he is. If youdidn’t happen to see his pieces inthe exhibit you won’t want to misshis demonstration. Ya’ll come andmake Glen feel welcome!

Directions to Barron’s: Take Route 7 toLeesburg, then Route 15, North towardLucketts to Route 661, turn RIGHT, toapproximately 2.3 miles to Route 656,turn RIGHT, once on 656 keep straight —

no matter what - for approximately2 miles, don’t take any of the roads tothe left. His driveway is the worstroad. If you should get lost, his phonenumber is 777—3627.

Dave

Frederick

656 (2 miles)

Rt. 7

REPORT FROM THE TREASURERON BLkCISNITRING DAYS 1987

The Guild completed another highlysuccessful Blacksaithing Days on June 7 AsTreasurer, I want to mention the importanceof this event to our activities.

The dues from our current membershipis not enough to even cover the cost of thenewsletter and insurance — to continue we aredependent on donations by our members and, inparticular, on a successful auction.

Over the last two years the sale ofT—shirts has contributed almost $600 to thetreasury. Sale of medals gleaned $163although the cost of the copper blanks (at$120) will reduce the profit substantiallythis year. However, we have a generoussupply that will produce continuing income incoming years.

Last, but not least, the auctiongenerated $1,740. For this we can thank boththe members that donated 119 items for theauction and to the members who, in largepart, represented the persons who purchasedthe items. A review of the list of personswho took bidders cards revealed relativelylittle of our income came from outside theGuild. A list included herewith lists thecontributors and the amount different itemsbrought at the auction.

The affair could not have succeededwithout the efforts of many people but fourshould be specifically commended. Tom Copasand Judy Boone co-chaired the event, spendingmany hours in planning and coordinatingactivities. Danny Boone raked and cleanedafter the affair was over. Brad Silberbergdesigned the cooperative project, supervisedthe crew (also deserving of much credit) anddid a great deal of the skilled work thatproduced the beautiful decorative piece.

The financial summary is as follows:

Expenses included $432.50 for thedinner — note members had sandwiches onSunday with the leftovers from Saturday nightdinner. Bills have not yet been rendered forsuch items as the copper blanks, etc.

Thank you all for your help, yourcooperation, your work, and your money.

Adrian G. ClaryTreasurer

b1. Prc.

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31 Eo,- ‘?‘OO 732 Soot

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25 5r1 Pr, 70.00 C14?’y

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39 trv.t 16.00 E0.lin

39 ; Sire FnCor—Ccrn Drier 7.00 Kochan.I-y

40 , H.,rt Tr00et 2 4.00 Yinc,r’t

41 1 Coekt.. ‘0 I— _l___._________,_____________42- - I êok XO2fl.Iky

43 Drogo. C4,dl.he1d,r 100.00 ;

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45 Seth. of .win. 7.00 Eqoir.—I

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47 I ?uzzj. 15.00 58,1 in

4€ I Triv,t 7.00 8. See.,.,__I __._________I —

49 I €0g 1.S0 B. Bre..n

50 Ceeki., 7.00 Boo.,.

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52 84.11 h04*,.

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Auction $T—shirts (June 6—7 sales)New memberDinner receipts .

1,740.00176.0025.00

270.00

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75 tWine ; 13.OOs Esquire —

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75,PhOtOçrept 7.00 Gichn.r3 3

77:FrasedPrflt s 90.00 Gichner—— ——

79 h..na.re —- : 23.10 Elay

79 5.01 i Sichnar

80 2 Air coprmesor l5.oO1 -1

81 Vacuum Gape 5.00 : Liebereen

82 Refr:qera::oi, sc-eke 7.50 : LiCICrean

63 Plumbinc fixture. Sold witrItec 2 LIetermanI

__ — Ssi2k____184 We10n hclm.t 2 22 .00:L1-eb.rn,ar

85 Marare borne - 8.00: 2.a,xberman

96 8e11 T.1.pnor 1 2.0’) Lieberman67: Soo1e $1.1,2.5.Z.2.3,2,12 27.00 croon

58 : Motor 3 7.00 ac,roon. —----- 3

89 MoSer 9.00 ,Liebermac

90 : Horseshoe uzz1e 5.0::- Sacley

91 Skin,x,r : 17.00 : Sagley

92 lrn LeOle 12.50 Dagley

93 2 Letter opener 2 4.00 Bagley

94 Bronex lette:- opener 4.00 Dag1y

: Bronze latter opener : 4.00 : Dagl

96 s Sear,—Po,buck catalogue s 7.00 : Gichner

57 Blacksmith, cookbook l5.00’2 Gichn.r

98 Edge of the A,wil 1 22.00 : Gichn.r

99 6larnm B Sona 7.00 : Gichner?

—

100 , Pu.çkin ccc. 15.00 : .lulLa C.— S ..

101 , Macaer 6.00 1 9ichner...______.‘

..____• 1102 HaI,cer 8.00 , Gichner— ——

. 103 +aawaer ,. 6.00 Oichn.t-

104 Saw Blades 2.00?: Gichner

1 11.00 a Gichner

; 8.0:; 8: zOner

105 a Anvil

106 : Anvi I

107 MR Heremer 6.00 Fitz

108 Country Black,mIth 16.00 LeCompte

103 -: Letter ooener 2 17.00 2

1 2 IS. JO 2 dhee.e-’

:11 , 4a11 dCz’1ret,: 0.00 : C. Heflin

1.2 : Se.: Z..zJIe 17,00 Snyder

112 : Roundweipht (truck rim?) 2.00 : Julia C.?

114 1 Punrpkirr ccl. 1 16.00 : 3. Cruse

115 ‘.ei. grip pliers 3 9.00 0. Hoer

116 1 Cookie. : 9.00 : Been.

117 : Ceske. 6.00 Boon.

118 Plant hook a 15.00 Wor1,y

110 : -Iot 3.00 6. Herr

!1T TO UNIONTOWN

On Sunday, June 21, Nick Vincenthosted approximately 50 people at his18th century home in Uniontown, CarrollCounty, Maryland. Nick’s hospitality wasexcellent, from donuts in the earlymorning, to more lunch than we could eat,in addition to letting the group of usrun loose in his beautiful home.

From 10:00 in the morning, untilafter we had to leave at 5:30PM, Ken.Schwarz, from the Anderson Forge inColonial Williamsburg, worked in Nick’sshop. Nick’s shop is really nice andgood sized until you try to get 40+people inside to watch a demonstratorsThe temperature, which spent the day inthe upper 80’s, didn’t help either. Evenso, Ken hammered all day long, making ahatchet, blacksmith’s cross pein hammerand a fork.

The demonstrations andhospitality were enjoyed by members ofour Guild, the Central Maryland Smiths,and the Mid—Atlantic Smiths. Thank youNick and Ken for sharing so much with allof us.

1988 IBARI CONFERENCE

Plans are really moving forwardfor the ABANA Conference that will beheld at the Sloss Furnaces in Birminghamnext June 15—19. You do realize that isless than a year from now, don’t you!??!

lielp is needed in just aboutevery capacity. As the Guild is one ofthe Chapters sponsoring this event wehope that many of you will volunteer tohelp. PLEASE don’t wait until the lastminute to volunteer, call Tom Copas NOW,(703)978—8886, and let him know how YOUare willing to help. ThANKS.

For Your Information

Our 1986 Blacksmithing Days artworkon the poster and also on the GuildTee—shirts was prepared by Chris Worsley. Wehave been reminded by Chris that this was aone time permissive use by the Guild. Heplans to use the sketch in a series at somelater date and requests that the Guild oranyone not use this art without specific

BLACKSNITHIRG DAYS 1987

It takes so many people to make anevent successful and we definitely had ourshare during Blacksaitbing Days. We wouldlike to take this opportunity to thank all ofyou who showed up and worked so hard duringthe weekend. This includes those of you whocould only show up for little while. Each ofyou should give yourselves a pat on the back!

People always get forgotten whenstart to mention names, but there reallya few who did more than their fair shareshould be singled out -

We’re going to start with someone whoisn’t even a Guild member, but we definitelycouldn’t have done it without her — EileenPeterson. For those of you who don’t knowher, she sets up the crafts fair on Saturday— for the last two years she has also gottenus all of our written publicity and made itpossible for us to have a place to exhibitour work. Thanks, Eileen, from the bottom ofour hearts!

Others include - Dave Rutchison whobrought most of the equipment used during theweekend from the Eastern shore, and alsoshared his pictures with us. Ned Edelen andRick Vincent who also shared theirphotographic skills with us. Bill Gichnerwho acted as our auctioneer and helped theGuild raise a good bit of money. Adrian andVanola Clary — Adrian has been workingclosely with us since we began planning thisyear’s event; in addition to which, he andhis lovely wife, Vanola, kept track of theexhibit and auction items all weekend(probably the most boring jobs of the wholething!). Larry Woltz who was everyone’s“Go—Fer” for the weekend, in addition toloading and unloading equipment, he rannumerous errands and kept the rest of us ontrack! Elinor Piggott and Eleanor Saalbachwho saw tables were ready for us at dinnertime. Brad Silberberg for planning andoverseeing this year’s group project.Contributors to the auction - this is our BIGfund raiser for the year, we couldn’t havedone it without you. Dan Boone and CharmieCopas for putting up with our complainingwhen things seemed they would never turn outright - t!1ans for your support.

Again, we sincerely thank ALL OF YOUWHO HELPED - A LOT OR A LITTLE.Blacksmithing Days is for YOU. The only wayto enjoy it is to get involved. If you di6Thanks, if you didn’t too bad — you’re th.loser. But, God willing you’ll get anotherchance next year! Thanks again.

A lot of things went on during thisweekend. One of the most important of whichwas gathering together with those we don’tget to see during the rest of the year forvarious reasons. Thanks to ourphotographers, Ned, Dave and Nick, we areable to share scenes of the weekend with you,including pictures of most of those who werethere. If your picture isn’t among those,we’re sorry; they really tried to geteveryone in.

A few of those we saw over theweekend that haven’t shown up in pictures yetare: Don Plummer and his lovely wife, Fran.Don is President and newsletter editor forthe Mid—Atlantic Smiths, and a new member ofour Guild. Late Saturday afternoon, JoeHumble, President and newsletter editor ofthe Appalachian Area Chapter of ABANA, hislovely wife Lorraine, their daughter, sondaughter—in--law arrived, and joined us ftdinner. It was great to see Joe and Lorraineagain, and to meet their family. Sundaybrought one of our newest members, Glen ilorrfrom Berkley Springs, WV, along with Ed Smallfrom Keyser, WV. We’re glad all of you cameand hope you enjoyed it.

Although John Ditman’s wife, Julia,didn’t show up in pictures, she sure made ahit with the two cakes she baked for theauction! Thanks, Julia (I’ve got one of yourplates for you!?). We also appreciate EdJackson and Karl Saalbach who were all overthe place, doing whatever was asked of them.

The weather was with us for a change- mid—80’s and sunny all weekend, it wasgreat. Everyone who came seemed to have agreat time, we certainly hope you did. Ifyou have ideas, suggestions, and, yes — evencriticisms we would like to hear it. Pleaseshare your thoughts and concerns with us -

that way we can make next year’s event evenbetter (at least we can try!).

Tom CopasJudy Boone

youareand

Blacksmithing Days 1987

--—

John Whitcob and Toe Copas

willard Pigott discusses the eaking of

L cow bells

Adrian Clary durina one of the few timesthey let Me out of the exhibit areaduring the weekend

—.-

I -

Butch Rousch, Jii Corbet, at forge onleft, Jan Kochansky at forge on right,Dave Hutchison with his back to us(always showing your best side,

Dave ?( J

-

Bellows ‘ade by John hitcob

I

7

I

Our taied auctioneer

by fled Edelen

Glen florr, Tu Tuggle Fay LeConpte an

Kochansky and Brad Silberberg with the

group project

with a

,

toaster iade

Chalk drawing of aroup project

Brad Silberbera and Steve Wheeler workon group project, Judy Wheeler, LarryWoltz and Fay LeConpte look on

Larry WOItZ, Tug Tuggle and Fay LeCoptePay LeCoaptephotography

gets serious about

,w

Barron Brown, Mike Myers,Silberberg, Jan Kocbansky, Nick Vincent

Dan Boone is interviewed for Russiantelevision

Greenbelts EOth nniversaryPhotographer records the event whileGreenbelts Mayor, ‘jI Neidenfed andJaney Rousch watch Butch and Jim Corbetat the forge

,AQ

I

Jim Smykowicz Dan Boone, Ross Sullivan

Vr

Fred McCoy at york

*

Blacksniithjng DaysEXHIBIT

I

1987

Gate - Brad Silberberg

Rush 1ap— Butch Rousch, Counted CTOSSstitch of WiIliasburg ironwork —

Eleanor Saalbach

Fireplace set —

Butch Roush

Dragon head fireplace set — Dan Boone

bt

- Ji Hatson A3Nby Dan Boone Heart

Vincent Fork — Dave

II1

DaascU5 knives and eie1tY

Butch ROUSChHorse head poker

President ownedtrivet - RickHutchison

Mother bird teeding babies -

Truan F±tZhUgh

Vulture in tree - Truan Fitzhugh

*

Cloissne Bug, Roasting fork — BarronBrown: Nails - Nick Vincent

I

Morse Head Poker closeup — Ji BatsonABANA President

F - —

F -

•1

Ii

6elow re dorio.AGd’AL°”

-J

*

13

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED!

In the February issue we advisedthat the Guild had been given ananonymous donation to provide scholarshipmoney for members interested infurthering their skills in blacksmithing,who would also be willing to share whatthey learn with the rest of the members.

The committee received someapplications by the April 1st deadline,and subsequently two scholarships wereawarded. The first recipients are: TinaChisena, who received assistance toattend a session at Haystack School ofCrafts in Maine to study under Tom Joyceof New Mexico. The other scholarship wasawarded to Nick Vincent to study underPeter Ross of Colonial Williamsburg atthe John Campbell Folk School in NorthCarolina

Congratulations you two! We willanxiously wait hearing from you - soundslike great newsletter material!

—+—+-+-

HELP WANTED

Yellin Metal Works is looking foran experienced blacksmith—metalworker fora full time position. Great opportunityto work with some real professionals inone of the best shops in the country. Ifinterested or know of anyone, call JackAndrews at the shop, (215)472—3122.

Myers & Company ArchitecturalMetals is currently acceptingapplications for blacksmiths to work inthe shop in all phases of metal work.Traditional and contemporary work.Opportunities for advancement. Oneopening available for an apprenticeinstructor. For more information, callor write Ken Hambel, P0 Box 1025, Basalt,Colorado 81621, Phone — (303)927—4761.

BEST WISHES

Congratulations and best wishesto Ned Edelen and his new bride. Theywere married this month. We wish both ofyou, and the girls, much happiness in thefuture We will look forward to seeingmuch more of all of you.

piece aade by Danny

BGOP - April MeetingBradley Metal Design

Danny Klinglesiith deEonstrates duringGuild meeting at Bradley Metal Design,Brad Siiberberg watches.

CowpletedKlinglesaith

FORMING A HEART TRIVETHEART TRIVET

Draw the trivet’s shape on a layoutbench or piece of sheetmetal using chalk or

pstone Heavy wire can also be bent toshape as a guide.

Hacksaw off a 24—inch length of 3/16x 1/2—inch hot rolled strip. Counter punchmarks at 6, 12, and 18 inches on what will bethe underside. Point and taper each 6—inchend to a final length of 8—1/2 to 9 inches,keeping the 3/16—inch dimension. Heat andlightly hammer the middle 12 inches on allsides to give some surface texture and asmooth transition from the straight totapered sections. Round the edges of thetapered ends with a file to match eht rolledstraight section. Scaling will eliminate thefile marks.

Use the anvil horn and light,glancing hammer blows to form the scroll. Itshould start tight and open up evenly.. Checkyour progress against the layout often. Keepthe scroll square with the tapering side ofthe horn you hammer against, so that youdon’t induce twists. Form both tapered endsto match the drawing exactly.

Place a 3/8—inch round rod verticallyin the vise with 1—inch protruding. Localizeheat to 1/2—inch on each side of the 12—inchpunch mark. A torch makes this easier.Evenly bend the bar at the 12-inch mark untilthe scrolls touch. Correct any asymmetry.

Form the three feet from 1/4—inchcold rolled square rod. Use a crosspeenhammer to spread 1—1/2 inches of the rod to9/16—inch width and 3/32—inch thickness.Reheat and curl this to 1/2—inch diameter.Cut off about 1—1/8—inch above bottom of thecurl to form a 7/8—inch foot. File and grind3/16—inch diameter tenons 1/4—inch long oneach foot.

Center punch new martks for leglocations and drill 3/16—in holes.Countersink these holes on top of the trivetabout 1/16-inch deep. Clamp a leg in thevise. Cold rivet with a small ballpeenhammer, filling the countersink. Each leg’s

curl faces the middleto color the rivets.and then wax.

For a wedding gift or present for asweetheart, stamp the couple’s namesunderneath where the scrolls touch.

Ned EdelenApril 1987

EDITOR’S NOTE

I get the feeling that there arequite a few of you out there - or should Isay a quiet few?!? It sure would be great tohear from some of you.. Although this groupis made up of almost 100 members thisnewsletter is put together by an Editor andstaff of usually less than 5!

I can most often expect at least onearticle from Ned Edelen (what would I dowithout you?). And usually get pictures fromDave Rutchison and Nick Vincent. We’d ALL benowhere if we didn’t have Tom Copas andAdrian Clary, but where are the rest ofyou???

PLEASE send something tonewsletter, YOUR ideas ARE worthwhilelove to share them. Won’t you do itNext issue is due out in earlyPLEASE HELPI?L?!?1?!?!?!?!

it7

of the trivet. ReheatWirebrush to a shine

thewe’d

today?August.

SOUTREASTERN REGIONALELACKSKITEING CONFERENCE

KAY 15—16, 1987Madison, Georgia

If you have never attended thisconference, you have no idea what you aremissing. It is held in alternate years fromthe ABANA conferences and is every bit asprofessionally run. It really is something.

The Conference Chairmen, StanStrickland and Floyd Daniel really havethings well in hand. It is held in Floyd’shometown, which is a charming little placenot too far from Atlanta. Madison has someof the most beautiful homes I have ever seen,Saturday of the Conference there was a tourof the antebellem homes. The homes are justbeautiful. But, Im getting ahead of myself.

Dan was invited to demonstrate forthis conference, so we arrived Thursdayafternoon. You would think a large permanentshop was being set up. Men were moving powerhammers, setting up stations with anvils,vises, tables, and everything else needed fora blacksmith to work. There must have been75 people doing all kinds of jobs. Theconference is co—sponsored by theAppalachian, Tullie Smith, Florida and NorthCarolina ABANA Chapters. People from allthese chapters were there working hard.Others kept arriving all day long.

Thursday evening the MadisonCultural Arts Center, which is housed in theold school (looks more like a college),hosted a reception for all the blacksmiths.Although everyone had been working hard allday, and some of us were pretty bedraggledlooking, we were made feel very welcome. Thepunch and food were accepted gratefully.This is really a fine museum, with veryinteresting exhibits on the area. One roomwas dedicated solely to blacksmiths. Some ofthe pieces were exquisite — including piecesfrom Guild members Nol Putnam and ButchRousch.

After the reception we all went tothe local VFW Post where an excellent dinnerwas served to over 100 of us. It really waslike old home week as people were stillarriving. There was at least as much talkingand visiting going on as there was eating!

Friday morning started bright andearly, well early anyway, Dan was to start:demonstrating at 9:00am! We got there at8:00 and people were already getting in gear.Charlie Fuller from Pigeon Forge, Tennesseand Russ Maugans from Oregon were the othertwo demonstrators first thing. They allstarted with crowds watching them — guesseveryone gets up early in Georgia!

Dan got all settled in, so I figuredI’d check out the “Ladies Program.” Let metell you, when these people plan something.they really go to it! Kitha Kierbow and PamHoward from the Tullie Smith Chapter did anoutstanding job! There were almost as manypeople in the building where this program washeld as there were at the forges. Jeff Mobrfrom Georgia was surrounded immediately bypeople who wanted to learn how to make brooms- that’s quite something to watch. I tookgood notes, and hopefully will get my firstone together before long — Janey Rousch isgoing to be our first “expert,” she made apretty professional looking broom at herfirst try (I may have to call for pointers,Janey!).

In other areas of the building therewas a large group trying their hands at pap’marbling, and a few stenciling. Thafternoon brought Tommy McNabb from NorthCarolina showing people how to take goodprofessional photographs of ironwork — it’lltake quite awhile before any of us are asgood as he is. But the pointers wereinvaluable. There were also quilting andpaper cutting classes during this time.

At the forges, Nol Putnam had centerstage (post). He was flanked on either sideby Dorothy Steigler from Washington andTravis Daniel, an exquisite knifemaker, fromGeorgia.. Big crowds were at each station.

There were approximately 225 peoplein attendance during the weekend. Joe Humbleand his lovely wife, Lorraine, made sureeveryone got properly registered. GloriaCorbet and a few others helped with thisawesome chore. The exhibit was reallyfantastic. There were over 100 pieces fromall over the country. It still amazes me tosee the variety of imagination at theseexhibits.

The ladies of the Florida Chapter,beaded by Tycee Grice, really organized theauction. They received, numbered and kepttrack of the whole thing. They really haveit down pat (we borrowed a good bit from themfor our auction during Blacksmitbing Daysthis year). Over $4,800 was earned from theauction. Auctions were held Friday eveningand Saturday at noon.

Jim Corbet, from Florida, providedsome great entertainment during the auction,along with two assistants. Maybe we can gethim to perform for us next year (he justjoined the Guild and helped a lot duringBlacksmitbing Days).

Saturday held much more of the same,except that we got to sleep in (ha!).Demonstration orders were reversed. I reallydonut have much I can report on the actualforging demonstrations, except that theyseemed to be very well received. I was busytaking classes in broom making andphotography! Ill try to pick up informationfrom some of the other newsletters to pass onabout them.

The next conference will be in 1989 —

if you missed this one, you sure should tryto get to that one!

-+—+—+-

Southeastern RegionalBlacksmiths Conference

1987 ALEX BEALER AWARD

Mid-way through the Friday nightauction at the Southeast Regional, JohnDittmeier, (you remember him — the guy whomoved to Florida!) got up on the stage topresent the ABANA Alex Bealer Award for 1987.This award is presented yearly by ABANA tosomeone who has done a lot to promoteinterest in the art of blacksmithing. (Forthose of you who arent familiar with hisname, Alex Bealer is considered the “Fatherof ABANA.)

After a couple of false starts, Johnfinally presented this yearns award tosomeone we all know who really deserves it —

knowing just what hes done for our Guild.This yearns award went to none other than ourown Bill Gichner!

CONGRATULATIONS, BILL! Were proudof and happy for you.

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17

Alex’s Song- Dorothy Steigler

John DitteierAward for 1987 to very surprised BillGichner

Georgia Heflin and Nol Putnam pose infront of Iris made by Nol, in exhibit atMadison, GA Cultural Arts Center

Fred Caylor works with aid of compressedair power hammer

Pam Cauble Smith (quilting demonstrator)and Joe Humble

Table - ButchStrickland -

Cultural Arts Center

Rousch, Magnolia - Stanexhibit

Dorothy Steigler at workI

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indo Grille — Bud Oggier, Maine

Dan Boone’s sister, Barbara Kitchens,livened things up Saturday afternoon byflying banner “See Danny Boone — Sta 2 —

Free Erotic Ironworks” over theconference. She realk !i flying theplane!

I

Miniature !zLia vise - Stan Strfckland

19

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“slowing of the Anvil” as engineered by Floyd Daniel, Saturday, Nay 16, 1987, at theSoutheastern Regional Blacksmiths Conference, Madison, GL Photography by Toy McNabb,Winston-Salem, NC Copied from Newsletter of the North Carolina Chapter of ABANA..

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2nd Annual Blacksmithing DaysBlacksmith Guild ofCentral Maryland

Carroll County Farm MuseumMay 31, 1987

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STL SUPPLIS & PRICES

Ned Edelen has been kind enough to compile the following informationand share it with us

Potomac Steel and Supply, Inc., 7801 Loisdale Road, Springfield, VA22150, (703)550—7300, is located just off the Washington Beltway and Interstate95 about one mile south of Franconia Road and Springfield Nail. Theirwarehouse is easy to get to and has good parking. They accept cash and checksfrom major local banks, but no charge cards. Service is relatively fast onweekdays. Large orders that require cutting should be ordered in advance.

Smaller orders of up to 1,000 feet of smaller strip and bar can beeasily backsawed to 10 foot lengths in the parking lot. Carry the bars fromthe warehouse and slide the 20 foot lengths under your pickup as you receiveeach size. when your order has been filled, hacksaw each bar or strip in halfon the tailgate, Visegrips help when cutting round stock. Save time andenergy by only cutting halfway through the bars and snapping off.

Here are the prices that were current in Narch 1987:

SIZE TYPE OF STOCK SHAPE OF STOCK LENGTH PRICE

3/16 Cold Rolled Square 12 ft. $2.511/4 CR Square 12 ft. $3.14

5/16 CR Square 12 ft. $3.913/8 CR Square 12 ft. $5.65

7/16 CR Square 12 ft. $8.575/16 CR Round 12 ft. $3.077/16 CR Round 12 ft. $5.86

1/4 HOT ROLLED Round 20 ft. $1.373/8 HR Round 20 ft. $3.001/2 HR Round 20 ft. $5.131/2 HR Square 20 ft. $6.15

1/8 X 3/4 HR Strip 20 ft. $3.181/8 X 1 HR Strip 20 ft. $4.151/8 X 2 HR Strip 20 ft. $8.30

3/16 X 1/2 HR Strip 20 ft. $2.643/16 X 3/4 HR Strip 20 ft. $4.76

3/16 X 1 HR Strip 20 ft. $6.233/16 X 1—1/2 HR Strip 20 ft. $8.53

3/16 X 2 HR Strip 20 ft. $11.161/4 X 3/4 HR Flat 20 ft. $5.081/4 X 1 HR Flat 20 ft. $6.56

1/4 X 1—1/2 HR Fiat 20 ft. $9.371/4 X 2 HR Flat 20 ft. $11.36

1AIA DATE

wTERESTED •d PROCURING OcOAL OcOKE

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0 ANVIl. 0 FORGE 0 POST vISE 0 B4.DER 0 HAND TOOLS

EMBERS44IP FEf uS

ANNUAL DUC

ETUN APPUCAT1ON WITH 525 TO:TU LAZSF4ThS • CUXLn O ? POAC • Z1C.c/a GULF JJC ATUU CTU)O ILtLXTAT ADkLI.$GO. VTGIA 222O

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EMERSHIPI1PPUCATION

STREET

AREAS OF dTEREST

TELEPWONE

OTY STATE Z CODE auSiNEss

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONMembership in ABANA Includes a subscriptionto the AnvWs RingNam*

Addre*

___________________________--

c,t Zip.PRACTICING SMITH a ARTIST a TEACHER a STUDENT 0 AMATEUR a

Year 2-Years 3-YearsFullt Stent $5.00 N/A N/ARegular Mber $35.00 $67.50 $ 97.50Family Mambership $40.00 $T7.00 Sf0.00Senior Citizen $25.00 $48.00 $ 69.00Overseas Mother $45.00 $87.00 $126.00Ccsitrihitory $100.00 per year

Mail to: rtist-Blackniths Associatii of North)rica

P0 Box 303Cedarrg, WI 53012

wir AcctI P?LI1

HO TL/NE

3udy bnq137 Nedet, fl,Gtnbr. uo Z077c

(7O3)527

Tug Tuggle #156 1/8810423 Lawyers RoadVienna VA 22180

As we have quite a few newnebers, below is a nap to help you findGulf Branch ature Center, so you canjoin us for aeetings and denonstrations

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FIRST CLASS SAIL