Meriden Antique Engine & Threshers Association

Clark Jackson Memorial Blacksmith Shop


Blacksmith Norm Davis at work in Clark's Blacksmith Shop
"Under a spreading chestnut tree" our blacksmith shop is fully equipped with machinery dating from 1850 through 1920 and all powered by one 8 horsepower/1 cylinder gas engine. Live demonstrations by local blacksmiths provide a unique reference to the historic tools and craft of the time. Tour through the shop and view the various machinery in action or spend some time outside watching the blacksmith turn a raw piece of iron into decorative craft items.
During the summer and fall shows a local blacksmith will be operating the forge to heat and mold iron to make tools and other equipment used on farms of this time period. The line shaft is powered by a 10 horsepower, single cylinder gas engine. It has over 80 feet of working line shaft with power to all of the equipment. Examples of the equipment include a metal lathe, 50-pound trip hammer, and a power hacksaw. Future additions to the shop include an early 1900 Helve Power Hammer manufactured by Hawkeye Mfg. Company of Tama, Iowa. This blacksmith shop is believed to be one of the most complete and working blacksmith shops of the 1920's era.
Some of the items featured include: Coal Fired Forge 50 pound Trip Hammer Disc Roller Wood Lathe 365 pound Anvil Wet Stone Antique Wrench Display Power Hacksaw Brick Floor with various named bricks throughout Kansas and Midwest

Interior of Blacksmith Shop
The Blacksmith Shop is a memorial to Clark Jackson who appreciated the skills of the blacksmith trade. It was built in 1982-83 with volunteered labor and the cottonwood milled at our own sawmill. All the equipment was acquired over a 10 year period and has been either donated or on loan from our generous patrons.
Rear of Blacksmith Shop
Keith Jackson, at work in Blacksmith Shop
Blacksmith Merril Lovendahl