Completion Report: Restoration of the Blacksmith
Cass J. 1950. Completion Report: Restoration of the Blacksmith. Historic Structure Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American industrial landscape from natural resource extraction to enlightened conservation. Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other "iron plantations" laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation. This report concerns the restoration of the blacksmith shop at the Hopewell Furnace site. The blacksmith shop is one of the eldest structures in Hopewell Village. It was also the longest in use. In September, 1949, funds became available for repair of the rafters and permanent roofing of the shop. For the roofing, it was decided that old Pennsylvania German hand-made roofing tile would be used. The author reports that even if absolute authenticity is not assured in every detail, it is believed that the team succeeded in restoring substantially the Hopewell blacksmith shop of the first two periods (that is, of the years preceding 1849).
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Cass, James
- Date of Issue
- 1950-09-28
- Publisher
- U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
- Units
- HOFU , NER
- Keywords
- blacksmith, industrialism, iron making, Pennsylvania German, restoration