The Goliad Forge

     Prior to the year 2000 had one asked about the subject of blacksmithing, or as far as that matters, had asked about the status of blacksmithing in general, I would have replied that it was a craft no longer in use or practiced as a craft. My answer would have been wrong. Here in the year 2016 blacksmithing is not only healthy as both an art and a craft, but at no time in history have there been as many smiths as there are today.

     As for many industries, the advent and advancement of technology, mechanization provided a more efficient means of supplying the tools and wares demanded by an increasing population worldwide. The metal tire fitted to a wooden wheel was replaced by rubber on steel. Kitchen utensils were now molded or otherwise
stamped into shape in moments rather than by hours of work. By comparison the new techniques made the smithy under that chestnut tree a relic of the past and at most an historical site.

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     Lamenting the possible demise of the blacksmith’s craft, a group of twenty smiths and assembled and on March 17, 1973 came up with the concept of forming an organization that would become worldwide, namely, “The Artist Blacksmith Association of North America” (ABANA). Every two years this group holds an international convention in one of the States of the USA.

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     In the year 2010 I attended my first convention held just outside Memphis, TN. A lasting impression was evident that it took the effort of many to put on an event of
this nature and magnitude. It was a somewhat unique series of incidents which led to the creation of what we cherish as “The Goliad Forge” located in South Texas.

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     A long story this is so, briefly I will indicate only that, first, I became involved
as a knifesmith, then, to be invited to join in with a group of blacksmiths around Rochester, NY, called “The Genesee Forge”. Having taught subjects such as metals, foundry and some light machine work, I rapidly honed my skills within this group as I became involved in both instruction and demonstrations. It was the year 2001 when I became involved and by the year 2007 I was honored as moving to the level of  Journeyman Blacksmith”.

     That same year my wife and I had determined that we would move back to my place of birth, on a family ranch located near Goliad, Texas. An already built shop was slowly refitted from agricultural use to a blacksmith shop. Approaching the year 2010 I had decided to apply for an ABANA scholarship at the John C Campbel
Folk School in Brasstown, NC. The application noted noted my interest in starting a new chapter of ABANA which eventually took on the name of, “The Goliad Forge”, (TGF). This, along with drawings were submitted to the instructor, Clay Spencer, at the school. I had heard of Mr. Spencer via my mentors at the Genesee Forge
deciding that his guidance I should seek.

 

     Upon return within nine months I had completed the proposed design, a railing which was installed at the time of our golden wedding anniversary. With that done it was time to turn attention to the proposed group in South Texas. On November 17 of 2012 our first meeting was held at the shop next to our new home. Some of the original members took on the responsibility as officers and directors. An aggressive instructional program was developed. Creative members made it possible for a very diverse program as we now offer a “Program Grant” which makes available to members four blacksmith stations consisting of forge, anvil, hammers and tongs, a stock of metal and at least ten other crafted tools which members can take on loan for one year.

 

     In addition, our group is considering a permanent location to better serve the the growing membership. The location is intended to be in the small city of Goliad where there is an existing blacksmith shop recently vacated. What a better place could there be than the crossroads of Highways 183 and 59. Goliad is a historic town having the Presidio of LaBahia and the Mission Espiritu Santo located on grounds of the Goliad State Park.