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Discovering the Art of Blacksmithing in Westminster

Posted By: Gwen Fowler In:
Date: Sun, Jun 15th 2025 8:25 am

Saturday’s Philip Simmons Guild meeting in Westminster, SC, brought together around 30 enthusiastic attendees for a hands-on dive into traditional blacksmithing. Hosted by Roger and Gail Marcengill at MH Forge, the event featured master blacksmith Owen Reidesel of Waynesville, NC, who demonstrated how to make calipers the old-fashioned way: Using fire, hammer, and a lifetime of skill.

Watching Owen shape steel with precision and grace was like stepping back in time. He took a simple piece of iron and, through a series of carefully timed strikes, transformed it into a fully functional and beautifully crafted measuring tool. Attendees had the chance to ask questions, browse the Marcengills’ forge, and shop a variety of handmade metalwork on display and for sale.

                                 

If you missed this gathering, you can still see the finished results of Roger and Gail Marcengill’s work at upcoming events. Their handcrafted metalwork will be on display (not made live) on June 28th in Highlands, NC, and again at Hillbilly Day in Mountain Rest on July 4th. These events are a great opportunity to appreciate the skill and dedication behind each piece of traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.

A special thank you to John Stein for letting me know about this event, and heartfelt thanks to all who generously shared their knowledge and passion for the craft. Thanks also to Jody Durham, the Association President, for allowing us to visit. If you’re interested in Appalachian crafts, contact him at 864-985-3919 for upcoming meetings and event schedules.