Hammerman in Williamsburg

Introduced by a member of the Blacksmith shop with a Q&A after enjoy this Film from the Archives: 100 Years of CW. 

Produced in 1973, this 38-minute film features a master blacksmith who explains why the "hammerman" was one of the most vital craftsmen in town. Year-round work for the blacksmith kept the community's tools, farm implements and firearms in good working order. For this, he needed a keen imagination, great coordination and superb management skills. The blacksmith and his assistants, a journeyman and an apprentice, explain their tools and demonstrate their skills. With patience, they carefully heat iron objects and expertly forge the metal into an ax, a signpost and a fireplace crane.