Bringing the Forge Back to Birdsong!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2007

Birdsong Nature Center in Thomasville, GA. Is hosting a Blacksmith Arts and Crafts day, in a effort to “bring back the Forge” to the Birdsong Plantation. In researching the history of the site, it was discovered that William Dickey, the original owner of the plantation also functioned as the Blacksmith. Wagons and wagon wheels were actually made on the site, as well as a farm implements and equipment in the pre-industrial era. Numerous artifacts have been discovered on the site that cover metalworking and the industrial farm a period from the early 1800’s, through the Civil War Era, and into the early 20th Century.

In an effort to restore this function to its rightful place, Birdsong Nature Center (formerly Birdsong Plantation) is hosting a “Bring Back The Forge to Birdsong” day on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Local Blacksmith Artist Jim Hartman of Perry, FL., has been invited by Birdsong to present live Blacksmith demonstrations throughout the day, as well as other events will be onsite to host this festive day. This is a great chance for families to come out and enjoy one of the areas finest nature retreats, and see life as it was in the days of their ancestors.

Blacksmith Demonstrations will include things such as making nails, farm implements and tools, hinges, fashioning horseshoes, and everyday things that most of us take for granted these days. Among the items to be made, Hartman will fashion on site a replica of a branding iron used on the Plantation by William Dickey. Smaller versions of this will be made available to patrons to purchase as souvenirs.

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