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Blacksmith Shop Open House - April 29, 2007
The day dawned bright, sunny and windy. The volunteers came early to set up for the event which started at 2 p.m. A large tent was erected in the woods near the Blacksmith Shop, and due to the wind, tarps were added to the sides of the tent to shelter our guests. Hay bales wrapped in burlap were used for seating under the tent. Food tables, covered with burlap tablecloths were laden with artistically arranged refreshments. Punch bowls were filled with libations. Flower arrangements adorned the tables. What a perfect setting to showcase the rebuilt Blacksmith Shop.
Ted Ziegler, our blacksmith, was in the shop demonstrating his craft.
His audience sat on wooden benches and/or hay bales. Ted shared his
passion for 'smithing' with everyone. He answered many questions fielded
by Lisa Byerts who also described the blacksmith tools and their uses.
Robert Byerts was in charge of the hand turned blower, making sure that the fire
remained hot for Ted and his son, Ted, Jr., who is also a blacksmith.
Some of the Society's artifacts were on display under the tent - a jiffy ice cream freezer, a glass butter churn, a wooden butter bowl and paddle, a kerosene lamp and a large wooden butter churn. There were also items on display that came from homes of some of the GDHS members - a flat iron, sad iron, oil lamp, antique vases and milk cans.
A total of 73 people were in attendance, 51 members with 3 guests and 19 craftsmen/donors and their guests.
We wish to thank everyone who attended. I hope you enjoyed the day as much as we, the committee, enjoyed hosting you at this event.
The
committee:
Seated left to right: Lucia Hrinyak, Doris Burger
Standing left to right: June Kinsey (committee Chair), Kay Stitley, Lori Koch,
Melanie Green
Volunteers for the Open House: June Kinsey, Kay Stitley, Melanie Green, Lori Koch, Jeff Koch, Ian Koch, Lisa Byerts, Robert Byerts, Kyle Byerts, Marty Green, Madelyn Shermeyer, Michael Hrinyak (Michael supervised the erection of the large tent, his expertise in this endeavor was needed and greatly appreciated.)
Blacksmith Shop Dedication - June 2nd, 2007
On June 2, 2007 the Society's dedication of the Blacksmith Shop, along with the Dover Borough's dedication of the Alda Ketterman Park, was realized. Invited dignitaries included Congressman Todd Platts, State Senator Terry Punt, State Representative Bev Mackereth, County Commissioners, and Miriam Lamparter, daughter of Alda Ketterman. Local elected officials from Dover Borough and Dover Township also attended. Dover Borough Mayor, Eric VanDyke, gave the invocation.
Festivities included a puppet show, games, food, music,
face painting and a balloon artist. The Jazz Band of Dover High School
opened the formal activities with patriotic music beginning at 9:30 a.m. Boy
Scout Troop #67 presented the American flag with the National Anthem sung by
local high school students Erin Lehman and Jes Arruda. The ceremony
honored the Eagle Scouts Gage Koster, Joel Chronister, Garrett Hoover, Tom
Fenstermacher and Anthony Beck who helped beautify the park by planting trees
and flowers, installing paths and building and installing picnic tables.
The gospel group Crossroads of Hampton, PA performed from 1 to 3 p.m. Our
blacksmith, Ted Ziegler of Wellsville, gave blacksmith demonstrations during the
event.
Dedications Committee: Ron and Norma Botterbusch, Lisa Byerts, Bob Dentler, Jan Eisenhart, Lori Koch, Larry and Joyce Law, Carol Leathery, Lois Slothower, Madelyn Shermeyer, Zita Smith, Kay Stitley (Chairperson)