The Conestoga Area Historical Society
Black Smith Shop
This blacksmith shop was donated to the historical society in 1999 by the Stehman/Shenck family of Pequea Township. (Lloyd and John Stehman and Sandy Schenck). It is thought to be 150 years old and was originally located on a farm lane on the New Danville Pike in Pequea Twp. The building came complete with forge and all the necessary untensils to make it operational. It was moved by the society to its grounds later that year.
The 18 x 20 foot building was torn down, each board was marked and then it was reconstructed on the grounds. Moving the brick forge was a little more difficult, a concrete foundation was dug and poured for it and then the 18,000 pound 5 feet by 6 feet forge could be moved using a crane.
The blacksmith shop was located on land in the Stehman family since 1717 when Joseph Stehman came here from Europe, the land wasn't always in the Stehman name but was always in the same family.
The building is used several times during the year for demonstrations.
Return to CAHS Index Page