By Khalida Sarwari
Blacksmiths are known to create things such as railings and gates, but some might be surprised to learn they were also the first auto mechanics. So along with wagons and artillery, they probably saw their fair share of Ford Model Ts.
Not only that, there was a time when the blacksmith was an integral part of the community, the keeper of tools used in the timber, farming and mining industries. He could make horseshoes, wheel rims, branding irons and even cutlery. And depending on his artistic ability, he might even be able to create fancy gates and other items out of iron.
According to Annette Stransky, president of the Saratoga Historical Foundation, Henry Jarboe was Saratoga’s first blacksmith. Before his death in 1904 in his mid-80s, Jarboe helped put together the first lime kiln in Saratoga with three other men–the kiln was eventually sold in 1856. He was also involved in the development of what is now known as Highway 9, which allowed Saratoga to benefit from the development of the lumber industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Today, Jarboe’s home is located in the Saratoga Historical Park and is named after the second Saratoga blacksmith, James McWilliams. Jarboe’s second home is located on Brookwood Lane.
The Saratoga History Museum is embarking on a project to build a blacksmith exhibit at the Saratoga Historical Park. The idea is to make the exhibit interactive–complete with sound effects–for the nearly 1,000 schoolchildren who visit the museum each year to learn about pioneer living through the foundation’s education program.
“It’s another link to the past and they’ll be able to see many of the tools in our collection that pertain to the lumber industry, as well as the farming industry,” said Stransky. “This is another means of getting them interested in the past by showing them what a blacksmith used to do.”
The plan is to convert an existing wrought iron structure at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road into an interactive blacksmith exhibit by adding a false front wooden roof and cantilevered steps in front of the structure, according to Stransky. The structure itself will be made out of wrought iron and wood donated from a 1900s-era barn in Saratoga and is weathered to provide the look and feel of a turn-of-the-century blacksmith shop. It will house tools and items normally worked on by a blacksmith and a small forge and anvil will also be part of the display.
The Saratoga Historical Foundation is in the process of raising $80,000 for the blacksmith exhibit through fundraising, grants and donations. The foundation is holding an event on Oct. 18 to raise money for the exhibit. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, wine donated by J. Lohr, a silent auction, music by Eaton Run and a docent-led garden tour. The event is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hakone Gardens.
Blacksmith exhibit Fundraiser
The Saratoga Historical Foundation is holding a fundraising event on Oct. 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Hakone Gardens with proceeds to benefit the construction of the blacksmith exhibit at the Saratoga Historical Park. The fundraiser will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, a silent auction, music by Eaton Run and a free docent-led garden tour. The cost is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Children under 12 get in for $30. Call 408.867.4311.
Link: New blacksmith shop in Saratoga? Historical Foundation working on it
