Blacksmithing at the Brunswick Railroad Days

We had a great time at the Brunswick Railroad Days this past weekend!  Beautiful, fall weather.....lots of friendly people very interested in blacksmithing....and trains!  Lots and lots of trains!  We'd never been to Brunswick, Maryland before, but it wasn't long before we felt right at home.  It was a lovely, small town celebration, and we were happy to be a part of it.  We even came home with an athletic booster t-shirt for the Brunswick Railroaders -- "Keep Calm and Steam On"!

 

 

 

 

Our 1812 Demo at Historic Blenheim

We had a lovely time at an 1812 Historic Blenheim this past Saturday.  This historic site hosted a living history encampment and lectures in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Fairfax citizens’ military role with the Virginia Militias in 1814, including a wreath laying ceremony at n the graves of Captain Rezin Willcoxon, a member of the 60th Virginia Militia cavalry. 

Blenheim is very well-known for its Civil War history -- the amazing "diary" left on the walls by Union soldiers during their occupation of the Fairfax Court House area in 1862-63.  

But, the property also has connections to the War of 1812, and it was a pleasure to help them celebrate those ties.  

 

 

 

 

Our Demo at the War of 1812 Battle of Caulk's Field Re-enactment

On Sunday, we spent a very hot day blacksmithing at the War of 1812 Battle of Caulk's Field Bicentennial Re-enactment.     There was something for everyone at this popular event: the Kent County Marching band (with a dancing crab), lots of great music, a hand-stitched 15-star American flag, the Maryland Light Dragoons, the reenactment of the battle itself (and much more!)...not to mention Jeff forging away!