It seems as if one day near the turn of the 19th century, blacksmith Moses Davis decided to retire and leave the tools of his trade locked in his smithy. Now, over two centuries later, Kris and Pat Niederlitz, current owners of the Edgecomb property where the smithy is located, have transferred ownership of the dozens of well-preserved blacksmithing artifacts to the Edgecomb Historical Society. In addition to giving us a glimpse of early blacksmithing in Maine, these artifacts may be connected to the ironwork involved in the construction of Fort Edgecomb in 1809, according to the EHS.

An enthusiastic group of EHS members, including Dave Boucher, Sue Carlson, Kris and Pat Niederlitz, Bob Crink, Jack and Barbara Brennan, and John Pels, has spent several months cataloguing and photographing the smithy artifacts. Among the more than 150 interesting items are large tongs, ax heads in their original box, a variety of horse and oxen shoes, numerous scythes, two grinding stones, an ox sling, a 19th century flax breaker, and a huge set of bellows.

Under the skillful guidance of Jeff Miller of Flintlock Forge, the team is currently in the process of dismantling the chimney, firebox, and bellows. The EHS hopes to construct a replica of the smithy to house the artifacts for the purpose of education and public viewing. The Edgecomb Historical Society, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is seeking funding for this project. Anyone interested in learning more about the smithy project or joining the EHS should contact president Sue Carlson at krosspt@lincoln.midcoast.com