Blacksmithing Exposition Returns to LG This Month
Plans for the 4th annual Texas Blacksmithing Exposition & the Hume L. Baker Texas Antique Gas Engine Reunion have been finalized. The events will be held January 24-25 at the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center’s Czech Village grounds in La Grange, beginning at noon on Friday for early exhibits and vendors, and opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday. This event continues to grow and we are reorganizing this year to make the event even better with more demos and booths.
There are many shows geared towards antique tractors, but none that are solely for the interest of the antique stationary engines, until now. The farm shows in Texas had seen a decline in the past years in engine displays, and after only a few years of this show, the numbers at shows are beginning to increase. This show is sure to help fuel-up the interest in this educational hobby. The show will feature gas, steam, hot air, and oil engines operating, and some powering equipment. The show is named in memory of long time engine collector and restorer Hume L. Baker of Sheridan, Texas. Hume’s dedication to the mechanics of the restoration and eye for detail is known all over Texas’ antique farm shows. Before his passing in 2018, Mr. Baker, as he was known, dispersed of his 40+ collection to other collectors and enthusiasts, sharing the love of his hobby with so many to ensure its future. The South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Club will be the hosting Club for this show.
The Blacksmith Conference had been held in College Station in the past, but in 2021, time had come for it to be revamped. The Texas Trio Group came together to revive this event and, like the engines, fire-up interest in this amazing art. They chose to come to La Grange and utilize the TCHCC Village, partnering with the STWSCT Club, for a new event that has definitely sparked interest in all generations. This year, The Trio has decided to step aside in La Grange but the event will still roll on. It has been re-organized into the Texas Blacksmithing Exposition. The Exposition will incorporate more demonstrations and branch into more interest groups, such as farriers, knife makers, wood workers, and blacksmith clubs from around the state. Blacksmithing demonstrations along with vendors of handmade knives, tools, jewelry, and other pieces of interest will be on going both days. A smelt will also be poured by the Goliad Blacksmith Club.
On Saturday, the Aggie Blacksmithing Club will present this year’s main featured sessions. Beginning Blacksmithing will be the focus for the sessions as the Expo works to build interest and education in blacksmithing. Local farrier Ben Godsey will also do a featured session on horseshoeing. Other sessions will take place in the booths and individual club areas throughout the day.
The TCHCC and Village will be open for touring. The Zapalac Saw Mill and the Czech Newspapers Museum will be in operation. Concessions will also be available. A live auction will take place at 1 PM on Saturday with special handmade blacksmith knives and tools along with various other specialty items to top the list! Musical entertainment playing classic country throughout the day will be by theAnnie Rost & Mike Stroup Band.
The proceeds generated from this event will benefit the TCHCC Blacksmith Shop construction and other Village projects, educating our future generations.
The Blacksmith Shop will also be available for clubs and individuals to use to teach a trade that was very important to the life of a community, and a farm, in the early days of Texas’ settlements. The Blacksmith Shop will be a working museum and events will be held in it throughout the year. There is no admission to the event. Donations are welcomed.
TCHCC regular business hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center is located at 250 W. Fairgrounds Road on Hwy. 77 just North of La Grange. Contact (888) 785-4500 or email info@czechtexas.org for more information.