As the smithy was the centre of the community, it also became the gossip centre, especially in the winter months. News was passed from one community to another as the telephone was not a common instrument among these rural people. When a man took a horse to be shod, it was an understood fact that he would not be home early in the day, although he had left home shortly after breakfast. It was also an accepted custom that those who did not have their work complet- ed by noon hour would not be invited to the smithy’s house for dinner.

Time has closed a very important era of our heritage. The strokes of the hammer and the buzzing of conversation among the travelers and residents have practically come to a standstill. Although the actual scene is terminated, today’s youth should remember the work of these

skilled men.

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