EAIA’s Sponsors 5th Annual Regional Meeting in Bolton, MA

Bob Roemer

10/26/2025

Jennifer at the forge before a rapt audience

EAIA held the 2025 regional meeting at the reconstructed Moses Wilder Blacksmith shop in Bolton, Massachusetts on October 11^th.   The Shop, the original of which was moved to Old Sturbridge Village in 1957, was rebuilt in the early 2000’s as an exact reconstruction on the original foundation. 

The purpose of the EAIA regional meeting was to develop interest in early American crafts and tools through witnessing and actually using them in a supervised and mentoring environment.   The meeting included a hands-on demonstration by a master blacksmith, and gave participants an opportunity to try basic blacksmithing using coal forges. The event, with 21 participants, lasted the entire day with a detailed 3-hour demonstration in the morning followed by a break for a buffet lunch and conversations in the Roemers’ barn.

Jennifer Petrila, a master blacksmith and edge-tool maker, was the demonstrator.  The subject of this year’s demonstration was practical for many of the attendees who were interested in reproducing traditional early American hardware.  In this meeting the subject was a barrel hinge and pintle.  The demonstration was accompanied by very informative discussions about forging processes and the behavior of wrought iron, carbon steel in the forging and welding processes.  The copious use of borax flux and clean welding surfaces were emphasized as well as the use of the post vise, mandril and drift in the forging of both the hinge and the pintle. Throughout the entire presentation and demonstration Jennifer emphasized how much can be done with basic tools, good technique….and mentoring.

Final stage of setting the pin in the pintle

After a light lunch in the barn at the Wilder homestead, the afternoon was dedicated to blacksmithing by attendees under the guidance and encouragement of experienced smiths. The participants left with a better understanding of the craft and the products of their afternoon efforts…and awareness of the importance of EAIA to understanding and preserving early American crafts.  Thanks to the several blacksmiths who helped with the afternoon session and Alice Roemer who coordinated and managed the luncheon.

The Roemers look forward to hosting the next workshop in 2026.