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 Blacksmith Grand OpeningThe Saratoga Historical Foundation is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new blacksmith exhibit on Saturday May 18 from l to 4. The public is invited to attend. To celebrate the new building there will be live blacksmithing demonstrations on the patio, The new exhibit focuses on the basics of blacksmithing and the importance of blacksmithing skills for farmers in the period between 1850 and 1940. In addition to providing information on blacksmithing, tools of the trade, and its relationship to farm life, the exhibit also includes historic photographs. A blacksmith is a metalsmith who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal, using tools to hammer, bend and cut. Blacksmiths had a general knowledge of how to make and repair many things. They could produce objects such as gates, tools, agricultural implements, and cooking utensils. The blacksmith played a very important role in the community. He was a metal smith, a farrier, a mechanic, a handyman, a neighbor and a friend. The museum complex brings history to life with its museum, the McWilliams historic home, Interurban passenger stop, one-room school house and blacksmith shop. During the school year pioneer living classes are provided for grades 2-5. Docents attired in period clothing provide the flavor and spirit of pioneer living. The mission of the Saratoga Historical Foundation is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of Saratoga for the education of the community. Popular lectures, programs on local history and walking tours are also provided. The Saratoga Historical Foundation is located at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. The buildings are open 1-4 on Friday and Sunday and Saturday 10-4. For more information go to www.saratogahistory.com or call 408-867-4311.  The Blossom Festival Rescheduled!Mark your calendar! The Blossom Festival has been rescheduled for June 8. See the details here.  An Alaskan Adventure - a Story of Finding Gold in the Far North - 1894 to 1903An Alaskan Adventure by Frederick James Currier is an adventure story about one man's quest for gold. Written by Frederick Currier, a Saratoga pioneer, it was edited by his daughter, Amy June Jorgensen and published in 2018. The story traces the adventure beginning in 1894 when Currier decided to detour from a trip to Oregon to buy an apple ranch to go to Alaska when he met two miners who convinced him to come along. The dream of gold nuggets as big as yellow pumpkins was a vision he couldn't resist. The talk will be given by Randy Zamke who spearheaded the publiciation of the book. Zamke is a member of the Alaska Trappers Association and is on their board of directors. He is affiliated with the University of Alaska and has written several books on Alaska. The talk will be at 1:30 on May 1, 2024 in the Saratoga Library Community Room. The library is located a 1350 Saratoga Avenue in Saratoga, CA. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the Saratoga Historical Foundation. For more information: 408-867-4311 or www.saratogahistory.com Strike While the Iron is Hot — new exhibitCome see the new the new exhibit, “Strike While the Iron is Hot” and see how the role of the blacksmith helped shape the community. Blacksmiths were the “go-to” craftsperson in the 1800s for most any item made from metal. They made household items such as pots, pans, and sewing needles. If you needed tools, they made hammers, nails, axes, shovels and more. This exhibit will run until the end of February. A new permanent building has been added to the Historic Park. The McWilliams blacksmith exhibit includes the tools of the blacksmiths of the 1800s. The blacksmith was a key part of the growth of new communities providing much needed skills and tools to the community. Combining film and real tools, the exhibit demonstrates the breadth of the blacksmith’s work.  Currently on ExhibitCurrently on exhibit at the Saratoga History Museum is a crewel yarn stitchery made by Mrs. Robert Pelz. The stitchery of early day Saratoga was designed by Delvona Stadjuhar and framed by Laura Mitchell. The stitchery called, “Saratoga,” won several awards including first place at the Creative Needle Exhibition. The stitchery included the first post office, the Episcopal-Methodist church, Paul Mason winery, Cunningham house and many other structures. Mrs. Pelz estimated the stitchery took over 40 hours to complete and called it a “project of pleasure.” Crewelwork and needlepoint embroidery are ancient techniques. Crewelwork uses 2-ply wool thread that is called crewel, which gives the embroidery its name. Crewelwork is typically done on fabric compared to needlepoint which is done on canvas with holes. Crewel needles are usually large and have sharp ends pointed, while needlepoint needles have blunt ends to pass through the canvas meshes easily. The sharp crewel needles allow the user to efficiently work through the fabric and penetrating through previous stitches’ wool. The colorful 5’ x3’ stitchery will be on display through February. Free Activities Explore our Pioneer Living program for 3rd-5th grades, and take a walk around Saratoga to spot Bats and Other Wildlife using these pictures.
Support local history and the museum today. The Saratoga Historical Foundation invites you to join, renew your membership or make a dontaion today. Click on this link to complete your membership application on line. |
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