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The back of this card has a paragraph describing the significance of the forge: Years ago, every town had it's own blacksmith shop. Often this was referred to as the "Smithy" or the "Forge", and it was also a popular gathering place for folks to socialize and catch up on the latest news. The coal-fired forge is considered to be the central and integral part of any blacksmith shop, as it is what allows the blacksmith (or farrier) to heat the metal for shaping - into tools, farm implements, and of course horseshoes. These days, many farriers travel to their customers' location, and use a mobile forge, often fueled by propane instead of the customary coal. Art by Gina Keesling
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