Local resident Bob Constable, who was born in 1931, recalls at about 8 or 9 years old, riding a horse bareback, from a farm on Rippleton Cross Road to a village blacksmith shop so the horse could be shod (front shoes only). Based on his recollection, it was probably the shop of the Riley’s, now the Village Fire Station. Bob also told of one smith making him a ring out of a horseshoe nail. Another time, Bob remembers going the McCabe Shop on Lunky Lane, now the Bank parking lot on Allen Street. (February 2024)
Ed Capone of Madison Metal Recovery shared pictures of items made by Cazenovia Area Blacksmiths that he has recovered from nearby 1800’s era farmsteads. Ed then went on to donate these items to our project. (May 2024)
Carl Judd, whose family were blacksmiths in Juddville (just south of Cazenovia) for 150 years, shared this picture of the forge blower (that he still has) which was used in the family shop. (May 2024)
Judy Sears, who lives just south of Cazenovia relayed her memories of area blacksmiths and farriers that were ever present in her life. Her father was Cazenovia Veterinarian Richard “Doc” Sears and Judy has been highly involved with horses her entire life, including the New York State Draft Horse Club and the Lorenzo Driving Competition. It is also important to note that her brother, Dick Sears is a blacksmith to this day. Below is an example of his work. (June 2024)
