Old Albany Days – Part 3
Today, I’ll be showing you the last of the things I saw at Old Albany Days, an annual event showcasing old-time tasks done by hand. (You can view part 1 of Albany Days here, and part 2 here.)
The blacksmith shop had a large crowd. Here, he holds a metal rod in hot coals for a while to soften the metal enough to allow it to be worked.
Next he removes it from the fire,
and then he and another fellow pound away on it with sledgehammers to get the desired shape.
Here’s the result of all that pounding. What was round is now square.
Finally, it is cooled with water.
I’m not much of a fan of kettle corn, but did enjoy watching it made. First, corn, sugar and oil are poured into a large cast iron kettle heated over a fire.
It’s stirred to keep it from burning on the bottom.
The corn starts popping,
and when it’s all popped, the kettle is emptied out.
And the corn is packaged for sale.
There was an entire building of donated antique cars. Love looking at all the different styles.
This vendor was selling handmade rugs from a loom. I’ll bet they wear like iron.
At the end of the day I was pooped and ready to go home. This little pup had had enough excitement too.
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I like watching these types of exhibitions and am happy to have modern conveniences for most of them. The loomed rugs remind me of a rug I crocheted. They both have that homey look to them.
Hi Sally,
Crocheting a rug is something I’ve been wanting to learn. I got as far and buying and cutting the fabric into strips, but that’s as far as I got last winter. Been busy ever since and haven’t had a chance to get back to it.
You know, I would love to have one of those handmade rugs because you know they would last forever!!
I love watching the old fashioned blacksmiths work. I’ll bet they like the rhythm they get into while pounding the metal.
And then, I love kettle corn and it is always just so fun to watch them make it!
Hi Bonnie,
I am trying to get around to making a homemade rug, crocheted, for the first time. I never seem to get around to it though. Maybe this winter when things slow down. I loved watching the blacksmith and all the people making things the old fashioned way. Something to be said for doing things by hand.
You did a wonderfull job taking all those pictures and talking about your experience. Please come back. This year we did a quilt show and next year we will have a afgan show. We also have the ladys demistrating weaving, chair caining, bobbin lacing, tatting. IF you would like me to send you a flyer for the next year just email me back. I would love to hear from more of you and your experience.