Hammers ring out during blacksmith gathering in Ligonier Township

Jul. 27—Pieces of red-hot steel were shaped into close to 200 useful or decorative items Saturday as area blacksmiths gathered for the annual Hammer-In event at Laughlintown's Compass Inn Museum.

Visitors watched in the museum's forge as about 20 members of the Pittsburgh Area Artist Blacksmiths Association hammered out a variety of products ranging from knives and cooking implements to jewelry and home decor pieces. Those that weren't sold on the spot were donated to join merchandise available for purchase in the museum gift shop.

Many of the items were made from easily shaped low-carbon steel and were based on designs dating as far back as the 14th century, according to Ed Appleby, a Laughlintown blacksmith who regularly mans the museum forge. He said the forge's coal-fueled fire can reach temperatures of up to 3,600 degrees, to make the metal pliable for shaping with a hammer and anvil.

The museum's blacksmith shop is busy a number of times during the year, as part of living history programs presented on the grounds of the restored circa 1800 log and stone inn.

Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at [email protected].