It's no accident that Luke Gardner, his brother Jacob and dad Joseph Gardner chose the area near the Canton Historical Museum in Collinsville to set up their mini blacksmith operation most Sundays.
The family wants "to help bring in interest for the history museum," Joseph Gardner said.
At the same time, the demonstration and display by Marauder Ironworks is no mere historical lesson. Luke is the family's main blacksmith and the 2013 Canton High School graduate is hoping to make a living at it.
"It's sort of archaic and not a lot of people know about it," Luke Gardner said. "I like the way steel moves. It feels nice under the hammer and you get all these awesome striations."
A few years ago, the three took lessons in the art at the Brookfield Craft Center.
The family displays some of their wares, which include the practical and beautiful, most Sundays near the museum during the Collinsville Farmers Market, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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