The Third Saturday Morning at Joanna Furnace for the month of May will feature more themes of interest for the entire family. This month the range of engaging activities ranges from the Iron Master’s Breakfast Buffet, to tours of the Historic Complex, to interpretations of iron production, to garbed interpreters and tour guides bringing the 225 year old iron making community to life, to the exciting Hay Creek Flea Market and the annual May Plant Sale.
Start your visit by savoring the delicious Hay Creek Buffet. From 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, families are invited to enjoy a breakfast buffet, which includes favorite breakfast “fixins”: ham, country sausage, bacon, chipped creamed beef, scrapple, scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, country fries, fruit, juice, hot coffee and more.
Beginning at 9 a.m., guests can explore the iron-making complex in two ways. First by self-guided tour, moving from building to building by interest. Secondly, visitors can join free on-going tours, which form at the Blowing Engine House. Either way, guests will be able to meet the garbed iron community interpreters in the historic buildings and learn about the 200 year old iron making community that once consisted of the furnace complex, 17 tenant houses, a school, church, store/post office, grist mill and numerous nearby farms.
The Blacksmith Shop will be open and busy. Inside, one of the Hay Creek Blacksmiths will have his hearth ablaze. From hundreds of feet away you will hear the ring of his hammer as he strikes the red-hot iron on his anvil. People can watch him as he hammers out a new iron object. He’ll answer questions about his ancient art form and the important part he plays within the Joanna Furnace Community.
Beginning at 9 a.m., guests can stop into the restored Joanna Furnace Casting House and discover how iron products were produced at a 19th century charcoal-fired iron furnace. Skilled interpreters demonstrate how sand molds were prepared to accept the molten metal that was poured into to them to make the countless cast products Joanna Furnace manufactured between 1791 and 1898.
The May 21 event hosts the annual May Hay Creek Plant Sale. Numerous donated plants will be available for purchase. The wide array of available plants includes perennials, herbs and much more. Shop the Hay Creek Flea Market filled with antiques and vintage items, crafts, household items, tools, books and kids clothing. For those interested in selling their attic treasures or their basement bargains, contact Kathleen Rhode at 610-914-8152. Stands are available at cost. Booths are free to members. Set-up starts after 6 a.m. on the day of the event and is first come, first served.
With the increasing regional interest in the history of the Joanna Furnace Iron Work Community, HCVHA is recruiting volunteers by providing a unique opportunity for individuals and families to give their time and talents to a living history site and to create a memorable experience for site visitors. Volunteers receive appropriate job training, event guest passes and of course, well-deserved recognition!
You can help the Historic Joanna Furnace site by becoming a volunteer tour guide, historic interpreter, office support or historic educator. There is also a need for special events volunteers, and internships available for college students.
Anyone with construction, machining, woodworking, restoration, lawn care and/or landscaping experience should stop by any Thursday to see what opportunities are available.
Nearly anyone has something to offer to the HCVHA and Joanna Furnace! Your special talent or interest may be a great fit with this significant historic site. And you will enjoy the camaraderie of our more than 800 members!
If you are interested in applying for a volunteer position with the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association, send your name and information by e-mail to education@haycreek.org. The appropriate department staff member will then contact you.
The Historic Joanna Furnace site is located three miles north of Morgantown, on Route 10. Turn at Furnace Road. Monthly Third Saturday events admission and parking are free.
The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the preservation and education of America’s iron heritage. Net proceeds from HCVHA events support Joanna Furnace Iron Works Community research, restoration and education.
Anyone wishing to find out more information about any of the programs or events at Joanna Furnace can visit the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association website at www.haycreek.org or call 610-286-0388.
