This month’s Third Saturday Morning at Joanna Furnace will have numerous activities of interest for the whole family. Visitors generally begin their visit with the famous Hay Creek Buffet Breakfast.
From 7 to 11 am on Saturday, May 16, families are invited to enjoy a breakfast buffet of Ham, Country Sausage, Bacon, Chipped Creamed Beef, Scrapple, Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Waffles, Country Fries, Fruit, Juice, Hot Coffee. There is a cost. Children under 5 free.
This month’s historic theme is focused on casting demonstrations and how products were made at the furnace.
Beginning at 9 a.m., guests can stop into the recently 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.
After watching the live casting process demonstrations, visitors will find finished cast products will be available for sale.
Also, visitors can then view a 20 minute video about the history Joanna Furnace inside the Blowing Engine House.
Free tours, guided by Joanna Furnace interpreters, will continue throughout the morning. The tours will take visitors through the historic complex and to visit the restored buildings. Visitors will discover the story of iron making at Joanna Furnace. As a groups form, tours will leave from the Blowing Engine House area.
The May 16 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.
Hay Creek’s Women of Joanna will be overseeing the sale at the Joanna Furnace Herb Garden where visitors can also learn about an 18th & 19th Century garden. In addition to the numerous varieties of plants available for purchase, there will also be information on period herb gardens. Visitors will learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs found in the Joanna Furnace herb garden.
Shop the Hay Creek Flea Market filled with antiques & vintage items, crafts, household items, tools, books, and kids clothing.
For those interested in selling their attic treasurers or their basement bargains contact Kathleen Rhode at 610-914-8152. There is a minimal charge for a stand. Members are invited to set-up a flea market booth at our monthly 3rd Saturday events as well. Booths are free to members. Set-up starts after 6 am on the day of the event and is first-come, first served.
The youngsters will enjoy seeing an assortment of small animals on display.
The Blacksmith Shop will be open and running. 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 an iron object and will be able to ask questions about his ancient art form.
Third Saturday Morning At Joanna Furnace Events are designed to have visitors learn about specific aspects of Historic Joanna Furnace and the Hay Creek Valley, the history and importance to 18th, 19th and early 20th-century life in the tri-county area. Keep a lookout for information about the coming June 18, 3rd Saturday Car Cruise.
For more about the programs at Joanna Furnace visit www.haycreek.org or call 610-286-0388.
HCVHA is always looking for 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, guest passes and of course, well-deserved recognition. Be a Tour Guide, Historic Interpreter, Office Support, Historic Educator or volunteer at Special Events. Anyone with construction, machining, woodworking, restoration, lawn care, landscaping can also volunteer for the Over the Hill Gang which works every Thursday. There are internships for college students. To volunteer or learn more email education@haycreek.org.
The Historic Joanna Furnace site is located three miles north of Morgantown, on Route 10. Turn at Furnace Road. Admission and parking are free for these monthly 3rd Saturday events.
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 these events support Joanna Furnace research, restoration and education.
