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Village Blacksmith opens in Gloucester

The Village Blacksmith opened for business Sept. 18 on Gloucester Street in Gloucester Court House.

Owner George Cramer is a skilled blacksmith, as is his employee, Fred Allder. Both Gloucester residents make many different items from metal and find new uses for old metal parts.

Cramer said they use a coal forge, a gas forge and other apparatus to mold various metals into useful or decorative items. They make hook mounts and latches, lawn ornaments, specialty signs and many other items. Many are custom designed at the shop.

Blacksmithing is an art, Cramer said, as it requires both skill, experience and an artistic eye. For example, he has converted pistons from an automobile into a lamp and also has used gears for similar purposes.

Nautical-themed items are made, Cramer said, such as converting boat hatch covers into decorative table tops. Most recently, Cramer and Allder had operated blacksmithing services from their residences. They like being together under one roof in a central...

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