Clifton Forge Woman's Club Hostesses for April meeting. From left to right: Linda Harrison, Carol Almarez, Tamara Reid, Helene Baker, Lois Smith. Not pictured, Gayle Hillert Photo courtesy of CF Woman's Club

Glen Bryant Speaks to Clifton Forge Woman’s Club   Clifton Forge, VA (April 1, 2019) - Local blacksmith, Glen Bryant, was the guest speaker for the Clifton Forge Woman’s Club recent April meeting. Glen also demonstrated using a forge and making a steel nail for the members of the club; the meeting was held at the Clifton Forge School of the Arts. Glen talked about the materials used in blacksmithing, the history of blacksmithing and the role a blacksmith played in the local community during the formation of our country. He told the story of people burning down their homes when they would resettle because they could then salvage the nails made by the blacksmith, and reuse them in their new locations when they rebuilt. He also spoke briefly about the history of iron furnaces in the Alleghany Highlands. Glen has been blacksmithing for approximately 25 years and teaches at the School of the Arts. He makes occasional appearances on the nationally televised “Barnwood Builders” television show. The April meeting had a spring theme. Hostesses included, Lois Smith, Helen Baker, Tamara Reid, Carol Amarez, Linda Harrison and Gayle Hillert. Glen Bryant demonstrating his skill of blacksmithing for the Clifton Forge Woman's Club April meeting. Photo courtesy of Chuck Almarez

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