Cobblestone Blacksmith Shop
A small two-story cobblestone faces the
Alloway Road, just south of Lyons, on the west of Route 14. Each side of the building is
12 1/2 feet long, constructed of fieldstone cobble, with walls three inches thick.
Alfred S. Hale, who settled in Alloway in 1823, built the shop in 1832. A blacksmith,
carpenter and farmer, Hale was one of the first to grow mint in the area, and in 1845,
built his own small distillery.
In this early 1900's postcard, the sign advertises 'Horse Shoeing and General Jobbing.' (The postcard is from the collection of Bernard O'Connell.)
In more recent years, the building has been used as a
machine shop. It retains its original charm, including 12-over-8 pane windows. The photo
here was taken in 1997. Proud of their history and heritage, locals hold an annual Alloway
Reunion picnic. Included in the festivities is the crowning of a Peppermint King.
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Newark Courier-Gazette
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