Homes, Trades and Games of Long Ago · Drawing 15 of 40
At the blacksmith's
From New France on
The blacksmith heats iron in the fire until it turns red and soft. Then he hammers it on the anvil to shape it into a horseshoe.
Look together
What is the blacksmith making?
An idea to try
Your child uses their hands to make a U shape with modelling dough. Talk about what changes shape, then find the blacksmith's three tools in the drawing.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The blacksmith heats iron until it glows red and is easier to shape, then hammers it on an anvil. Blacksmiths make or repair items such as horseshoes, nails and tools. This trade is distinct from producing iron from ore. At the Forges du Saint-Maurice near Trois-Rivières, an operating concession was granted in 1730. A small forge began operating after a company was founded in 1733. The blast furnace was lit on August 20, 1738. The Forges continued operating until 1883; the site is now a national historic site.
For a child of four to seven, stick to the three visible gestures: heat, hold with the tongs, strike with the hammer. The horseshoe gives an easy shape to recognize. The gestures are evocative, not instructions.
Sources and context (3)
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Archéolab.Québec — L'atelier du forgeronOutils et gestes de forge; métal chauffé, marteau et enclume.
- Parcs Canada — Lieu historique national des Forges-du-Saint-MauriceFondées en 1730, premier établissement sidérurgique du Canada; fermées en 1883.
- Parcs Canada — Le fer de la Nouvelle-FranceDistingue le brevet de 1730, la compagnie de 1733 et la petite forge, puis l’allumage du haut fourneau le 20 août 1738.
Source review: 2026-09-19. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.