The Past Comes Alive at Waterloo Farm Museum for the Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend
Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend
There is much to love about the Waterloo Farm and Dewey School Museum. Having experienced their Christmas On The Farm, the antique tractor show, and Pioneer Day, we were due to stop by for their annual summer event called Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend.
The Waterloo Farm Museum is a time capsule of Michigan pioneer farming from the 1800s. As the name of the event suggests, the focus is on the art of blacksmithing (as well as other arts and crafts) as well as the history surrounding the Civil War and pioneer log cabin living in Michigan. There are crafts to buy and a lot to learn about at the Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin weekend.
For those new to the Waterloo Farm Museum, it is located at 9998 Waterloo-Munith Road, just a bit north of Grass Lake in Jackson County. Run by the Waterloo Area Historical Society, the museum includes the original farmhouse with period furnishings and artifacts, as well as outbuildings: A bakehouse, log house, icehouse, windmill, and barns. These, along with educational programs, provide a glimpse into life in Michigan in the 1800s.
Blacksmiths and Arts and Crafts
As you would expect from the title of the event, there were a number of blacksmiths around the farmhouse grounds sharing insights into their art. Most are members of the Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association. I talked with the delightful Jackie Gansley from Troll Forge Iron Works, as her husband, Byron, was busy stoking up the forge. Jackie shared that the Blacksmith association is a close-knit group that does a variety of county fairs and farm-related events in Michigan. They also have an annual gathering at the Fowlerville fairgrounds called the Hammer-In. While a members-only event, it does sound like a great way for those practicing the art of blacksmithing to share their works, ideas, and stories.
Along with the blacksmiths, there were a number of craftspeople sharing their passions for woodworking, textiles, and fiber arts. One that caught my eye was the beautifully crafted stone knives and arrowheads by Steve Laut. These are made using a primitive technique known as flint knapping, where the crafter uses stone tools to shape the knives, arrowheads, and axes. I particularly liked the stone burners (I think for incense or sage) and a knife made from mookaite jasper.
Southern Michigan Hookrafters Guild
Inside the farmhouse, members of the Southern Michigan Hookrafters Guild were working on their creations during the Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend. These artists create beautiful rugs using the old-school method of stretching fabric over a frame and looping wool strips by hand. They create amazing works of art that are also functional.
Did you know that Brenda was a hooker? Yep, she’s been a member of the guild for about a year. Our house is full of handmade rugs created by Brenda. Joining Brenda in rug making in the parlour were Patti (guild co-president) and Robin.
There were a number of people who stopped to admire the rugs and ask questions. The Hookrafter guild members were all happy to answer questions. Brenda had some of the rugs that she made on the floor in front of her, which she encouraged people to pick up and examine as she explained how they were made.
Michigan 24th Infantry – The Iron Brigade and Michigan Battle Flags
The soldier aspect of Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend at the Waterloo Farm Museum included several historians who had recreated a Civil War encampment complete with a cannon demonstration. Want a great way to jump-start your heart? Fail to pay attention to the time schedule for the firing of the cannons. I nearly dropped my hot dog in the dirt.
While I have some basic understanding of the Civil War and the battles that were fought, particularly Gettysburg and Antietam, I didn’t realize the crucial role that Michigan’s 24th Infantry played in those battles. John Gibney was on hand to share this history. The Michigan 24 was a key to the Union winning the Battle of Gettysburg. They held key positions, much of it in hand-to-hand combat, while inflicting massive casualties upon the rebel forces. Check out this article from Michigan Tech for more on the Michigan 24th Infantry.
John relayed that the torn and blood-soaked battle flag of the Michigan 24th is preserved at the state capitol, which holds all of Michigan’s battle flags. There are replicas on display, while the real flags are kept in a controlled environment.
John shared that there is an organization called Save The Flags, which offers “adoption” of a flag in order to help pay for their conservation. Douglas Hinton III, a civil war historian (who was also on hand with John at the Waterloo Farm Museum ) is about to adopt another flag.
For those interested, you can join the flag adoption ceremony on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol on August 6, 2025, at 10 am. The event is free and includes a tour of the Capitol. There will be many historians on hand, so this is a great opportunity to learn.
Pictures
Blacksmiths, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend offers a fabulous glimpse of the past and opportunity to meet the people who preserve not only history, but time-honored skills. We have a few more photos of this event in our gallery.
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