Pioneer Forge at the Brunk Farmstead

05/10/2026

My first Second Saturday class in a while.
Back in my own shop at the Brunk Farmstead.

05/04/2026

Patrick Lotten and I were invited to join the fun at the Willamette Heritage Center for the Sheep to Shawl show this year.

03/24/2026

At the Polk County Museum, volunteers are creating short video clips explaining the significance of a few of the individual displays.
These videos will be linked to QR codes listed in a self guided tour booklet.

This video talks about the history of blacksmithing and what wheelrights did.

02/27/2026

I forgot to post photos of our Second Saturday class last month. These guys were so much fun.

02/05/2026

First fire in the new forge.
I recently put together this forge with a new firepot, mounted blower and constructed hood.

01/28/2026

Just for fun!
My sister sent me this photo today of an old blacksmith shop located here in the Willamette Valley. She wanted me to guess where it is at.
Can you recognize it?

12/03/2025

Magic at the Mill 2025

11/22/2025

It has been a busy month in the shop. First we hosted a Portland corporate group that came for a team building event.Then last night we had another 4-H group that came for a 2- night class. The shop is quiet again now.

10/12/2025

Check out the new sign!
It was a gift from my friend Matt over at Crandall Forge in Rickreall. They do some very interesting things over there and offer classes in modern blacksmithing. Visit their page and sign up for his class.

09/27/2025

Blacksmith Classes at the Brunk Farmstead

2nd Saturday of each month (or by special arrangement)
For scheduling, or for more information
contact David Gibbons
text - (971) 239-2912
email [email protected]

09/27/2025

The name on this page has been changed to Pioneer Forge at the Brunk Farmstead. The Pioneer Forge name was explained in a post back in Aug. 2021.
The blacksmith shop is still under the umbrella of the Polk County Historical Society but is operated separately from the Brunk House.