Return
to the LeNoir Forge Museum
At present, Toney's grandson, Larry Keating countinues the family legacy. It is rare these days that a young man aspires to the traditional art of blacksmithing. Larry loves the strength and feel of the iron and that love is manifested into beautiful and functional works. He began to learn his craft under the proud and watchful mentorship of his grandfather. He completed two formal training periods at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro and at the Nova Scotia Farrier's School in Salt Springs. Larry says he wants to make a living at a trade that's in his blood. "It's what i enjoy. It's a part of my life I want to share with my children and grandchildren." He now works the very two forges that Toney did in the past, the Port Royale Forge and recently he has set up equipment and tools at the LeNoir Forge in Arichat, doing much the same as his grandfather thirty years before him. He will share his skills with locals and artists alike.
Although Larry acknowledges that farm horses needing shoes is no longer the daily bread of a blacksmith in Arichat, there are still a few old timers looking for a good eel spear. Mainly larry crafts a wide range of products from lamps and candelabras to weather vanes and elaborate wrought iron fences.
The LeNoir Forge will be bustling with activity this summer. An extravaganza is planned for July 15 on the grounds to celebrate the arrival of the Tall Ships in Arichat Harbour. Th fair grounds will be alive with the sights and sounds of local musicians, vocalists, craftspeople and of course, the village blacksmith.
This article is dedicated, with love to my grandmother, Irene, the late Mrs. Toney LeBlanc.
Return
to the LeNoir Forge Museum