Tools from the Cooper

Rolfe Blacksmith Shop.

The Blacksmith Shop on Forest Home Planta-
tion was the oldest in the Parish. It operated
from 1805 until about 1946. When Morehouse
Parish was created, it was divided into Four
Wards and "the crossing at the blacksmith shop".

Champion Number 4 Drill

The Champion Blower and Forge Company was the

largest supplier of Blacksmithing equipment in the 19th &

early 20th century. It still survives as the Champion

Fan Company. This tool is shown in the 1920 Catalogue

but may be of an earlier date. It was a major labor

saver and still works effectively if fitted with a very

sharp bit. The bit is fed slowly into the work through

an automatic feed. These are generally refereed to as

post drills and came in a wide variety of sizes. The No. 4

post drill sold for $36.00 in 1920, the equivalent of $317.00

in todays dollars.

The Tire Swedger

Heated rims were placed in this machine

the handles pulled, and the rims swedged

or shrunk to fit a slightly smaller rim

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