History
The Ricker Blacksmith Shop, established in 1800 by Amaziah Ricker, holds a long-standing legacy in Cherryfield, Maine. Amaziah, a young blacksmith, settled in Cherryfield in the late 18th century, drawn by the town’s thriving lumbering community. By 1801, court records from Machias show that his business was already flourishing.
The Ricker family carried on the blacksmithing tradition for generations. In 1946, George B. Ricker, Amaziah’s great-grandson, returned to Cherryfield after working at the Norfolk, Virginia Navy Yards during the war effort. The original Ricker Blacksmith Shop, where he had worked alongside his uncles and father, was larger than necessary for his needs. Consequently, he constructed a new shop using recycled barn boards at its current location, a quarter of a mile down Main Street from the original site.
After relocating the tools and equipment, George began crafting lumber chains, peaveys, boat moorings, and other essential items for the townspeople’s work.
In the late 1960s, Amaziah Ricker’s great-great-great-grandsons, Jim and George Brace, began their apprenticeships under George B. Ricker. As their craft evolved with time, Jim and George expanded their skills by studying under C.A.H. “Tommy” Tucker at the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas (CoSIRA) in Wimbledon, London, in 1974.
In 1975, Jim relocated to Pennsylvania, where he established a second smithy near Meyersdale. Meanwhile, George remained in Cherryfield, continuing to preserve the family’s blacksmithing legacy.
The Smithy Through Time
The Cherryfield smithy has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, retaining its traditional tools and blacksmithing techniques. Situated along the Narraguagus River, the shop once thrived alongside the town’s lumber mills, producing tools such as the renowned Ricker peaveys used for log handling.
Today, the shop balances its heritage with modern demands. George Brace, the fifth generation of Ricker blacksmiths, continues to operate the shop. He designs custom items such as gates, staircases, and railings for clients while preserving the historical spirit of the craft. The Ricker Blacksmith Shop remains a testament to the enduring art of traditional blacksmithing.
Goal of the Ricker Blacksmith Shop Today
The Ricker Blacksmith Shop's mission in 2025 is threefold:
Preserve Community History: The shop aims to maintain its role as a vital part of Cherryfield's heritage by offering practical metalworking services, from repairing fishing gear to truck beds, while keeping the tradition of the local smithy alive.
Education: A cornerstone of the shop's goals is to teach traditional blacksmithing techniques. By working with local high school students and adult learners, the shop ensures that the art and craft of blacksmithing are passed down to future generations.
Creative Sculptural Blacksmithing: The shop is committed to creating unique, handcrafted ironwork that combines both form and function. These pieces, ranging from gates to railings to artistic installations, showcase the artistic potential of blacksmithing while meeting the needs of contemporary clients.
This blend of tradition, education, and creativity defines the Ricker Blacksmith Shop's vision as it continues to serve its community and honor its 225-year legacy.