Interview with Frank Oates about his memories of Ballabeg Smithy
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Date(s): 6 May 1951
Creator(s): Manx Museum
Scope & Content: Frank Oates talks to H. Rogers about his memories of Ballabeg Smithy which he started working at 50 years ago. He talks about the new mart on the old smithy site; yard layout; how in 1901 his father was informed premises to be sold and so he purchased premises nearby in 1902. He describes the old smithy as thatched; village helping to fight a fire at the smithy; the three smithies in Ballasalla; making and maintaining swing ploughs; working hours; modern welding processes to craftsmanship of smithies.
Frank recites a short verse about blacksmiths and describes the other two smithies in Ballasalla owned by Mr Curry and Mr Bridson. He talks about the piecework pay and re-shoeing a horse; fires in smithy; workload and apprentices; his father’s move to the Isle of Man aged 21 to take over smithy; ornamental work; men of district gathering at smithy at night; smith and joiner making carts or gates; ‘hooping day’ and different ways of laying fires; process of hooping wheels; use of sleds; different ways of turning hoops; herring roasters used in fireplaces; making fenders and fire irons for farms; horseshoe nails pointed by his grandmother; horses bled by smiths; smith removing lampas growth in horses' mouths; difficulty finding new smith apprentices.
Administration / Biographical History: This recording was made for the Manx Folk Life Survey. H. Rogers was a Manx Folk Life Survey recorder.
Language: English
Extent: 28 min. 1 sec.
Item name: magnetic tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0061
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH, #UOSHManxFolkLifeSurvey