Texas Blacksmith Conference; Hume Texas Antique Gas Engine reunion set for Jan. 26-27

Plans for the 4th annual Texas Blacksmith Conference & the Hume L. Baker Texas Antique Gas Engine Reunion have been finalized. The events will be held Jan. 26-27, at the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center’s Czech Village grounds in La Grange, beginning at noon on Friday for early exhibits and vendor set up, and the main event at 9 a.m. on Saturday. This event continues to grow and hopefully it will make this year’s event even better.

There are many shows geared towards antique tractors, but none that are solely for the interest of the antique stationary engines, until now! The farm shows in Texas had seen a decline in the past years in engine displays, and after only a few years of this show, the numbers are beginning to increase. This show is sure to help fuel-up the interest in this educational hobby. The show will feature gas, steam, hot air, and oil engines operating, and some powering equipment. The show is named in memory of long time engine collector and restorer Hume L Baker of Sheridan. Hume’s dedication to the mechanics of the restoration and eye for detail is known all over Texas’ antique farm shows. Before his passing in 2018, Mr. Baker, as he was known, dispersed of his 40+ collection to other collectors and enthusiasts, sharing the love of his hobby with so many to ensure its future. The South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Club will be the hosting Club for this show.

The Blacksmith Conference had been held in College Station in the past, but in 2021, time had come for it to be revamped. The Texas Trio Group came together to revive this event and, like the engines, fire-up interest in this amazing art! They chose to come to La Grange and utilize the TCHCC Village, partnering with the STWSCT Club, for a new event that has defnitely sparked interest in all generations! Blacksmithing demonstrations along with vendors of knives, tools, and other pieces of interest will be on going both days. An iron smelt will also be burning all day Saturday and pulled at the conclusion of the event, about 4-5 p.m.

On Saturday, master farrier Riley Kirkpatrick will be the featured blacksmith, presenting two sessions. In 2010, he graduated from the Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, MO. Kirkpatrick is certified through the American Farriers Association and an active member of the World Championship Blacksmiths where he competed on the Category 2 Team at Stoneleigh. He resides in Sheridan, OR with his wife and daughter. The popular iron smelt, original way iron was made dating back to the Roman Empire, will also be burning all day Saturday and pulled at the conclusion of the event, about 4-5 p.m.The TCHCC and Village will be open for touring. The Zapalac Saw Mill and the Czech Newspapers Museum will be in operation. Concessions will also be available. A live auction will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday with special handmade blacksmith knives and tools along with various other specialty items to top the list! Musical entertainment playing classic country throughout the day will be by the Annie Rost & Mike Stroup Band.

Sponsors for this year’s event are Oviedo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT, J & J Metal Works, South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Club, The Texas Trio, and TCHCC. Please Thank them for their generosity! The proceeds generated from this event will benefit the future TCHCC Blacksmith Shop construction and other Village projects. The Blacksmith Shop will be available for future generations to learn about a trade that was very important to the life of a community, and a farm, in the early days of Texas’ settlements. The Blacksmith Shop will be a working museum and events will be held in it throughout the year.

There is no admission to the event. Donations are welcomed.

TCHCC regular business hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10AM4PM, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 a.m. The Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center is located at 250 W. Fairgrounds Road on Highway 77 just North of La Grange. Contact 888-785-4500 email info@czechtexas.org.

They to see you here on Jan. 26-27.