Heavy Metal at Longstreet Farm

Called the "king of crafts" in mythology and folklore, blacksmithing plies the elemental forces of fire and molten metal to create works of lasting utility and simple beauty.  To step into a blacksmith's shop is to step out of modernity to witness the skill and sheer physical strength required of the 19th century metal worker.  

And so it was for visitors to Historic Longstreet Farm on Sunday, February 13, 2011 as the sooty, acrid smell of purified carbon, known as coke, hung heavy in the air.  

Professional Blacksmith Marshall Bienstock, 59, of Howell, dressed in tan breeches, vest, and boots, prodded the fire.  As a member of the New Jersey Blacksmiths Association, Bienstock often gives living history lectures and craft demonstrations to local parks and historical groups.  

Now, he alternately heated, hammered, and cooled a rib of metal into what would become a pair of tongs.  

"Historically we know that this building was always here," said Bienstock, "but it's not well known if it was always a blacksmith's shop or if there was a full time smith at the farm."

According to the Monmouth County Parks System, which owns Longstreet Farm, the 1,500-square foot building was constructed around 1830.

"Most likely there were fieldhands who could blacksmith simple repairs for the Holmes family," continued Bienstock.  "There were travelling smiths at the time who would come to do the work, especially for a well-to-do family, rather than going to town and getting the work done."

Hanging from original wooden beams and rafters were small household items such spatulas, long roasting forks, called "flesh forks," decorative heart-shaped hooks, door hinges , door pulls, farm tools, and dozens of horseshoes. 

Under ownership of the Parks System, all of the buildings at Longstreet Farm have undergone restoration except the blacksmith shop. 

"It's falling apart," said Sarah Duterte 26, of Old Bridge, a full time Historic Site Interpreter at Longstreet Farm. 

"It's been slowly leaning for many years so it needs attention," said Duterte. 

That needed attention includes repairs to the building’s heavy timber framing, foundation, siding and woodwork.  The existing concrete floor needs to be replaced with a historically appropriate wood floor, according to a written statement from the Monmouth County Park System.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all work done at Longstreet Farm must comply with Secretary of Interior’s standards for rehabilitation.

At a public meeting on January 27, 2011, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders discussed a plan that would include a $305,000 expenditure for comprehensive restoration of the blacksmith shop.  Money for the project would derive from the dedicated tax fund created for land conservation, historic preservation and park improvements.

By law, the public has 45 days from the date of the public hearing to submit comment on the proposal before the Board can vote to authorize the expenditures.

If approved, construction is set to begin in 2012.