FORGE POND GENERAL BLACKSMITH

When you think of Americana and the rich tradition of New England craftsmanship 19-year-old entrepreneurs are probably not the first thing that comes to mind.  Nestled into the north-central New England woods is a small hand-built shop reminiscent of a village blacksmith in the 1800s.  Inside that shop, a fifth-generation resident of Westminster, MA, plies his trade shaded by 100-year-old maples planted by his great-great-grandfather. 
Zachary Connell is a history enthusiast, civil war reenactor, and Blacksmith.  To an observer watching him work, the scene falls somewhere in between living history and a Norman Rockwell painting.  Zach, as he is known to friends and family, has taken a hobby and turned it into a career.  A committed traditionalist, most of the pieces that emerge from his shop are crafted using a hammer, anvil, and coal-fired forge.  Zach has his pragmatic side.  While he would be content to have an apprentice work the bellows, a variable speed electric blower is an excellent substitute!   His working philosophy is hand tools first, power tools when necessary.
Zach is often described as an old soul.  He is one of six children from an old-school New England family.  As one would expect, his work ethics reflect traditional American values, and his personal ethics are built on duty to God, a duty to family, and duty to country. 
Zach founded Forge Pond General Blacksmith in 2018 to carry on a rich tradition.  Blacksmiths forged the tools that built this country.  In his words, “that’s pretty cool.”  His 6th Great-grandfather was a Blacksmith in Fincastle VA, his 3rd Great-grandfather had his blacksmith shop in nearby Fitchburg MA.   Forge Pond General Blacksmithing produces unique pieces.  No two items are the same.  Everything is handmade.  Popular items are available on the website.  Commissions and requests for customizations are accepted.  Zach also offers lessons in introductory blacksmithing for children and teens.  Zachary’s availability and an online reservation request form can be found by clicking here.