SUTTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dedicated to preserving our historical inheritance for future generations.
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M.M. Sherman Blacksmith-Wheelwright Shop Repair Project 2009 
Purchased by the Society in 1971, this historic building is in need of substantial repair to preserve it as a living museum.
 


  The M.M. Sherman Blacksmith-Wheelwright Shop was purchased by the Society in 1971 as a "turnkey" transition. All the tools, equipment, oxen hoist (for shoeing) and wheelwnght machinery were left intact by Lewis Sherman who closed the shop in 1953. 

 

In 1977 extensive repairs were made to the building that included replacing boards on three sides, window frames on the South side, most of the sill and many piers to level the structure. The roof was wooden shingled a couple of years later.

 

Now 32 years later, the roof needs replacement and other repairs to the building are being planned. 

The History ~
 

When Hollis Sherman bought the brick store in 1893, its barn (now gone) housed a livery stable and shop, run by blacksmith Daniel Dudley. When Sherman’s son, Milton, took over that shop, Dudley leased neighboring land from Marius Hovey and built the shop seen here.  Several years later he sold it to Hollis Sherman. Shortly afterward the wagon shop addition was constructed probably by George Rich, a wheelwright.

 

Since the spread of specialized commercial agriculture was gradually eliminating resident smithys from local farms, both men were eager to meet a growing demand for wheels, tools, and utensils. Heavy traffic through town also increased the need for wagon wheels and the shodding of the draft animals used to pull plows and haul produce to Boston.

 

To ask a question about this building contact

Steve Colonies - click here.

The shop today...
 

 is a working blacksmith and woodwright shop. The shop is staffed by three volunteers, Fran Donnelly, Greg Wolodkin and Steve Colonies.

 

Duties include maintaining a historic site, educational tours, and demonstration of craftsmanship using the large collection of antique hand tools to fashion wrought iron and wooden reproductions.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

The Sherman Blacksmith and Woodwright Shop
428 Boston Road
Sutton, MA 01590
Tel. (508) 865-5770 or (508) 865-2597

 

 

For more information, click here.