Tinsmith To Demonstrate On Main Street
Tinsmith To Demonstrate On Main Street
The Newtown Historical Society will host another in its series of Living History Demonstrations on Sunday, May 20, from 1 to 4 pm. John Santo, appearing in period dress, will demonstrate the fabrication of Colonial tinware with traditional 18th Century tools. This even will be held at the Societyâs Matthew Curtiss House-Museum, 44 Main Street, Newtown.
The 18th Century villages of America attracted craftsmen in special trades who prospered. Some towns actually advertised the opportunities they offered for a needed craftsman. Among the vital tradesmen most towns sustained were cooper, blacksmith, joiner, and a whitesmith, better known as a tinsmith.
A tinsmith for over 15 years, Mr Santo will give guests a short history of tin and its origin, fabricate all parts of a hand-pierced lantern in steps using flat sheet tin and traditional wooden molds and stakes. Additionally, he will construct a watertight bread pan from sheet tin using cast-iron stakes and a pan swedge.
Costumed guides will escort guests through the Matthew Curtiss House, sharing stories about daily life in early Newtown and information about the 18th Century house-museum. Many new items are on display in the house-museum, including significant furniture donations attributed to Newtown craftsmen.
This event is open to the pubic and is free of charge. Visitors may stop by any time during the three-hour event. Call the Newtown Historical Society at 203-426-5937 for more information.
