Tap to explore
The Barn (1850s)
Built 1850s, recreated on site in 2002 Original location: barns in Wisconsin, 200 miles north Current primary use: blacksmith and wood turning demonstrations and classes
This structure displays an important part of the landscape in the 1800s: the local craftsmen who kept communities functioning with their custom handiwork.
Tap to explore
This operational 19th century woodworking and blacksmith shop demonstrates a business combination that would have been typical of the time period. This structure is made of timber frame construction with wood pegged mortises and tenons from three different barns.
Tap to explore
Before department stores, people had to be trained in making, or “crafting,” all kinds of things. These “trades” were specific jobs that required years of training with experienced masters. Younger apprentices lived near or with tradesmen to spend more time learning their craft.
Tap to explore
The large barn doors swing open to let air flow and light inside the work space.
Tap to explore
The Barn’s layout is based on a type of livestock barn, with a large open area for animals to live on the first floor and a hay loft on the partial second floor. Skilled volunteers designed the space to serve as a working shop, shared between a woodworker and blacksmith.
Tap to explore
Blacksmiths shape iron by heating and hitting it, which is why we call them “blacksmiths” – they smite (or strike) black metal to make tools and art, done for at least 6000 years. When James Hatch built Lisle’s first blacksmith shop in 1833, blacksmithing was already an ancient craft.
Tap to explore
The forge is the central feature of the blacksmith working area, called the smithy. This large fireplace reaches high temperatures to make metal soft and pliable. Our forge was constructed using the stone bricks from the Beaubien Tavern’s original foundation.
Tap to explore
Bellows push a stream of air into the forge to control fire temperature. Rope was pulled to flatten it, sucking air into the forge while it expands. The smaller (left) was donated by the Aurora Historical Society. The larger was from a Lisle blacksmith off SW Plank Road in the mid 19th century.
Tap to explore
This is a woodturning workshop, meaning that experienced craftworkers spin wood using lathe machines to create useful and decorative items. These include furniture, tools, ornaments,
toys, and more.
The items you see on display were created by experienced volunteers who practice this craft.
Wood lathesThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Double springpole lathe (left) is the oldest lathe design we have, dating to the 17th century. This one was built and donated in 2014. The treadle-powered lathe (right) design was created by adapting the springpole with a flywheel and pedal to turn the wood all the way around.
Wood Turning Demonstration (2015-02-26) by The Museums at Lisle Station ParkThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Lisle Heritage Society member Bill is providing a demonstration of how wood lathing is done using a foot pedal lathe. This is one of the lathes in the Barn shops and is used by the crew to make objects for the museum. Stay for the end of the "show" as Bill provides a special treat.
Tap to explore
Our wood shop is active with volunteers throughout the year and has many types of hand tools - and electric ones too.
John Deere 999 corn planter (1800) by John Deere companyThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
From the days of its earliest European settlers, Lisle’s residents have grown food, raised animals, and benefited from the products of that labor. Some animals were used to pull equipment like the pieces shown here.
The Museums at Lisle Station Park
A cooperative effort of the Lisle Park District, Lisle Heritage Society, and Village of Lisle
921 School Street, Lisle, IL 60532
Find us on Facebook
Twitter and Instagram @LisleMuseum
Phone: 630-968-0499
Email: museum@lisleparkdistrict.org
www.lisleparkdistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark.html
