The Barn

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.

The large barn doors swing open to let air flow and light inside the work space.

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.

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.

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.

Bellows supply oxygen to the fire, making the fire hot enough to mold iron objects. 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.

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, bowls, toys, and more.

Our wood shop is active with volunteers throughout the year and has many types of hand tools - and electric ones too.