Blacksmith Shop

Step into the heart of early Canadian farm life—the blacksmith shop. Once essential to every rural community, this shop showcases the skill and craftsmanship behind hand-forged tools, wagon parts, and horse harnesses. Among its many treasures are rows of traditional blacksmith tools and leatherworking equipment used to maintain the lifeblood of the farm: the horse. A highlight of the exhibit is the impressive collection of 50 horse collars, gathered over a lifetime by Otto Roessler and generously donated to the museum. Each collar tells a story of the workhorses that powered prairie agriculture and the artisans who made and maintained the gear they wore. This rare and personal collection is a tribute to Otto’s dedication to preserving Canada’s rural heritage.