Blacksmith Shop

Built: c. 1886. Original Building Name: J. Finley Blacksmith Shop Original Location: Goshen-Swainton Road, Middle Township. Acquired by HCSV: 1974

Built around 1886 with timbers recycled from an earlier structure (most likely a barn) along with standard dimensional lumber, this wood frame structure represents a light-industrial building type which was once common in New Jersey, but of which few have survived. Its one-story height, double front doors, and unfinished interior are typical of blacksmith shops built in 1800s Cape May County. Along with making horse shoes, nails, tools, and the like, John Finley did blacksmithing work for the shipbuilding industry, which was an important part of Cape May County economy.