Small-Town Business Makes Big-Time Impact
Blair Garrett
Tucked away in the quiet mountain town of Emmitsburg lies a talented blacksmith who specializes in creating the unknown.
The unknown for Harold Green of Horseshoe Forge and Ironworks is what job will come through his door next. Green creates what his customers need, and that is quality metalwork, repairs, and an innate ability to pull off the near impossible.
Green often has customers come to him, struggling to find a way to create the project they have in mind. Filling the gaps with the design and craftsmanship is what has taken Horseshoe Forge and Ironworks to the next level.
“Anything made out of metal that people can’t find anymore, they come and see me,” Green said.
Whether it’s small trinkets for a keychain or a hand-crafted specialty knife, and anything in between, Green finds a way to make it happen.
This latest venture of running his own business has exploded since its establishment in September 2017.
“About a year and a half ago, I did a bluegrass festival in Granite Hill,” Green said. Green’s displays and dedication have earned him a reputation, rocketing his business to new heights. “With all the promoters, now, people call me and ask me to come out. It’s just been growing and growing.”
There is no limit to what Green can create from the comfort of his garage, but it isn’t the money that gets him out of bed every morning. Green came into contact with a father from Alabama, desperately trying to raise enough money for his daughter.
“I sent some stuff down to a guy who was trying to send his autistic child to camp in Alabama. I sent a hand-forged tomahawk and a knife down, and with that they raised enough money to send that little girl to camp for two weeks. The email that the gentleman sent me back was well worth it.”
The joy Green gets from creating something he’s proud of is what pushes him to pursue his passion, but even though Horseshoe Forge and Ironworks is a one-man show, Green still needs a little help from time to time.
“My wife helps out when we go to shows sometimes,” Green said. “Diana really, more or less, supported me throughout this whole thing. There were times when I wanted to quit, but she told me I wasn’t a quitter and that was it.” Green also has an official chief of security dog on staff, Riley, who protects and supports him throughout his work day.
The long-time welder turned blacksmith has big plans for the future, but Green is taking his work step by step. “Our dream is to open up a retail store somewhere,” he said. For now, the plan is to keep putting out the best product possible for his customers.
Even though Green is officially retired, running his own blacksmithing business has been far from work. “I don’t consider this a job,” expressed Green. “It’s more like a nice opportunity to expand my imagination.”
Check out Horseshoe Forge and Ironworks online to see more of Green’s work at www.horseshoeforgeandironworks.com.
Harold Smith worked as a welder for 40 years before opening his own business in 2017.
