Though not a dedicated tool maker, Dan Nauman's craft is near and dear to the woodworker and toolmaker.

Dan says .. "Forging metal has become a passion and a livelihood that has patterned my vision in life. I have arrived at a stage where I no longer grapple with the material. I revel in exploring the styles of the past, as well as expressing new visions in metal. The essence of my skills flow from intense tutelage as well as the finished works of numerous metal artists, coupled with many years of my own practice and studies in iron and copper. Fortune has allowed me the pleasures of forging a potpourri of styles and designs in furniture, accessories and architecture. I derive immense satisfaction knowing that my work resides alongside other architectural master's works—both past and present."

Dan Nauman first put a hammer blow to hot iron in the historic shop in Cedarburg's Cedar Creek Settlement in 1979. Dan traveled the United States in search of others who could teach the exhilarating trade of the blacksmith; and incorporated Bighorn Forge in 1991. Dan is now invited to lecture and demonstrate at trade conferences, living history events, and art museums around the country.

A visit to the Bighorn Forge's Cedarburg Showroom and Shop will take you a step or two back in time. Located in the historic Cedar Creek Settlement, this location has served as a blacksmith shop since the mid 1970's, and opened as Bighorn Forge in October of 2000.

Originally the building served as a boiler room for the woolen mill next to it. The mill was built in 1864 and made wool clothing and blankets for Civil War soldiers. The dam and creek east of the blacksmith shop provided power to the wheel which drove the many looms and stitching machines. The mill added an electric generator to the water wheel in the 1890's and became the first source of electricity in Cedarburg.

Today the old woolen mill houses a wonderful array of gift shops, art galleries, cafes, and historic memorabilia.

Jim Esten
Cedarburg, Wisconsin

July 2006