Chris Hall / Metroland SCUGOG ISLAND -- For 17 years, Darwyne Hourie has been practising his skills as a blacksmith at the Scugog Shores Museum. He's on hand at the Scugog Island site once a week and also participates in all special events at the museum, a feat that landed him honours as the museum's top volunteer of 2007. CH 041708
Helping forge Scugog's history
SCUGOG -- About once a week, Darwyne Hourie hops into his van, with trusty canine pal Tess in tow, and heads east with his sights set on the Scugog Shores Museum.
The 70-minute drive from his home in East York doesn't seem to bother him, as he's been making the trek to the Scugog Island historical site since 1991 -- about the same time a replica blacksmith's shop was built on the grounds.
It's the opportunity to shape steel, the old-fashioned way, that keeps bringing Mr. Hourie, 64, back to Scugog each week to practise his trade.
In fact, it was the chance to work away on his new-found hobby that first brought Mr. Hourie here 17 years ago. He took his first blacksmithing class in 1986 and it was through those he met at those sessions that tipped him off to the need for a new forgemaster at the Scugog museum.
"It was a chance to get some practise in as a blacksmith, a chance to practise what I had been learning. It seemed to come naturally to me and I seemed to be able to get the steel to do what I wanted to do," said Mr. Hourie last Thursday, dressed in his blacksmith apron and work pants. "There's nice surroundings here and good people."
Over the years, Mr. Hourie's skills have grown. He mostly creates small items, such as plant and pot holders and hangers. A lot of gardening tools, too.
But more importantly than what he creates is what he has become to the museum. A friendly and familiar face at the historical site, Mr. Hourie has also become a fixture at the museum's special events, playing the role of real-life blacksmith.
At marquee events such as the Pioneer Fall Fair, he adds an air of authenticity to the day.
And for that, his commitment to playing an integral role at the museum, Mr. Hourie was honoured last week as the site's 2007 'Volunteer of the Year'.
"I didn't expect it," he begins humbly. "It's an honour and I appreciate what the people have put together here over the years and I value that and I value that people have put an awful lot of work into the museum."
With an interest in carrying on a fading trade and chance to show off his handiwork, as well as an opportunity to spend time with spaniel pal Tess, Mr. Hourie says there's little to dislike about the drive to Scugog each week.
Except one thing.
"The only part that's hard now is paying for the gas."