The blacksmith’s role in a coal town was to sharpen the picks, drills, bars, and whatever other tools the miners needed. In addition, he supplied horseshoes for the horses from the company livery stable and mules that were used in the mines.

Heilwood’s blacksmith shop was located on the opposite side of the bridge crossing Yellow Creek. Joseph C. Wolfe sold the business to Walter W. Mallory in February 1917. Mallory operated the business until his death in 1918, at which time his brother Robert took over the business (see photo). In 1922, Robert placed an ad in The Indiana Gazette to sell not only the business but a wide variety of household goods.

Quite possibly, the increased use of the automobile and the increasing need for mechanics, rather than a blacksmith, quickened their demise.