Blacksmithing: A Benjamin Family Tradition

Top: Robert H. Benjamin, who came to Mackinac Island in 1884, works in his blacksmith shop on Mackinac Island in this undated photograph. He first worked at Fort Mackinac before opening his blacksmith shop, and later become the Island's postmaster. The Benjamin Blacksmith shop was then passed on to his son, Herbert Benjamin, and was moved to Market Street, just down the hill from Cadotte Avenue. Herbert's son, Robert Benjamin, owns Benjamin Kodak on Main Street.

Right: Miles Benjamin, the grandson of Robert Benjamin and the greatgreat grandson of Robert H. Benjamin, works in the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop under the supervision of blacksmith Dave Schultz. The shop was acquired by Mackinac State Historic Parks in 1968 and its contents were moved to its current location next to Biddle House.

The forge there is original. Miles Benjamin was recently graduated from high school, and in the fall will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. (Photographs courtesy of Robert Benjamin)