The eighth grade South Carolina History students of Mabry Middle School had a special visitor on Friday, Feb. 1.  Bruce Mills came to demonstrate the art of blacksmithing. Mills works as a historical blacksmith at Walnut Grove Plantation on the weekends. He has been working as a blacksmith for eight years now; however, this is not his primary job. Mills has worked for 30 years for a bearing manufacturer in Spartanburg.  Mills gave up a day of work in order to come and demonstrate his art to the students.

The students asked many questions of Mills during his demonstration, which he answered with much enthusiasm. When asked how he got started as a blacksmith, Mills answered that Walnut Grove sent him to Western Carolina University to attend their blacksmith program. He has worked weekends for them ever since.

Mills said that he loves coming to Mabry to show the kids his art.

“I love all the time I can spend with the students,” said Mills.

Erin Collins, eighth grade social studies department chair said, “We are very lucky to have Mr. Mills willing to give up his time to be with us.  This is his fourth year with us now.”

The students also loved the presentation. Jimmy Painter, and eighth grader, exclaimed his appreciation, “Wow!  That was fun and he has a lot of information.”

– article submitted by Rachel O’Brien