Blacksmith Shop

The blacksmith shop building dates back over 100 years in Pierce history, but its exact date of origin is not known.

One of the earliest blacksmiths in Pierce was Frank Kratochvil who was born born November 1, 1863 in Caslav Province of Bohemia. He came to the United States at the age of 23 and located at Schuyler where he worked on a farm for one year and then went into a blacksmith shop. He had served his apprenticeship in Bohemia prior to coming to this country.

In February, 1889, he came to Pierce and started as a blacksmith in this building. He paid $125.00 for the building and tools, not including the lot which he rented for $1.00 a month.

In 1921 Mr. Kratochvil sold the shop and equipment to John and William Boche who were in the elevator business in Pierce.

During the next years the shop was owned and operated by Fred Barneke, Fred Jiskra and E. G. Schauppner. On August 24, 1932 the building was damaged by fire and evidence of that disaster can still be seen in the building. In 1944 Louie Balcer purchased the business and operated it until his retirement in 1976.

Mr. Kratochvil passed away November 25, 1946 and is buried at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery southwest of Pierce.

Pierce Co-Op Oil Company purchased the lots and building from Louie Balcer and then gave the building to Frank J. Kratochvil and family, with the understanding they would move the building to the museum complex in Gilman Park at Pierce. The Kratochvil family agreed to assume the expense of moving and reconstructing the building and replacing all equipment.

Interior of the Kratochvil Blacksmith Shop