Marshall McClung
A practice once used to celebrate holidays especially the July 4 holiday, and other celebrations and events was one that many people have never heard of.
Anvil firing took the place of fireworks when it came to noise and explosions. Fireworks were not plentiful in rural areas of America in early days and farm families would not have had the financial means to purchase them if they had been. The procedure of firing an anvil involved placing one anvil upright with a charge of black powder placed on its flat surface. Then another anvil was placed upside down on the anvil with the charge of black powder on it. The powder was then set off sending the top anvil as much as 100 feet into the air. A blacksmith’s anvil can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds – though those anvils used in the firing technique weighed much less.
Anvil firing was common during the 19th century especially in rural farm areas. The Pilgrims were said to have had anvil shootings sometime after landing on American soil.
Some might think that firing anvils should be added to the “Don’t try this at home” list; or the “Watch this, guys” list, as there is a danger of the black powder igniting prematurely and the risk of being struck by a falling anvil.
Try explaining this to your insurance agent – provided you survive.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, mcclungs@email.com.