Press Release
April 20, 2022
Contact: Diana Simon
Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-336-2405
dsimon@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/cherokeestripmuseum
Blacksmithing and Wheel Setting Demonstrations with Tom Nelson at the Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry
PERRY, Okla. — Visit the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School in Perry on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a special blacksmithing demonstration on the art of wheel setting. In addition to activities held in the blacksmith shop, the museum's resident blacksmith, Tom Nelson, will be demonstrating the advanced art of setting a wagon wheel and a buggy wheel. The wheel setting demonstrations will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The wheelwright's craft goes back thousands of years, and was essential in an age of wagon use. They were skilled in the art of building and repairing wooden wheels. There are many steps in the construction of heavy wheels, including the finishing touch of adding a metal ring, or “tire,” to tighten the wheel and ensure its stability. The metal piece is added when it is heated, so as it cools and shrinks, the wheel’s spokes tighten and the wooden joints of the wheel come together.
This educational event is free to attend, but donations are appreciated. The Cherokee Strip Museum is located at 2617 W. Fir St. in Perry. For more information about activities and exhibits at the museum, please call 580-336-2405.
The Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School is an affiliate of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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