On the backside of the woolen mill, the machine and locksmith shop occupied a building adjacent to the millwright's shop. The metal workers kept the metal components of the mill and farm machinery repaired, and they installed new technology as it became available. In addition to maintaining the mills' machinery, the metal workers also made objects for general use, such as locks. The locksmiths in the Amana Colonies made a distinctive German-style lock. One author described the locks as "peculiarly large." They can be found in buildings throughout the Amana Colonies today.

Today, the machine shop is occupied by Roger's Anvil where artist-blacksmith Roger Quaintance hand forges quality ironwork on site. Roger's Anvil is open all year and visitors can see periodic blacksmithing demonstrations. The Industrial Machine Shop Museum, where many of the original machines are on display, is also located here. Various tools, some dating to 1860, are on display.

Roger's Anvil/Industrial Machine Shop Museum is located at 822 48th Ave., in Amana. It is open all year, Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm with free admission. Please call 319-622-3482 for further information.

Credits and Sources:

National Park Service. "Amana Colonies." http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amana/sitelist.htm.

Photographs courtesy of the Amana Heritage Society

Photograph by Shannon Bell