21 Nov The Blacksmithing Bear: A Folk School Friend’s Memory Lives On
As you walk through the Folk School campus, in and out of buildings with histories spanning nearly 100 years, you’re likely to find an item with a story. A coat rack crafted by a blacksmithing class includes hooks made by individual students. A basket that holds warm bread is a handmade gift from a cherished instructor. A quilt that marked the return of the Fall Festival after the pandemic was sewn by the very first Artist in Residence and is decorated with the signatures of folks who remind us it’s good to be together. This is another one of those stories, and it brings a special gift of comfort in a time of shared grief.
As the Folk School community mourns the recent loss of former Resident Weaver Pam Howard, we are especially grateful to be the new caretakers of a beloved stuffed animal that will keep Pam close. Meet the Blacksmithing Bear.
Pam crafted this fabric friend in 1988, at a time when Francis Whitaker (as in the Francis Whitaker Blacksmith Shop) was teaching what he thought would be his last class at the Folk School. Pam’s husband, Ron Howard, was one of fifteen students who packed the shop beyond capacity, leaving three outside and working under the shed. “One of them was me,” Ron says, “and it was cold.”
To mark the would-be occasion of Francis’ final class (though it wasn’t), Pam originally made two bears, complete with aprons signed by Francis and all fifteen students. One of the bears was auctioned off and Pam took the second one home. The Blacksmithing Bear stayed with her for over 35 years and in an act of kindness and love for the school – and a special love for blacksmiths – she donated the comfort creature to the 2024 Blacksmith Auction.
The first – yes, first – winning bidder was Rusty Osborne, a fellow blacksmith and Folk School instructor. At his request, the bear was given back for another round of fundraising. In a true “second time’s the charm” moment, Rusty was again the winning bidder. After two successful rounds in the live auction, the Blacksmithing Bear was then graciously donated to the Folk School. He now lives in our archives and will be on display soon.
Pam Howard & other Weavers during Weavers Work Week 2024
Weavers Work Week 2018
The Blacksmithing Bear’s apron, signed inside by Pam, also displays the names of other Folk School family members, some who have since passed on. Along with Francis Whitaker, whose maker’s mark sits directly in the middle, the apron bears these signatures: Clay Spencer, Walt Scaddin, Bob Heath, Ron Howard, Ryan Johnson, Bert Smith, Elmer Roush, Jeff Graves, Gray Smith, Ed Grove, Jeff Mohr, Bob Becker, Howard McCall, Charley Orlando, James Honig, and Fred Woodword.
“What makes this Blacksmithing Bear so special,” Pam said, “is his heart of ‘coal’ that has forged friendships for life.” It’s an apt metaphor outside the Blacksmith Shop, too, where weekly classes start with strangers who leave as chosen family. Pam taught many of those classes in her 21 years as a weaving instructor. She also participated in and eventually organized Weavers’ Work Week, bringing familiar faces back to campus annually for special projects. In 2018, the week resulted in the current Dining Hall banners, inspired by the Stix in the Mud Morris Dance team.
The Blacksmithing Bear
Pam Howard
The Folk School is adorned with endless stories. Some, like the banners, are hanging from the walls while others, like the baskets, are fittingly shared around the table. All bear witness to the magic Pam Howard helped create during her decades as Resident Weaver and Folk School friend. We will miss her dearly, and we will always be grateful for the Blacksmithing Bear who will forever remind us of Pam’s creative spirit.
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