History Happy Hour! The Finneyfrock Story

This month’s History Happy Hour traces the origins of blacksmiths in Olney.  It is the compelling story of two families – the Hines’ and the Finneyfrocks.  Hear from Richard Kitterman, Emmet Tydings and Bob Hines – grandson of the founder, Reuben P. Hines.  The evening’s moderator is Will Slade.

 In 1885, Reuben Hines set up a blacksmith and welding shop to shoe horses, and forge and repair farm equipment. Little did he, or his apprentice, Josiah Finneyfrock, realize that the venture that originated on Georgia Avenue would later become known for “fixing anything and everything.” From a country blacksmith forge to a turf-cutting business for post-WWII suburban homes, to repairing lawn mower and pressure washing equipment, Finneyfrock’s evolved to meet the needs of local Olney residents and changing industry in America. Come experience the history of this beloved institution as told by family members and local residents – the shop’s early days, the Big Brute Cutter, invented by Josiah’s son, Dudley Sr., the tear-down of the old shop in the late 1970s, and the last years of the business until 2004.

 History Happy Hours are brought to you by the Therrien Waddell Construction Group. Happy Hours include complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.