~ The Blacksmith of Fitchburg ~

~ No.1913 River Street ~

A Documented Story of
~ The Trade of the Blacksmith ~

Credit for all photo's and the Story below, go to - Mr. Robert (Bob) Boucher of California.

The Blacksmith and his trade were one of the most important services
to have during the 1800's to the middle 1920's. Starting in and around
the 1910 mark the - Boucher Brother's - set up a Blacksmith shop at
No.1913 River Street. Later to move premises to Lunenburg Street in
the early 40's where they kept on trading for many more years after.
Even after the advent of the first car's, Blacksmiths were still required -
as it took many years before people took up this new mode of transport.
Another job was in the Agricultural side of the market for the repair of
tractor's parts and ploughs and all associated equipment.

Above, with two sulkies parked outside -
One can also see that The trade of the Blacksmith also included being a
"Professional Wheelwright" as well as many other tasks including spring
making ( Compression & leaf Springs ) coach and dray parts including axle
bolsters and the familiar horseshoe, horse - "mouth bits & rings" all steel
parts for bridals and saddles, fire pokers and grilles - and a host of other parts.
It may also be noted that the Blacksmith was also a man who could deal with
a wide variety of Leather-work and repairs as he was often called upon for
the repair of Harnesses, Saddles and Stirrup straps.

The Family moved to Fitchburg in 1880,
from the French quarter of Reviere DuLoup, Quebec - Canada.
The Family roots have be traced back to Mortagne, Orne
( France ) - 16th and 17th Centuries.

Seen below
Is a photo of the Original Founder and his Wife.

Upon the Death of Eugene Boucher - Henry Boucher, Born January 24, 1891,
carried on the Family Business in Fitchburg for many years.
( He can be seen in the photo below )

Below
Let's take a look Inside!

In the Above Photo ( From - Left to Right )
The young boy (7 y/o) is Joseph Elie Boucher with Father Joseph Ludger Boucher,
Henry Boucher, and Jean Baptiste Boucher standing behind the anvil.

~ After many hard years work in Fitchburg ~

It's time for a Family - get-together.
People standing ( Left to Right ) -
Henry Boucher & wife Rose (Courtemanche) Boucher, Eugene Charles Boucher & wife Rose (Gaudette) Boucher,
Joseph Ludger Boucher, Rose (Couture) Boucher with husband Jean Baptiste Boucher.
The couple seated are - Elie Joseph Boucher and wife Elimina (Vallincourt) Boucher
Now being the Great Grandparent's to all Boucher Family member's today, - Within this Family tree.