Interview with blacksmith Thomas Rains

General Note/Comment

• One audio cassette. Side 1, C78-48: Rains, born December 24, 1894, discusses wrought ironwork. He learned the trade from his father, a former slave from Americus, Georgia. Rains began the practice himself in 1912. He discusses his work on wagons, wheels, and tools and talks of how he does restoration work for historical societies. Side 2, C78-48: Rains discusses his philosophy on life, making decorative hinges and tie backs; making unusual items; making white oak baskets; work on the farm, etc. Side 1, C78-49: Discusses his family, his blacksmith shop and equipment, his church, his membership in the Farmers' Union, Elizabethan Missionary Baptist Church, exhibiting for fairs and events, shoeing horses, etc.