Site 59 Berry and Laing Blacksmith Shop

36 Broadway

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John Hankin of Dimboola set up Jeparit’s first Blacksmithing forge in 1889 behind Pearce Brothers store. Two years later in 1891 he sold it to Charles Berry of Bendigo who could see that the gold was destined to peter out and he could better his chances of success in a new agricultural town. On arrival he met up with Alexander (Sandy) Laing who had come to town to work for John Hankin. They soon formed a partnership which lasted until 1902 when the partnership was dissolved Sandy then went to work for Frank Gloury’s new blacksmithing venture for 12 months, (No. 46) but then went back to work at Berry’s.

Berry’s blacksmiths shop ran for 40 years. They manufactured eagerly sought after implements, ploughs, harrows and other equipment used for farming, sales covered a wide area of the Mallee.

Berry and Laing were involved in many affairs of public importance when the town was in the making. Both were foundation members of the Agricultural Society, Mr Berry supported the Race Club from its inception and Mr Laing was elected trustee of the Wesleyan Church (Methodist) upon its establishment in 1890. It was in this famous old smithy, in 1890, that a group of Wesleyans met to conduct Jeparit's first religious service.

Alexander Laing died on the 20th September, 1921. Charles Berry died on 10th July, 1930 after which the business closed, as the motor garages were taking over from the Smithies.

Disclaimer: All information contained on these pages has been prepared over years of research from a small local volunteer group. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge. We always welcome suggestions for corrections or further information to add to the heritage sites. Please forward any comments to info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.