Milton Historical Society & Waldie Blacksmith Shop

Restoration of the Waldie Blacksmith Shop

The founder, James Alfred Waldie was born in Scotland in 1832. He completed his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in Scotland by 1853 and as a young man came to Canada eventually taking over a blacksmith business in Acton. By 1865 the Waldie family had moved to Milton establishing a new blacksmith business that would operate in the same building at 16 James Street for over 100 years. The blacksmith shop, built by James Waldie Sr., employed a painter, trimmer, two woodworkers and five blacksmiths from dawn to dusk during its peak period in the early 1890's. Three generations of Waldie blacksmiths operated out of the facility: James Sr. (1832-1900); James Jr. (1871-1948) and Alfred (1905-1980). Here they shod horses, repaired wagons; as well as manufacturing farm implements and horse drawn carriages for the local community. Alfred was the last member of the Waldie family to operate the blacksmith shop which he closed in the early 1970's. His dream to have the blacksmith shop restored is now a reality thanks to the efforts of the Waldie family, Milton Historical Society, Town of Milton, Province of Ontario, and the community. Restoration of the Waldie Blacksmith Shop preserves an important link to one of the earliest and most vital businesses in the history of Ontario.

Restoration of the Waldie Blacksmith Shop

The founder, James Alfred Waldie was born in Scotland in 1832. He completed his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in Scotland by 1853 and as a young man came to Canada eventually taking over a blacksmith business in Acton. By 1865 the Waldie family had moved to Milton establishing a new blacksmith business that would operate in the same building at 16 James Street for over 100 years. The blacksmith shop, built by James Waldie Sr., employed a painter, trimmer, two woodworkers and five blacksmiths from dawn to dusk during its peak period in the early 1890's. Three generations of Waldie blacksmiths operated out of the facility: James Sr. (1832-1900); James Jr. (1871-1948) and Alfred (1905-1980). Here they shod horses, repaired wagons; as well as manufacturing farm implements and horse drawn carriages for the local community. Alfred was the last member of the Waldie family to operate the blacksmith shop which he closed in the early 1970's. His dream to have the blacksmith shop restored is now a reality thanks to the efforts of the Waldie family, Milton Historical Society, Town of Milton, Province of Ontario, and the community. Restoration of the Waldie Blacksmith Shop preserves an important link to one of the earliest and most vital businesses in the history of Ontario.

This video is a digital recreation of the taped presentation by City TV Breakfast Television show which highlighted the restoration of the Waldie Blacksmith Shop in Milton, Ontario CANADA.

Waldie Blacksmith shop in Milton Ontario music bu ALL City League

My day at the blacksmith forge in Milton Ontario. Unfortunately none of the video has me hammering anything but i had a blast and learned a lot while i forged a couple of coat hooks. Check them out if your interested
Milton Historical Society Waldie Black-Smith Shop

16 James St, Milton, ON L9T 2P4
(905) 875-4156



All City League can be found at

1949 Stars of Milton

Scenes from Milton circa 1949. Created by the University of Western Ontario.

OABA Meeting, February 2011: Waldies Blacksmith Shop, part 1

Lloyd Johnston demonstrates mortise and tennon joints.