Warkentin Blacksmith Shop
2172 PTH 26,
St. Francois Xavier area

Designation Date: February 10, 1994
Designation Authority: The R.M. of St. Francois Xavier
Present Owner: privately owned

This blacksmith shop was constructed in 1931 by its owner, Henry Warkentin, a highly skilled artisan. The blacksmith shop served the St. Francois Xavier area for over 30 years until its owner retired. Henry Warkentin was renowned in and around the district for his craftsmanship in repairing farm machinery. Farmers from as far as Headingley, Elie and Neepawa brought their ploughshares to him for repair and sharpening.

The blacksmith shop is a simple, utilitarian structure. Painted red, the one-storey wood-frame building is covered with a gable roof, while small windows punctuate the sides. The façade incorporates large sliding doors which, when moved aside, expose a large work area.