Subject: Re: "The Death of a Smith"

From: [email-masked]
Date: Fri, 22 Mar 1996 16:35:38 -0500

In a message dated 96-03-22 09:15:02 EST, [email-masked] (Page
Thomas) writes:

>
>The anvil of Elmer Seybold, known to his students and friends as "Doc", 
>was silenced on March 2, 1996. 

There is a sadness indeed when one of our kind passes on and though there is
a loss felt by those touched and moved by the person's presence, there is
also a remainder that is left behind.  Whenever your hand speaks to the iron,
it is the voice of the master that bolsters the undertone of the work at
hand.  In a way, there is a life extension that continues to preside over our
existence, and it is through the voices of others that Elmer Seybold
continues his presence and the greater gift that was shared among you.

Others close to us or important to the vitality of our own beingness have
moved on, as we all will, but with every passing, there is a gain that is
manifested through the cumulative life of the craft that contributes to the
big breath of life.  On a different level, we might consider this moment as a
transference of the speaking voice to you and now you are the bearer of his
influence.  

The product of the forge is the legacy and the continuance of the spirit of
life that reigns  from this point on is what keeps each individual alive well
past his mortal time.  After a time we'll know that there is no sadness but
rather a delight that among us was someone who made a difference.  He will
continue to be acknowledged and project his influence through you now, and
this may not be simply a responsibilty but rather a priviledge.  

So sure, a quiet moment may be in order, but then go ahead and bang a little
harder on the anvil, just to help him cross over, with a glorious parade of
his friends celebrating his existence then and now.  I never knew Elmer
Seybold, but I know others who still cast wonderful shadow figures on the
wall behind the forge, instructing and sharing a joyous partnership, as I
know he will with his friends.
Chris Ray

---

From: [email-masked] (James Batson)
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 1996 23:07:45 -0500

>was silenced on March 2, 1996. He was the Guru of North Texas
>Blacksmithing. He owned and operated the North Texas Farrier School for 35
>years and the founder and first president of the Palomino Horse
>Association; was an accomplished silversmith; one of the first members of
>American Mussle Loading Association, and forged several flint-lock and
>ball and cap guns as well as damascus knives and swords.
>
>
>                      "Elmer Seybold, 1914-1996"
>
>                Each time an Anvil is silenced here on Earth
>                        by the Death of a Smith,
>                  Vulcan raises his hammer and all Anvils
>                     are silenced in honor and memory
>                        of a Smith who has died.
>
>                      As Vulcan lowers his hammer
>                        and strikes the hot iron,
>                      The sparks fly through the air,
>
>                      As the Chorus of Anvils ring out
>                        Welcome home, Welcome home.
>                              Welcome home.
>
>                  Dr. you have learned your craft well and
>                           have now passed it on.
>
>                        As Vulcan has welcomed you Home
>                             Use your new Forge,
>                          Your Anvil, Hammer and Tongs
>                             Fire up the Forge and
>                              Strike the hot iron.
>
>                        You are Home Dr., You are Home
>
>
>Let all Anvils be silenced for one minute in his memory.
>
>Page A. Thomas
>Bear Anvil Blacksmith Shop
>
>[email-masked]

WELL DONE Page, In 1976, Elmer started me down the bladesmithing and
Blacksmithing trail.  He was a good one.

Jim Batson, Student Nov 1976

Bladesmith & Bowie Historian