1993-12-23-lchs-0135-dt-p0-zunker-shop-torn-down

December 23, 1993 Davenport Times Page 0:

Old building, an eye-catcher, torn down

When a Reardan landmark was torn down torn down lest month, it was the talk of the town.

The old blacksmith shop, leaning always to the west, was torn down by a crew from the Airway Heights Correctional Center Nov. 16, 17 and 18. Known in recent years as a place to check out political paraphernalia, a sign in the fall by then county auditor, Shelly Johnston was the last to grace the building.

The building has been owned by the Bill Zunker family since the early 1940s. An old sign board said "Bust Lee, Blacksmithing and horseshoeing." A later sign read "M. M. Nelson Blacksmithing." The newest sign board for the building said Ben's Service and Repair."

According to Bill and Linda Zunker, the shop was used by their family for farm repair. The blacksmith equipment stayed in place through the years as more modern repair equipment filled the work space.

The last winters took their toll on the old blacksmith shop as snow pushed the building off its foundation and it bowed toward the highway, Linda Zunker said.

[photo]

These photos show Reardan’s old blacksmith shop before and while it was torn down last month.