If you’ve got a historian in your family, then Newark is the place for them! Specifically, set them up with the Fern Dell Historical Society. The Fern Dell Historical Society is committed to the preservation of the history of this town. At the current moment, they maintain three locations, the Old School House, the Misner Blacksmith’s Shop, and the Fern Dell Museum.
Misner Blacksmith's Shop: If you take a trip to Newark’s downtown area and you hear the clang of a hammer on metal, then chances are you’ve found the Blacksmith’s shop. For the most part, our resident blacksmith makes most of his profits through commissions from the wealthy and those who enjoy the look and feel of hand-forged metal. And in case you were wondering, yes, they do have demonstrations. Also he has lessons for those who want to experience what it is like to be a blacksmith. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see one of the great forms of craftsman at work, or want to experience it for yourself, Newark has you covered.
Fern Dell Museum: If museums are more your thing, don’t worry, we’ve got that. Just a short walk through the park from behind the Blacksmith’s Shop, you’ll find the Fern Dell Museum. Step through the doors and you’ll embark on a journey to the past. Some of their most notable exhibits are a model of what was once the shortest railroad in the country, stretching only from Newark to Millington, and old player piano, and a collection of Newark Fourth of July buttons, designed by art students at the local high school (including yours truly, Neal Smith). It may not be one of the biggest museums around, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting.
Old Fern Dell Schoolhouse: Near the edge of town, across from the grade school, stands another structure. This is the Old Fern Dell Schoolhouse. This place is the perfect chance for students of all ages to see what education was like back decades ago, when schools were only one room for all grades. It’s a very interesting perspective on how different education was then compared to now. It’ll definitely open your mind to history.
For all of you chrononauts out there, we hope your getting this message. If you’d like to learn about incredibly short railroads, old methods of education, or the art of blacksmithing, Newark is the place for you!