In the early 1920’s H.M. Bekken Horseshoeing & General Repairing began.
Herman Bekken married Jennie. They had four children: Everett, Howard,
Mildred, and Gerald. The Bekken family lived above the blacksmith shop.
Herman Bekken was one of three blacksmiths in the area. As a blacksmith
he worked on plows, wagons, and mowing machines. He also sharpened
plowshares, sickles, and other equipment. Farmers in the area also came to
have the horses shod. Herman Bekken retired in 1960. He died on July 4, 1963.
Herman Bekken married Jennie. They had four children: Everett, Howard,
Mildred, and Gerald. The Bekken family lived above the blacksmith shop.
Herman Bekken was one of three blacksmiths in the area. As a blacksmith
he worked on plows, wagons, and mowing machines. He also sharpened
plowshares, sickles, and other equipment. Farmers in the area also came to
have the horses shod. Herman Bekken retired in 1960. He died on July 4, 1963.
Currently the upstairs of the blacksmith shop is used as an apartment for families and owned by Mr. Gerald Bekken, son of Herman Bekken. An addition was put on to the building and used as a garage for families that live in the apartment. Mr. Bekken now uses the original blacksmith shop for storage and restoration. The building sits as a quiet reminder of a simpler time in Douglas, MI.