41. Blacksmith Apron

This leather blacksmith’s apron was used around the turn of the 20th century by Jacob Poss (1839-1927), a German immigrant wheelwright and blacksmith who ran a livery stable in downtown Rockville. The Poss Livery was on East Montgomery Avenue, across from the Courthouse and next to the Corcoran Hotel (owned for a time by Poss’s daughter, Emma Poss Carr). Part of the business was a horse-drawn bus that ferried people from the railroad station to the hotel for ten cents a ride.

Both sides of this sturdy blacksmith’s apron are worn, cracked, and stained. Leather ties are attached at the top with grommets. Montgomery History’s collection includes many fine and fancy pieces of clothing preserved by families for their sentimental value. Working clothes are more often worn out and discarded, never making their way to a museum, making surviving work clothes quite rare. This valuable apron was donated by Jacob Poss’ great-grandson along with an anvil and tools.

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