In early spring of 2016, work began on the restoration of what is home of StormCloak Forge. Located in Mequon, WI, the building was originally built in 1837 by Ephram Woodworth who pioneered the property. Ephram had heard that the Green Bay trail was going to be built next to the land and decided that it would be a good place to settle.
The two-story stone and mortar construction had nine windows and two doors. It is believed that Ephram lived in this house until he completed the larger home on the property. After which, the building served as a workshop and then summer kitchen for the farm. The building was used to make baby formula in the 1900's and later as a butch shop. It fell into disrepair and ruin. The east wall was torn down to provide a stone border around a flower garden. The roof collapsed in as well.
Work began with the restoration of the stone and mortar walls. Every inch was chiseled by hand to remove the deteriorated and loose stone and mortar. Then, a mortar that matched as closely as possible to the original Egyptian mortar was used to lovingly restore the walls. Next the floor was dug out and a new concrete floor was poured to handle the rigors of daily hammering and smithing. The 4th wall was rebuilt using those same stones from the garden. A modern roof was installed along with a chimney.
The final touches came with custom cedar doors popular around the mid 1800’s and then a more modern flare with lighting in the form of Edison bulbs. StormCloak Forge has a home!