Harris Blacksmith

Steve M. Harris said he first opened a blacksmith shop around 1878. It was also known as California Shop or California Shoes.

He moved to 301/303 1st about 1886, when it is noted that he “bought the corner property where his shop now statnds.”

1888-02-24 - Steve Harris has put another fire in his blacksmith shop and secured the services of a first-class blacksmith from the East and former patrons and many new ones will find him better prepared than ever to do good work at the very lowest living rates.

1888-03-02 - When wanting anything in the blacksmith line, give Steve Harris a call. He does first-class work at bedrock prices.

1888-03-09 - John Wright recently purchased the blacksmith shop belonging to Chase & Wright, has gone in partnership with Steve Harris and they are now prepared to do anything in the blacksmith business

1888-03-16 - Steve Harris (blacksmith) reports business rushing in his line, he is very busy and can be found at all times of the day at his shop.

1888-04-06 - Steve Harris has set out shade trees and otherwise improved the appearance of his residence property.

1888-05-11 - One of the most miraculous escapes that frequently occur was exemplified the other day in the case of Steve Harris, who was fitting a piece of iron. His assistant was using the large sledge hammer while Mr. Harris was measuring the thickness and suddenly lowered his head to look at the iron. At that moment the big sledge hammer struck him a glancing blow that nearly paralyzed him. Steve swears that he saw stars, and he hastened to Dr. Pomeroy and now is almost completely well. It was an accident but a narrow escape.

1890-06-19 - John Wilcox of Denver, Colorado, a blacksmith of long experience, has charge of Steve Harris' shop.

1890-06-26 - To my friends and patrons I will say that I have taken full charge of the horseshoe ring department in my shop, and work in that line will receive the best care and attention. All other work in my line will be done with dispatch. Mr. Wilcox who has charge of the jobbing department is a first class wagon worker. Yours truly, Steve Harris

Harry Lindahl recalled that Steve Harris' blacksmith shop was opposite the Beehive on the south side of 1st & G with the Rebecca well in front with a horse trough as well. He said there was a livery barn right across the street from it. Harry and his parents arrived 1902.

1904-04-15: Steve Harris has begun to tear down his old shop to build a new one on the same ground. The new structure will be 21 x 83 feet, and tearing down the partition of the building adjoining, he will have a shop of 33 x 37 feet. Mr. Harris' popularity as a reliable blacksmith is constantly increasing, and when the new shop is completed he will have an establishment of which he may well be proud. His equipment will be completely up-to-date, and he will be prepared to do everything in his line.

In a 1907 advertisement he says his shop is next door to the west of Dr. Wells office (G Street) 301 1st is diagonal across the street, close enough to “next door.”

1908-05-01: Steve Harris, formerly of Cheney, reported his blacksmith business in Newport is doing well.

1909-07-23: Sam M Harris, former blacksmith of Cheney is now in business in Richland, Washington.

1910-08-05: Steve Harris has taken charge of the blacksmith shop at Meadow Lake where he may now be found doing horse shoeing and all kinds of blacksmith work. Mr. Harris was formerly the proprietor of the Pioneer Blacksmith shop in this city and is well known as a blacksmith and a horse shoer of exceptional ability. He invites his friends to call on him at Meadow Lake and promises to give them the very best of work at reasonable prices. Mr. Harris is so well known and his work is so widely and favorably known, that his new venture is bound to be successful for every standpoint.