Forging A Legacy

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Sam Guarino & Son Inc., a historic blacksmith shop in Abbeville, Louisiana, traces its roots back to the early 20th century. Founded by Sicilian immigrant Salvadore "Sam" Guarino, the business initially operated as a blacksmith shop, serving the agricultural and industrial needs of the local community. Sam, born on May 24, 1892, in Cefalu, Sicily, Italy, learned the blacksmithing trade from a young age, working alongside his father and later apprenticing under another blacksmith.

In 1905, Sam immigrated to Abbeville, Louisiana, with his family at age twelve. After working at various locations, he opened his own blacksmith shop in Abbeville in 1911. The Abbeville Meridional reported on May 4, 1911, "Having been closed for more than a year, the old blacksmith shop on State Street, formerly run by William Castanie, has been opened by Sam Guarino, who has already secured a fair run of customers." Sam married Jennie LaBruzzo in 1912, and together, they had five children, including Tony Guarino, who would later join his father in running the family business.

Over the years, Sam Guarino's blacksmith shop became vital to the community, offering essential services such as brazing, welding, and metalwork. Despite the arrival of electricity, Sam continued to work primarily with hand tools, passing down his expertise to his son, Tony. A repurposed engine from a Model-T initially powered the shop's operations before transitioning to electrically operated machinery.

To efficiently meet their customers' needs, the Guarino family maintained a well-stocked warehouse containing a variety of metal goods and materials. This dedication to quality service earned them widespread respect and appreciation in Vermilion Parish.

After Sam Guarino's passing in 1979, Tony carried on the family legacy until his retirement in 2004. Following Sam Guarino & Son Inc.'s closure, the Guarino family donated the blacksmith shop to the City of Abbeville in 2005. The city recognized the establishment's historical significance and undertook efforts to preserve it as a museum dedicated to twentieth-century metallurgy and Sam Guarino's legacy.

The shop's relocation to its current location to South State Street in 2006 marked the beginning of preservation efforts. City officials enlisted Jerry Baker, a blacksmith from Broussard, LA, to assist in cataloging, cleaning the machinery, and setting up the shop as it was before the move. The city's commitment to preserving the building reflects its recognition of Sam Guarino's contributions to Abbeville's history and culture.

Today, the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum is owned by the City of Abbeville and overseen by the Friends of the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop committee. The museum stands as a testament to Sicilian pride in Abbeville and serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication of its founder, Sam Guarino. Additionally, the committee organizes the annual Sicilian Festival of Abbeville, celebrating Sicilian culture and its impact on the community. Sam Guarino & Son Inc. continues to be revered as one of the oldest businesses in Vermilion Parish, leaving behind a lasting legacy of craftsmanship and community service.