Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association

James Albert Badgley, age 70, of Bellevue, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 12:04 p.m. at his residence.

He was born Oct. 20, 1949 in Peoria to Robert and Etha (Boatwright) Badgley. He was preceded in death by his father, one brother, Monty Ray Badgley, and one daughter, Stacy Null.

Survivors include his mother of Bellevue, one son, Samuel Lee Badgley of Bellevue, one daughter, Sandy (Bob) Nolan of Cedar Rapids, S.D., three grandchildren: Alex Null, C.J. Null and Elizabeth Null. He is also survived by one brother, Harold (Deb) Badgely of Virginia and one sister, Mary (Walter) Eads of Minnesota.

Jim worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 45 years retiring in 2009. He was also a Blacksmith and was a member of the I.V.B.A. (Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association). He enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time outside, and watching trains.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no public services. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the I.V.B.A.

Due to the concern of spreading the corona virus, the IVBA annual meeting is being postponed to a later date to be determined.  Thank you and stay well.

The Fox Valley Park District in Aurora, IL is looking for a blacksmith to fill a seasonal position at their Blackberry Farm in Aurora, IL.  The job listing is as follows:

Hours: Park hours: Monday – Friday 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Weekend availability is required. Schedule will vary each week.
Salary: $12/hour Minimum starting pay rate

Qualifications: High School diploma, general education degree (GED) or higher. Extensive experience working with Blacksmithing tools and material as well as creating, building, or fixing relevant items. Must be personable with strong customer service skills. Position requires weekend and holiday work. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Duties: Under the direction and supervision of the Recreation Supervisor or Curator, the Blacksmith performs and interprets their assigned craft, trade or life style activity of the 19th and early 20th centuries to others at Blackberry Farm Pioneer Village. May be asked to develop and lead Blacksmithing programs. Assist with school, camp, and other special programs as needed. Create original pieces to be sold in Blackberry Farm Gift Shop. This is an at-will position.

If you are interested, please submit an application online at https://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/about-us/employment/.

To All Concerned,

As I am sure some if not all of you are aware that my mother Frances (Babe) Brandon passed away quietly in her sleep June 8, 2019. Her wish, told to me countless times, was to notify UMBA, IVBA and NWBA of her passing and offering to any that contributed to either her library or museum to notify me if you desire your contribution back. You may send all requests to me in manner.

Stan Brandon

2096 Hoosier Rd.

Franklin Grove, IL 61031

Mmfwaic9997@gmail.com

815-542-5214

Hello IVBA family,

My name is Chris Vranek and earlier this year I was asked if I wanted to take over the day-to-day operations for the IVBA website.  I decided to give it a shot, so I’ve been handed the keys to this buggy and I will attempt to keep this site a great place to meet and come together as smiths, colleagues, and friends.

To that end, I’ll also be working on our Facebook page.  Please come visit and share your latest smithing projects, ideas, photos, and local events so we can all enjoy them together!

See you around, and keep smithing!

Chris