Blacksmith Square is a new Retail and Studio area in downtown Livermore
Located on the SW corner of Livermore Ave and Railroad Ave
in historic buildings which were most recently V&G Mufflers, but were a Blacksmith shop prior to that.
Renovation started around November 2004 with the sandblasting of the buildings.
Shops opened in the summer of 2006
See Historical and Renovation Photos
This photo was taken February 18, 2007, after the arch was added.
 

		John Christopher Cellars Tasting Room
		In the early summer

Shops at Blacksmith Square

	Retzlaff Winery Grand Opening Photos	8/25/06

News and Events

Wine is available for purchase at all of the live music events.  See the John Christopher Cellars web site for details.

History of Blacksmith Square

By Gary Drummond

Frederick Schrader settled in Livermore in 1890, taking over the blacksmith shop of James Beazell.  (It was Beazell who, in his role as State Legislator, sponsored the incorporation of Livermore in 1876.) 

Schrader was both an accomplished blacksmith and woodworker.  In 1904 he modernized his shop when he installed a 3hp motor to power blowers on three forges, eliminating the need for hand bellows.  His new power plant made his drills, grinding wheels and bolt cutters more efficient.

Schrader was also a real estate developer.  He created what he called the Model Block when he purchased an entire town block bounded by Seventh and Eighth, I and J streets. A twenty foot -wide alley was put through the property, with the intent that all automobiles would be garaged behind the residences. (Schrader's alley is the only one in Livermore.)

C. M. Montgomery became a working partner of Schrader's in July 1912.  Montgomery was an experienced blacksmith, having worked for Schrader some years earlier. 

In 1914, the C. J. Stevens estate was being sold off.  (The estate owned Blocks 1 and 2 that extended from First Street to the railroad reserve, and from Livermore Avenue to K street.)  This enabled Schrader, who had previously leased his site from Stevens, to purchase the property  which he had occupied for 15 years.  But more important, he now had the opportunity to re-build his shop.  In the fall of 1914, Schrader had bricks brought from the Livermore Fire Brick Company and to construct a new building, 30'x70', on the north side of his plant.

(In other news, Schrader was, in November 1914, the first man in Murray Township to be ticketed for driving too slow.)

Fred Schrader was found dead, sitting in his office chair, in February 1915. The next year, Mrs. Schrader's partnership with Montgomery was dissolved by mutual agreement.

Mrs. Schrader maintained the agency for McCormick farming equipment in the south building, and in 1918, leased the blacksmith shop to Joseph Pierrotti of Oakland, who opened a truck-building branch factory and a maintenance and repair facility.  Much of Pierrotti's  business supported the Malty Magnesite mines auto trucks.  This arrangement went on for some years.

By 1932, the blacksmith shop had become an automobile repair shop, but the use of the south building has not been identified.

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Blacksmith Square Historical Photos
 

Note:  This web site is not affiliated with Blacksmith Square in any way.
It is provided as a community service to the people of Livermore and the Tri-Valley

Past Events

Jazz at Blacksmith Square - July 15 1-4pm
Come on over to Blacksmith Square and hear the unbelievable music of Two's Guys. Both musicians are well-known in the Tri-Valley area, playing at a variety of venues, We can't wait to hear them on our courtyard.

Taste of Terroir  July 26  6-9pm
Taste of Terroir is always a sold out event - and I'm sure this year will be no different. Featuring 18 wineries partnered with 18 local chefs/restaurants, this event showcases great food and wine pairings from the Livermore Valley. Held at the Palm Event Center, you will be amazed at all the incredible offerings - its truly a gastronomic delight!. Tickets will be available starting June 4th through the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association at: www.livermorewine.com . Tickets are $65.00/person.

Live Music - Stone's Throw - July 28, 1:00 to 4:00pm
Enjoy classic rock tunes at John Christopher Cellars in Blacksmith Square located in downtown Livermore on July 28th. Stone's Throw will play from 1-4 PM on the courtyard where you can relax to some oldies as well as some new tunes as you sip John Christopher Cellars wine. A great way to spend a summer afternoon and try all the great wine offerings at our elegant and friendly tasting room. Try our newest proprietary Red Blend - Courtyard Red which we recently released!

Taste of Downtown.  August 11 & 12, 12:00 to 5:30pm
This is one of the most fun events in Downtown Livermore. Join us as we celebrate Taste of Downtown, featuring the many wonderful restaurants and shops in our newly renovated downtown. Explore all the shopping areas within the downtown using the complimentary Horse Carriages. For your convenience, there will be both a drop off and pick up location at Blacksmith Square.  To make it more exciting, you will also be given a Passport to complete with prizes awarded for those who visit all the locations!  Participants also get to vote on their favorite restaurant, shop and winery.

Live Music - Roger Kadinal - August 19, 1:00 to 4:00pm
Roger Kardinal plays classic rock guitar and sings live from 1-4 PM. His unbelievable voice and great strumming makes for a perfect afternoon of tunes and wine. Try our new Courtyard Red to compliment the afternoon fun!

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