Robert Benjamin bought the Star Blacksmith Shop in 1885. Robert moved to St. Ignace, Mich., in 1900 and turned the business over to his 17-year-old son Herbert, who served as the island blacksmith for the next 65 years.

Herbert served the Mackinac Island community as a blacksmith, farrier and wheelwright, also repairing lawn mowers and yacht motors. The shop stayed open until the 1960s because of the unique equestrian culture of the island. Much of Herbert’s equipment is displayed throughout the shop and many of his tools are still used today.