Those who knew him, however briefly, often remark about the depth and breadth of Pete Himmelheber's knowledge of the history, people, places, and land of St. Mary's County. In his lifetime, he is likely to have forgotten more about this County than most of us will learn in ours.
Pete's curiosity was boundless. His enthusiasm, contagious. His energy, unbridled. When he passed away in November 2022, this County lost a treasure. All of us at the Historical Society lost a colleague and friend.
Pete was a Director of the Historical Society, Editor-in-Chief of its quarterly journal, the Chronicles of St. Mary's and a volunteer at Historic St. Mary's City - among many other things. It was through his experiences at Historic St. Mary's City that he compiled "Pete's Laws - The Creed of a St. Mary's City Docent" - nineteen maxims by which he lived his life and encouraged others.
Among Pete's many legacies was honoring and preserving the old ways of doing things. He was exacting in recreating them. "Perfection," Pete wrote in his Creed, "is not an option." But ever practical, he wisely added that perfection takes time and effort. "Patience is a virtue," he wrote, "but persistence to the point of success is a blessing."
The word "Radnor" in Radnor Forge is the historical name of the area on the Medley's Neck side of Breton Bay where Pete, his wife Lillie, and family lived. Ever curious, Pete investigated its history and that of adjoining areas. Historical Society members can find the fruits of his thorough research in the Fall 1997 issue of the Chronicles of St. Mary's.
Radnor Forge, the name Pete gave his home, became the title of his website, A Trip To Radnor Forge. It was - and remains - Pete's invitation for us to join him in the "interesting hobbies" that he worked at for over twenty years.
The website chronicles Pete's learning and perfecting the old ways of doing things - the crafts and skills that are all but lost to us today. The site was remarkable, covering subjects ranging from blacksmithing and tractors, through sundials and woodworking, to wagon wheels and forges. Each topic was illustrated and graced with Pete's comments, including the tools needed for the task (many of which he made). Pete turned away from many of these activities as age and arthritis began to take their toll. The website lapsed and eventually was taken down.
But through the kindness of his wife, Lillie, Pete's voice, skills, and character are brought to life again. Click the link below to be taken back to the old ways at the hands of a master - Pete Himmelheber.
A Trip to Radnor Forge.
The Legacy of Pete Himmelheber