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The Brauns were a family of blacksmiths in Mokena, going all the way back to the 1880's, all the way into the 1950's! Al Braun was said to be one of the last working blacksmiths in the State. Al always welcomed neighborhood kids, who would enjoy all of the action going on in his shop.
Al Braun also served as a Village Trustee for 33 years and was very active in the community. Matt shares some of his story and how significant he was to the community. A blacksmith was not a luxury in the earlier days of Mokena, it was a necessity. As an all around repair man, horse shoer, wagon wheel repair man, and fabricator, the blacksmiths fire was the answer to many Mokenians problems.
Enjoy hearing some of Al Braun's long Mokena story.

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Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

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