[1] When he began his career, blacksmiths in Charleston made practical, everyday household objects, such as horseshoes.

[1] By the time he retired 77 years later, the craft was considered an art form rather than a practical profession.

[2] Later in his life, Simmons would design and create the iron arch which now stands over the school's entry gate.

[1] Krawcheck commissioned a wrought iron gate for the rear of his store, which was located on King Street.

[1] Though he had begun working on ornamental ironwork in 1938,[2] the Krawcheck gate marked a turning point in Simmons' career as an iron artisan.

[1] Over the course of his seven decades long career, Simmons created over 500 separate pieces, including iron balconies, window grilles, fences and gates.

[3] Simmons also created smaller, metal objects to supplement his income, including tools, shutter dog and fireplace pokers.

"[1] Although he officially retired at age 75, Simmons continued to teach his craft to younger artisans late into his life.

In 2004, a gate designed by Simmons and executed by artisans he taught received a commemorative plaque from the General Services Administration's Art in Architecture Program.

In 2006, Simmons received an honorary doctorate from South Carolina State University for his contributions to the field of metalworking.

[2] South Carolina Governor David Beasley bestowed the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest honor, on Simmons in 1998.