Published for the members of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Number 61 December, 1990

IN THIS ISSUE:

Jack Plane Stanley Spokeshave

The Lightning Brace Extension Rule

The Pearson Automatic Shingle Regular Features

M-WTCA.ORG

Submitted by Gary Pontius Photo of woodworking shop, found at a flea market; background unknown. No. 61 December, 1990 CHAFF Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. FROM THE PRESIDENT Editor: Barbara Pontius Associate Editor: Roger K. Smith Another National Meeting is now ing the last two weeks of September: Contributing Editors: Thomas Lamond history. The Detroit meeting was Barbara Bennett, Robert Bergdahl, William Baader John Kebabian successful because of detail planning Dorothy Grant and Kemp Richardson. Advertising Manager: Gale Zerkle by co-hosts Alice and Lars Larson and They were attendees of many past THE GRISTMILL is the official publication of the Mid-West Barb and Mike Slasinski. Other meetings and considered friends by Tool Collectors Association, Inc., and is published quarterly March, June, September and December. members contributed to the meeting's many. All were devoted and dedi­ The purpose of the a880Ciation is to promote the preservation, success, but I'm not privy to all of cated, and in one way or other con­ study and understanding of ancient tools, implements and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the pioneers; also, their names. (I apologize to those in­ tributed greatly to the betterment of to study the crafts in which these objects were used and the we craftsmen who used them; also to share knowledge and under­ dividuals not included here - our organization. standing with others, especially where it may benefit restora­ appreciate all your efforts.) Remember the following important tions, museums and like institutions. The program sessions by John Bow­ dates: President ...... Gale Zerkle ditch, Phil Cannon, Ron Pearson, Bill • May 16, 17, 18, 1991, the Spring· 511 Cookston Avenue Carter, Tom Lamond, Frank Flynn, Meeting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Springfield, OH 45503 Gil Gandenberger and Milan Ramsey Carroll and De Talbot are plan­ (513) 399-1725 were excellent and very informative. ning a great, exciting meeting. Vice President ...... Ernie Blumenthal, Jr. 1908 Byrn Mawr Place, N.E. Therefore, on behalf of the M-WTCA, • October 3-5, 1991 is the Fall Meet­ Albuquerque, NM 87106 I thank you for sharing your expertise ing in Knoxville, Tennessee. M­ (505) 255-4850 and time. Bill Gustafson auctioneered wrCA has agreed to sponsor a Vice President ...... William Gustafson for the members' tool auction, and joint meeting with EAIA. Dan P.O. Box 104 Austerlitz, NY 12017 saved the day when slated auctioneer Comerford (EAIA) and Bill Rigler (518) 392-2845 Ivan Risley had to depart early. Ajob (M-WfCA) are meeting planning Vice President ...... Ron Pearson well done! Ray Nissen stood by to chairpersons and hosts for their 1293 South Hill Road relieve Bill, but wasn't needed. respective associations. Erie, PA 16509 Thanks, Bill and Ray. Plan on attending both meetings. (814) 866-1500 Secretary ...... Michael Slasinski On October 6, 1990, the Board of Donna and I wish each and every 7201 Danny Drive Directors increased the 1991 annual one of you GOOD HEALTH, JOY­ Saginaw, MI 48603 membership fee for all foreign coun­ OUS HOLIDAYS, and a HAPPY and (517) 781-1152 try members (except Canada) because PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. Treasurer ----- James E. Price Box6 overseas air mail postage ratesin­ Naylor, MO 63953 creased. Domestic and Canadian Gale Zerkle (314) 399-2341 membership fees didn't change. President Directors 1988-1991 We were shocked and saddened to George Alton Lars Larson have the unfortunate experience of Fred Bair, Jr. Stephen Orbine Jerry Cartwright Erwin Schaffer losing four members or spouses dur- Ronald Cushman Carroll Talbot Hollis Feeser John Wells Gilbert Gandenberger Keith Zimmerman 1989-1992 William Boltz Carol Lomax Larry Brundage E.A. Olson Charles Ewing Merrill Schmidt Paul Hamler Philip Stanley David Heckel Dennis Starzinger WRITE ON ADVERTISING William Linstromberg William Wooden 1989-1993 THE GRISTMILL wants articles Send all ads (want/for sale) to: Tom Lamond 1990-1992 of all kinds about tools, makers, us­ Gale Zerkle John Kesterson 1990-1993 ers, early industries, etc., photo­ 511 Cookston Ave. Nick Heatherly Warren Leemaster graphs, old advertising cuts, and Springfield, OH 45503 William McDougall Bob Nichols anything relating to M-WTCA mem­ (513) 399-1725 Al Renier Robert Rothen M-WTCA.ORGWilliam Smith John Venable ber activities. If possible, material Copy deadlines also apply to adver­ 1990-1994 Phyllis Morse George Wanamaker should be typewritten. We'll edit, tising. Committee Chairmen correct and provide first aid when Meeting Planning ...... Ernie Blumenthal MOVING? Gristmill ...... Barb Pontius needed. Deadlines for submitting all Special Publications ...... Roger Smith copy: January 15 for March issue, Whatsit ...... Gary Gergini April 15 for June issue, July 15 for If you're in the process of moving, Family Assistance & Service ...... Roy Bradley remember to notify Kerry McCalla of Scholarship ...... Ronald Pearson September issue, October 15 for De­ Director Election ...... Kerry McCalla your new address - that will keep Marion Henley Award ...... Ray Nissen cember issue. By-Law & Policy ...... Allan Shaw Address: your M-WfCA mailings coming with­ Display & Awards ...... George Wanamaker out interruption. Don't forget to in­ Addret111 Label■ Scrapbook GRISTMILL Editor Kerry McCalla Barb & Mike Slasinski Williams & Associates clude your new telephone number 3325 Culloden Way 7201 Danny Drive and area code. Sending your change Birmingham, AL 35243 Saginaw, MI 48603 P.O. Box 1038 Publication■ Mailing Carmel, IN 46032 of address to anyone other than Kerry Ann Henley causes an unavoidable delay in proc­ 808 Fairway Drive (317) 758-6200 Columbia, MO 65201 essing this important information. Page 2 CALENDAR ANNUAL M-WTCA MID-WEST TOOL COLLECTORS ELECTIONS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL MEETINGS National Officers National Officers were elected at the SPRING, 1991 May 16, 17, 18, 1991. Sheraton Inn, Cedar Rapids, IA. Detroit business meeting, October 6, Information: Carroll Talbot (515) 792-8050. Theme: 1990. Re-elected to serve an additional Timber Tools. one-year term were: FALL, 1991 October 3, 4, 5, 1991. Holiday Inn, Worlds Fair, Kn­ President Gale Zerkle oxville, TN. Joint M-WTCA-EAIA Meeting. Informa­ Vice President Ernie tion: Bill Rigler (615) 445-2546. Themes: Appalachian Blumenthal and Non-Factory Made Tools; L.B. Victor Tools. Vice President Ronald Pearson SPRING, 1992 June 11, 12, 13, 1992. Holiday Inn, Decatur, IL. Infor­ Secretary Michael mation: David Heckel (217) 345-9112. Theme: Adver­ Slasinsky tising and Promotions for Tools. Treasurer James Price FALL, 1992 October 8, 9, 10, 1992. Howard Johnson Hotel, Spring­ Kerry McCalla of Franklin, Tennes­ field, MO. Information: Ron Baird (417) 759-2816. see, was elected as Vice President, the position slot formerly occupied by Bill Gustafson. M-WTCA AREA MEETINGS Directors AREAA February 24, 1991. Minneapolis, MN. Information: Hollis Feeser (507) 282-3175. Bill Gustafson AREAB February 9, 1991. St. Francis Community Center. The M-WTCA held its 1990 Director Information: Carol Lomax( 414) 679-1412. elections via mailed ballots -during Au­ gust and September. The following in­ coming Directors became official at the OTHER REGIONAL TOOL MEETINGS Detroit, Michigan meeting: Area A (MN, ND, SD) Al, Renier MVRC April 12-13, 1991. Davenport, Iowa. Information: Area E (IL) Alfred W. Schulz (402) 976-2532. William Smith George Wanamaker Area F (IN) Mel Ring Area G (OH) John Kesterson MOVING CONTACT Warren Leemaster Name Plates No More Area J (MO) The M-WTCA member you should Nick Heatherly We will NO LONGER offer name­ contact when you move has moved Area K (AR, KY, LA, MS, TN) plates to our members-this serv­ himselfl Kerry McCalla now resides Phyllis Morse ice is being discontinued. at: John Venable 104 Engle Court Area L (CO, ID, MT, MN, UT, WY) Franklin, Tennessee, 37064. William McDougall His new phone number is (615) Area M (AL, GA, NC, SC) 791-6198, so let him know if you Bob Nichols M-WTCA.ORGchange your address ... and he'll do Area P (DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV) likewise. Robert Rothen Congratulations to those who won and thanks to those who ran and were not elected. This election demonstrates the interest members have in this or­ ganization and their desire to be repre­ sented by willing and able Directors. Ifs been my pleasure to serve as Vice-Presi­ dent, Elections. This report will be my last for the time being.

Page 3 MEETING NEWS COME WEST TO IOWA by Carroll Talbot Some of the Area D committee-mem­ bers will host your 1991 spring con­ vention at the Sheraton Inn in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The hotel is conven­ iently located just off 1-380, north of Iowa City and 1-80 about 25 miles. Come a few days early and visit: - The Hoover Museum, one mile off 1-80 - The Ice Museum in Cedar Falls - The Old Capital in Iowa City in its historic period - The Amana Colonies near Cedar Rapids A tour of Iowa's Amana Colonies is on the agenda for Friday morning. The Phil Cannon and Ron Pearson cleaning tools by electrolysis process. colonies consist of seven beautiful vil­ [Photo by Mike Slasinski] lages. We will visit the one main Amana Village and learn about their early communal system before 1932, where people lived together, shared work and ate in communal kitchens. The colo­ nies were founded in 1855 and they created the society to operate 26,000 acres of Iowa River bottom-land. The colonists were of German descent, and they thrived with their wool mill, fur­ niture factory and winery, which is still a booming business. Their life­ style was inseparable from their faith, which is called "The Community of True Inspiration" and is still their religious belief. The spring theme for the men is ''Timber Tool." Better yet, let's call it "the triumphant tribute to the timber tool!" The women's theme is "Quilts Art Lane and past president Fred Malott renewing their friendship. and Old Lace." Our organization has [Photo by Ron Pearson] talented men and ladies that have a real knack for their displays ... keep them coming. Make this your May Day in the spring! M-WTCA.ORG DECATUR MEETING IN SPRING, 1992 by Dave Heckel Plans have started for the Spring, 1992, M-WTCA meeting. It will be held June 11-13, 1992 at the Holiday Inn Conference Hotel in Decatur, Illinois. The meeting theme will be "Adver­ tising and Promotion for Tools," so think ahead for a trip to central Illinois in 1992. For more information, call Dave Heckel at (217) 345-9112. Auctioneer Bill Gustafson taking a bid. [Pearson] Page 4 MEETING NEWS

MICHIGAN John Ballentine, Valve Tools and glass blowing. Stan Bunker, Wheel Wrights Plane The Friday night auction was a giant TOOL MEET Gerald Wynn, Hand-carved Tools and Shed success, with over 200 lots of tools sold Hank Dotson, Large Wooden Compass Plane Mike Slasinski Dick Cummings, Acme Wrenches off by Bill Gustafson. With the threat of rain in the air Bill Rigler, Coach Makers Tools If you get the chance, check out the Wednesday, Lars Larson and Mike Don Wood, Miniature Tool Collection (crafted cartoon Jim Price did of the auction for Slasinski, the meeting co-hosts, wel­ by Don) our scrapbook. What a talent that man Mel Ring, Ring Plow Plane has. comed a couple dozen tailgaters to set Milan Ramsey, Tools Made From Old Rasps up in the parking lot. The early arriv­ and Files. The meeting was capped off with ers weren't disappointed. Many good Speaking of Milan Ramsey, here's the Saturday evening banquet. Jim buys were made. I even purchased a a guy that epitomizes what this or­ Oakley entertained us with his com­ canoe knife that I've been trying to ganization is all about. edy and juggling. Because Roger Smith find for about 10 years. For the past couple of years, Mary wasn't there, we found a new pigeon to That evening, Lars Larson led an Jane Fitzgerald from the hotel staff pick on during the entertainment­ enthusiastic group to one of his favor­ has helped us set up this meet. We Dan Morse. Thanks, Dan, but we defi­ ite haunts-the patent library. worked with her before, during and nitely won't be sending any of our kids Thursday morning, Alice Larson, after her pregnancy, so she showed to the university of Arkansas. Do you Sarah Danneels, Sally Marsh, Marge off her darling daughter Thursday always talk into someone's hand? (You Bradley, Caroline Carter and Barb evening-what a doll. had to be there.) Slasinski got ready to register the I'll bet the women slept well after Michigan provided a colorama for throngs waiting to set up in the trade participating in all the activities Barb the returning visitors-the leaves were room. Over 120 tables were soon cov­ Slasinski and Alice Larson arranged just reaching their fall peak colors. ered with thousands of tools for eager for them. The hotel restaurant got ex­ See you in Cedar Rapids in the buyers. Weren't those wide aisles nice? cited when they found out the spring. Nellie Leach had her M.S. U ., Michi­ women's brunch speaker was the gan and Hawkeye memorabilia dis­ food critic for the Detroit newspa­ played on her trade table, and she per. certainly didn't treat her Michigan Gerald Wynn did his usual fine hosts very well. Her Hawkeyes beat job tending bar in the hospitality M.S.U. room, along with Lars' and Alice's Our thanks go to the many volun­ son, Mark, and Lars' co-worker, teers who were ready to help at a Joe. Thanks to Mark Larson, moment's notice and never had to be many of the snacks we munched asked twice. Ron and Sarah Danneels on while groups of kids paraded were there whenever we needed the halls were donated. them ... from stuffing envelopes, lick­ Michigan's usual finicky ing stamps, setting up for events to weather stayed nice, warm and registration desk duties. Thank you sunny, so those who chose to visit all. the Harvest Festival in Green­ Ivan Risley and I have talked for field Village had a couple of great years about using the theme "tools days. Art and Joy Kuslan adven­ made from old horse rasps." From the tured through the village site - quantity of them displayed, it seems they also supplied us with a park­ we had the right idea. we had a total ing lot watch dog. of 50,000 outstanding displays. Caroline Carter churned The women contributedM-WTCA.ORG 15 excel­ butter, which everyone had a lent displays, which were a real chal­ chance to sample during her hus­ lenge for the judges (see Women's Page band Bill's demonstration of his in this Issue). Winners in the men's treadle powered machines. The categories were: speakers and demonstrations Best Single Tool were among the best we've ever Ron Pearson, Brace Restoration Best Out of Theme had. Our thanks to Tom Lamond Gil Gandenberger, Whiskey Gaging Tools for his spokeshave presentation. Most Unusual Display Ron Pearson and Phil Cannon Mike Decker, Wooden Sausage Making Tools showed us how to clean tools by Best Automotive Carriage Tools electrolysis. Whiskey measuring Richard Cole Best of Show devices were demonstrated by Gil Mike Slasinski, Tools Made From Files and Gandenberger, while Frank Rasps Flynn displayed his superb furni­ Bill Carter Judges' Choices ture carving skills. We also demonstrating with his George Elsass, Primitive Braces watched shaker boxes being made foot-powered saw. [Pearson] Page 5 MEETING NEWS FALL MEETING DISPLAYS A "Best of Show'' For All Tool Collectors by Ray Nissen The 1990 Fall meeting in Detroit brought out a bonanza of tool displays that became a real show stopper. In Mike Slasinski's excess of 50 displays in a wide variety tools made from of tool areas offered something of files and rasps. interest for all attendees. [Slasinski] There were two themes for this meeting, and members brought out their best in both themes. Automotive & Carriage Tools: Best in Theme Richard Cole, Wheelwright's Spoke Machine Tools Made From Files & Rasps: Best in Theme Mike Slasinski Most Unusual Mike Decker, Wooden Sausage Making Tools Best Single Tool Display Ron Pearson, Brace Restoration Photo reveals Ron Best Display Out-of-Theme Pearson's Gil Gandenberger, Gauging Tools expertise in the Judges' Choice Awards restoration of a George Elsass, Primitive Braces brace. [Slasinski] Stan Bunker, Wheelwright's Plane Milan Ramsey, Tools Made From Files Mel Ring, Ring Plow Planes Hank Dotson, Swinging Compass Plane Brad Ballantine, Valve Tools Gerald Wynn, Hand Carved Tool Shop & Gauging tools Tools and related items Don Wood, Miniature Tools used to control Bill Rigler, Coachmaker's Tools your spirits. Dick Cummings, ACME Wrench Display Displayed by Gil It doesn't take an entire set or a full Gandenberger. box of tools to make a great display. [Slasinski] Start planning your display for the Cedar Rapids meeting, now!

M-WTCA.ORG

Display of a superb Wheel-wright machine by Richard Cole. [Slasinski]

Sausage making tools displayed by Mike Decker. These tools are pre-Bob Evans and Jimmy Dean Page 6 vintage. [Slasinski] M-WTCA.ORG MEETING NEWS JOINT MEETING Rocky Mountain & Southwest Tool Collectors and M-WTCA Areas I & L by Bill McDougall, RMTC President Our second Joint biennial conven­ tion was the best one yet, with 96 tool collectors from 13 states registered and 130 people attending the Satur­ day evening banquet. The meet was held at the Ramada Hotel Classic in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 31 through Sep­ tember 2, 1990. Registration began Thursday afternoon and was handled by Connie Fessler, Helen Aldinger, Susan Scruggs and Vera Hines. Thanks much! Friday evening, Dave and Connie Fessler hosted open house, which was attended by over 100 tool collectors. On Saturday, craftsmen shared some of their secrets with us. Tim Dippold of Albuquerque Wood-Workers dem­ onstrated marquetry and displayed Bill McDougall, First Place Display Award: 173# of Brass and Bronze tools. some of his great inlaid work. South­ west Artists Blacksmith Association and Henry Aldinger showed us how to McDougall (honest, these weren't gave a hands-on demonstration of cut out fine scrollwork on the power rigged!). And Bob Stanley won the hand forging ornamental iron pieces, jigsaw. Bill Albert gave a very infor- third door prize - a poster of the mative talk and demonstration H.O. Sturdley tool chest. on tool restoration. We appre­ Connie Fessler entertained us with ciate their unique efforts. another of her great puppet shows, The RMTC group held their with the help of her husband, Dave, business meeting at 10:00 a.m. and their two talented daughters, and elected officers for 1991, Tammy and Melissa. with Steve Scruggs as Presi­ Last minute trading began early dent and Drew Goodman Vice Sunday morning and the auction President. Secretary Cliff Fales began at 10:00, with our own Colonel and Treasurer Mike Liebman Aspinwal moving things along with agreed to serve another year. his usual flair. Thanks to Al, Garland The SWTC group held their Richardson, Bob Finch, Dave Fessler, business meeting at 11:00 a.m.; Dave Miller, Charlie Wright and Steve they now elect officers at their Scruggs, we had a great auction. spring meetings. The meeting ended at noon Sun­ RMTC presented various day and we all adjourned to the fine books as display awards at Rinehart's home, where we toured the Saturday night banquet. Elmo and Richard's fantastic museum M-WTCA.ORGBill McDougall won first place and enjoyed a great meal of authentic with his 173 pounds of brass North Valley Mexican food. and bronze tools; second place We extend our very special thanks went to Gregg and Valerie to all who helped put together an­ Helser for their elaborate dis­ other fine meeting, and to all who play of "How to build a house attended, especially our good friends the old-fashioned way." The from the P.A.S.T. tool collectors group award for best display by a of Sunny California. spouse went to Helen Aldinger Our spring RMTC meeting will be for her great collection of small in Trinidad, Colorado, and the next measuring tapes. Labor Day Convention will be in The first door prize - the Denver. book "Antique Medical Instru­ Thanks again to all who joined us ments" - went to Steve in Albuquerque. I'm looking forward Gary Coffey and Bill Hinz. Scruggs. The second door prize - to seeing you all again soon. "Tools for the Job" - went to Joan Page 8 MEETING NEWS JOINT MEETING PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

-/ -

Helen Aldinger, First Place Award, Spouse's Display, Small Measuring Tapes.

Ernest Martin's collection.

rf-;;t ~ N ,t " ' Gregg and Valerie Heiser's Second Place award winner. M-WTCA.ORG

Garland Richardson and Keith Parker.

Drew Goodman & his Lineman Tools display. Page 9 MEETING NEWS hammer that members ever recalled seeing-this giant weighed a whop­ ping 4.5 pounds! Dave took honors at WISCONSIN­ the last Wisconsin meet for an out­ MINNESOTA standing decorated European croze. MEET SUCCESS He's becoming a formidable competi­ tor. by Erv Schaffer, Director Area B A special new member of the Wis­ Morris Olson of Area B and Hollis consin group was welcomed - Tig­ Feeser of Area A felt it was high time ger, Mary Lou Stover's and Carol for the "toolers" from their respective Lomax's Airedale pup. states (Wisconsin and Minnesota) to Carol Olson did an outstandingjob meet. Though the Welcome Mat had minding the refreshment table and Dave Crowe is proud of his unique been out at state meetings and indi­ helping Morris with the early arrange­ hammer display. vidual members had crossed state ments for the meeting. Barbara Schaf­ borders in the past, this meeting was fer handled registrations at the door the first 'joint" effort. while her husband helped set up dis­ Sunday morning, September 16th, plays and got in some bargaining. reminded us Fall was coming as After the meeting, attendees were members and guests gathered at the invited to the Olson residence, near Myrick Park shelter in LaCrosse for one of LaCrosses' many bluffs over­ the traditional fellowship and trad­ looking the Mississippi River. Morris' ing. City regulations kept us from well organized collection of Stanley entering until 8:00 sharp, but the tools was scrutinized, as was his model wait encouraged toolers to renew old steam engine collection by the older acquaintances, swap tales and brag ''kids." We all wished we still had about tool acquisitions. Tools for trade, ours! Thanks to Morris and Carol for sale and display were set up quickly, their hospitality and Hollis and Mor­ efficiently and simultaneously, which ris for making this super meeting delayed the normal early rush to swap possible. OOPS! I saw that first--One must or buy. Soon the dozen or so displays We hope to repeat this perform­ be quick. featuring "Measuring Tools" and a ance at a joint meeting in the near variety of other topics were available future. for viewing by over 130 members and guests. Four displays were "in-theme." LEFT: Can't you see the ''mark" there? Oh yes, Mary Lou Stover and Joe Ward as­ there 'tis! · sessed the displays for their informa­ tion, artifact and communication value. John Greiner's descriptive display of the Helb Railroad Level's many attributes took top honors for the best "on theme." The nearly mint level was partially disassembled to show its distinctive interior workings. Best "off theme" display went to Dave Crowe for his unusual hammers, which included an explanation on each. He showed the largestM-WTCA.ORG claw

ABOVE: John Greiner's Helb grade-finder combination level was a display winner. LEFT: Some of the gang that visited the Olson's after the meet. Page 10 MEETING NEWS AREA H CONDUCTS MEMORABLE TOOL GATHERING by Tom Lamond A wet day Friday and even wetter were back on terra firma. (Ah, the framing and fireplaces in place. This Friday night failed to deter over 100 haste executed when getting into the stage of reconstruction was educa­ attendees from gathering in Ashby, hunt!) tional and provided a terrific setting Massachusetts on Saturday, August The tool demonstrations were fewer for no less than 15 superb exhibits. 25th. The Area H meeting included than expected, but well done. The It would be impossible to describe M-WTCA members from at least 12 most memorable were those on caulk­ all the exhibits and exhibitors, but try states, and a substantial number of ing planed ships and making hand­ to envision this small part... six tables, "others" interested in tools and tim­ planed moulding. The paramount totaling 48 feet long, with nothing but ber-frame construction. attraction was the building being re­ 18th century plow planes-one table Sales were somewhat "dampened" stored by our energetic and produc­ alone held 34! by the weather, but they weren't a tive host, Pat Leach. In the end, the opinion was unani­ complete washout. The mud stuck Pat is in the process ofreconstruct­ mous: the meeting was well worth the more than one vehicle, and it took 12 ing, as well as combining, two build­ effort and Pat promised to invite us hearty lads to push Roger Smith's ings built around 1805. When we saw back in a couple of years. By then, he truck out of a soft spot. A considerable the project, the structure was closed says, he'll have ground cover planted amount more turned out to watch a in from the weather, but no interior to prevent mud and the interior will demonstration of "physics in action" walls had been erected in the main more closely resemble the original, as an enthusiastic attendee's car was building. The smaller building had from almost 200 years ago. artfully maneuvered so all four wheels been moved with the interior wall IN FOND REMEMBRANCE Historical Society, the Lutheran Radio A sportsman, a golfer, a fisherman, a Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirate fan board, Stillwaters Elders Home board, An outdoorsman who cleared an acre of and an active woodworking tool col­ timber alone, with pleasure, when the lector. He was past-president and co­ retirement house was built along founder of Three Rivers Tool Collec­ Portage Lake tors and a past director of M-WTCA. A World Traveler A hobbyist, a tool collector, a bargain Bob is survived by: hunter • His wife, Ginger A private man • Three daughters-Joan A man who did not need to paddle his chil­ Richardson of Reading, PA, Nancy dren because he could accomplish more (Leo) Birondo of Houston, TX, and with the simple statement "Cheeeeze" Robert B. Bergdahl and a shake of his head as looked at his Amy (Mark) Rockwell of Mead­ feet Bob Bergdahl died on September 30th ville, PA A care-giver-he'd helped his 86-year-old at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, • Two sons-Robert Jr. (Maureen) Mother daily for the past six years and of Mars, PA and Michael (Sheryl) had recently taken her into his home to Wisconsin, as a result of heart surgery to care for her clear a 90% blockage of his carotid arter­ of Dallas Texas A man I am proud to say was my Father ies. He'd been feeling fine, but a routine • Seven grandchildren A man whom I will miss physical indicated he should see a cardio­ • His Mother, Ellen Bergdahl Eulogy by Mike Bergdahl vascular specialist. The surgery is sup­ • His twin brother William (Faye) of A Personal Note posedly low risk, but he was one of the Worthington, OH After the totally unexpected phone call 3% who don't make it. • Two sisters-Barbara (William) to my Milwaukee Motel at 4:00 a.m., calling Bob was a native of Northern Michi­ Briggs of Houghton, MI and Mary me to his death bed, Midwest Tool M-WTCA.ORGCollectors kept me going until other family (John) Lehto of Laurium, MI gan, a Mechanical Engineering gradu­ members made the six-hour trip from ate from Michigan Technological Uni­ He Was ... Houghton to Milwaukee to drive our car versity (1950), and a professional engi­ A family man-a father, a husband, a grand­ home. As a last thought when we were neer who retired in 1983 after 30 years father, a brother, a son, an uncle leaving the house, Bob said, "Get Mary Lou A man devoted to his wife and children for 39 and Carol's phone number from the Mid­ with ALCOA. He returned to his beloved years West Directory, in case you need someone to "Copper Country" six years ago. A church leader, a deeply religious man talk to while I'm in the hospital." I had the In the 61 years given him, he led a full A good neighbor, a friend always ready to help number along, and Carol Lomax and Mary life. During the past six, he was chair­ A community leader Lou Stover were at my side during that man of the Lutheran congregation that A businessman, a manager lowest point in my life. There's more to the A public speaker Mid-West than just collecting! his parents and grandparents had be­ A mentor, a role model I was truly blessed. It was always an longed to, President of the Houghton A 'Type A" personality, adventure and a pleasure traveling through Rotary and recipient of''The Paul Harris A man driven to succeed life with Bob. Fellowship Award," the Rotary's high­ A fierce competitor-even at Scrabble Ginger Bergdahl A man who constantly set and achieved high est honor. He was also Chairman of the goals Salvation Army Advisory Board, Presi­ dent and founder of the Copper Range Page 11 IN FOND REMEMBRANCE

Barbara Bennett lino is and three children-James N. Kemp's wife, Shirley, is a descen­ On Monday, the 24th of Septem­ Grant, Sierra Vista, Arizona; Judith dant of the Stanley family who ber, 1990, we lost a friend. Barbara Oglesby, Bath, Ohio; and Thomas founded The Stanley Works and Bennett's ready smile will no longer Grant of Skokie, Illinois-and eight Stanley Rule & Level Co-it made grace our San Diego meetings, as it grandchildren. Kemp's collecting of Stanley tools all has in years past. Donations in Dorothy's memory the more meaningful. Kemp and The Bennett house was a lively may be made to: Shirley became active collectors in M­ place before, during and after a tool­ Lupus Foundation of Northern WTCA, EAIA and P.A.S.T., and trav-. related event, and was crowded with Illinois eled from coast to coast enhancing members from all the various clubs­ 160 Heathrow Court their collection. This interest in tools a regular alphabet soup of collectors, Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044 was parallel to Kemp's interest in with numerous P.A.S.T., RMTC and Send your cards and acknowledge­ wood and woodworking-indeed the M-WTCA members, plus EAIA friends ments to Jim at: ideal craftsman. He loved the out­ joining in spirited conversati~n. M~et­ 2635 Central Park Avenue doors. He was a skier, both snow and ing days, Barbara ran registration Evanston, Illinois 60201 water and an accomplished sailor­ and Al sorted out tables, kept the he had owned several sail boats and tumult to a low roar, and watched W. Kemp Richardson rebuilt ski boats. Kemp was also an what was being unpacked. avid reader with an unforgett_ing The Bennetts collected people, cats, Kemp Richardson of Quincy, Cali­ memory. tools and furniture, and when not fornia, died September 23, 1990, of a Surviving are Mrs. Shirley K. busy with the real estate business, massive stroke at age 67. Richardson, his wife of almost 39 Barbara was always hard at work on Kemp was born on May 13, 1923, in years; sons Dan, 36, and Ron, 33; and something she or Al had rescued for Long Beach, California. He gradu­ daughter Lisa, age 32. Kemp repair. ated from high school June, 1941, and Richardson was a friend to all who From all of us, farewell. took classes at Pasadena Junior Col­ knew him. He was a gentleman and a Larry Brundage lege. On December 8, 1942, Kemp was gentle man. Kemp will be long re­ inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps. membered as one of those special Robert McMillen After tours of duty in St. Louis, Mis­ people who left a hallmark of <:JUality souri, San Antonio and Harlengen, and bit of class to everything he Long-time M-WTCA-memb~r Texas and Lincoln, Nebraska, he had touched. Robert McMillen of Lake Ozark, Mis­ earned' his aerial gunner' s wings,. Fred Curry souri died August 1, 1990. Bob was bombardier wings, and bombardier­ well known for his fine wood-working navigator training. He and the crew ability and w1ll be missed by all. of a B-1 7 named ''Tobacco Rhoda" left Dorothy Nelson Grant New York on March 15, 1945, headed for Europe. He was a lieutenant with Dorothy Nelson Grant, wife of M­ the Eight Air Force, 493rd Bomb MEMBER NEWS WTCA-member Jim Grant, died Sun­ Group. He completed six missions day, September 30. She was born before VE Day and, after returning to RIGLER NEW January 6, 1908, in Ewart, Iowa, and the States on July 4, 1945, was dis­ moved to Des Moines at an early age. charged from active duty December SPOOM PRESIDENT She attended Old West High School 11, 1945. He remained in the active M-WTCA member and past presi­ and graduated from Drake Univer­ reserves for 20 years and retired a sity. After teaching school for five dent Bill Rigler was elected president Major. of The Society for the Preservation of years in Montezuma, Iowa, she mar­ Kemp continued his formal educa­ ried Jim. Old Mills, to be effective January, tion in 1950 at the University of Cali­ 1991. Her avocation was genealogy. She fornia in Santa Barbara as an Indus­ wrote two books on familyM-WTCA.ORG history and SPOOM was founded in 1972 and trial Arts major. Kemp and Shirley contributed to others. Dorothy be­ has grown to its present membership married on February 10, 1952. After of 2 000. SPOOM holds an annual longed to the following historical or­ receiving his degree, Kemp became a ganizations: National Society of New meeting and provides technical assis­ teacher of people-he loved wood­ tance, reprints of mills, grants, and a England Women, Daughters ofAmeri­ working and drafting and taught can Colonists Colonial Dames of the quarterly publication. these subjects for 12 years. In 1973, Anyone interested in ~oining the 17th Century: Daughters of Colonial Kemp became the Director of the Re­ Wars, Sons and Daughters of Old society, please contact Bill at (615) gional Occupation Program for Las­ 455-1935. Annual dues are $10.00. Newbury, and Daughters of t~ie sen Plumas and Sierra Counties. In American Revolution. She was in­ 197'5 he became Director of ROP for terred in Pleasant Township Ceme­ east San Diego County. They lived in tery, Ewart, Iowa, the town of her El Cajon until Kemp retired in July, birth. 1982, when the family moved back to Dorothy is survived by her hus­ Quincy to build their mountain band, James W. Grant, Evanston, 11- "dream home." Page 12 JACK PLANE by Mel Ring A tool collector's greatest joy is finding a rare piece at a shop or flea market for a bargain price. That may have happened to me this summer. With the increasing scarcity of an­ tique tools, it's a day well-spent if you find even one tool. My wife and I discovered a town full of nice antique shops on a recent trip to the north­ west. The delightful town of Snohomish, Washington, is chock full of good shops with a fair number of tools. My find is an Auburn Tool Co. jack plane, with what appears to be a fac­ tory-made level vial with a brass es­ cutcheon and a factory-stamped 16- inch rule on the side. I'd never seen such a plane and I can't find any mention of it in any of my reference material. I took it to the Detroit meet­ ing and showed it to some of the more experienced collectors. (I didn't want to display my ignorance by describing it as a rare piece, only to find that every third person owned one!) I couldn't find anyone who had seen one like it and only one person said he knew of it. That person said he'd seen it in a Sandusky catalog, but my Sandusky catalog doesn't list it. The iron is the Thistle brand and appears to be original. The stamp in the end­ grain is deep and clear. The scale is graduated in sixteenths. I'm con­ vinced it's not an owner modification. I'll continue to be proud of my find (and to tell my wife how smart I am) ... and hope this article doesn't bring a flood of reports of planes just like it! M-WTCA.ORG

Page 13 THE LIGHTNING BRACE by Ron Pearson

For several years, a certain brace (photos to right) in my collection has remained an enigma. None of the several hundred patent drawings of American braces in my files seem related to it. Because of its head and handle design, I'd assumed the brace to be dated about 1875. The lower arm is marked "Pat. Appld. For #03." Recently, Jim Mau of Mesa, Ari­ zona gave me an article he found in the December, 1905 edition of the Hardware Dealer's Magazine. Here's what it had to say about the "Light­ ning'' brace: "The Hamden Mfg. Co., Wallingford, Conn., are offering the trade the "Lightning'' Brace, illus­ trated. It has no sleeve or jaws, and is quick and easy to adjust. The cam securely holds the bit; the latter can­ not work loose or get away until re­ leased by the operator. The brace, which is made of bent steel, has cherry head and handle and is polished. It is made in Nos. 01, 02 and 03, with sweep of 12, 10 and 8 inches, respec­ tively. It is made to retail at a low price." My example does indeed appear to be inexpensively made. While the tool shows little wear, the chuck mechanism, which is held by a single rivet, is very wobbly. There. Another puzzle solved. ARCH-BACK FROE by O.M. Ramsey

I've received several questions re­ The one possible disadvantage is garding the arched back shingle froe that when the blade is embedded into that was pictured on the March, 1990 the wood and you complete the split GRISTMILL cover. Here are some by pulling the handle to the side, you answers to your questions. have less mechanical advantage-the I I When using a straight blade froe, total distance from the top edge to the l I M-WTCA.ORGthe tendency is for the blade to try to bottom cutting edge is greater on an bounce out of the wood if you start out arch-back froe than on a straight blade driving the full width of the blade into froe. However, the arch-back can be the wood block. Therefore, it works driven further into the wood due to its f ]'-._:,~~=#=;:::==::~~ better if one end of the blade is canted greater top to bottom dimension. So, and started, then the full width of the this feature will probably offset any blade is gradually driven into the possible added leverage needed to wood. complete the split. With the arch-back blade, the froe On my arch-back froe, the cutting I /1 is driven into the wood in an askew edge is a beautiful job of forge welding I( fashion. That gives you more of a an old file into the body of the blade. slicing action, like a penknife whit­ Refer to the March, 1990 GRISTMILL tling a stick or a plane whose blade is cover for a better look. at an askew angle, versus a 90-degree angle to the frame of the plane body.

Page 14 TOOLS MADE IN THE MID-WEST THE PEARSON AUTOMATIC SHINGLE NAILER, ROBBINSDALE, MINNESOTA 1894-1915 Roger K. Smith, Editor PAYS FOR ITSELF Michael Knudson of Bismark, ON THE FIRST JOB North Dakota, has an example of Pearson's Automatic Nailing Ma­ = The Pearson-= chine, as shown in the ad from the Automatic Shingle Nailer June, 1915, American Carpenter & Builder magazine. His example is Do your nailing fast-faster than ever before. you can use this Pearson's Nailer on any pitch marked "P. J. Linde Robbinsdale, roof. Wear mittens, gloves, etc. This "Hand Nailer" is the only Na1ler-throw Minn. & Pat'd Jan. 26, 1894." Appar­ nails in by the handful-then start nailing. Nail~ easily driven ently this is an early model of the through tin or quite heavy sheet iron. machine. Some time subsequent to These nailers are made in two sizes-The BLUE Nailer for 3d, 1894, the Pearson Manufacturing common No. 14 gauge wire nails. Company of Robbinsdale (a suburb of The RED Nailer for 3d galvan­ ized No. 13 gauge 1¼-inch wire Minneapolis) manufactured these ma­ nails. The regular price is $7.00, but chines. If anyone from that area has it you order from this ad. we will send it prepaid parcel post for $5.00 additional information about this firm, This offer is liable to be with­ we'd like to know about it. drawn, so act now. nPEARSON MFG. CO. ROBBINSDALE, MINN.

Ad from June, 1915 American Carpenter & Builder Magazine. Photograph of Mr. Knudson's tool marked "P.J. Linde, Robbinsdale, Minn."

"I ANTIQUE TOOL AUCTION BAXTER AUCTION BARN • 8051 E. 46TH STREET • INDIANPOLIS, IN

Owner- 500 lots many with multiple tools, some Stanley items including Complete 45 & 55, 113, The late Carl Buiarsky 62,3,4,5,6,7,48,60-V2,39, 105,605-V2,606& December 15, 1990 others. Silcock Patent Plane, #6 Siegley, excellent Auction Preview-M-WTCA.ORGassortment of wooden planes over 10 plow planes, some boxwood signed by Casey/ 7-10 pm Friday & Kitchell, Hall/Case, Bensen/Crannell. 8-10 am Saturday A few panel raisers, moving filletsters, sash, complex moulder signed by American plane AUCTION makers such as J. Barkley, W. Vance, S. Sloop, 10:00 am SHARP J. Stall, W. Baum, Atkinson, J. Cook, J. Creagh/L. Brooks, J. Creagh/S. Palmer and Saturday other good ones. For information on tools, contact A lot of chisels, clamps, saws, braces, boxes Charles Ewing ... (317) 653-6079 and more. Page 15 STANLEY SPOKESHAVE ... Another Applicable Patent by Thomas C. Lamond

Until just recently, I believed that and No. 52, marked "Stanley only eight patents specifically related Rule & Level Co." (figure 5). to Bailey and/or Stanley spokeshaves. Therefore, yet another patent Continued scrutiny demonstrated applies to Stanley spokeshaves, that still another patent must be added bringing the known total to to the list. While Patent No. 21,311 nine. was designated as relating to "Secur­ • The numbers 1 through 12 ing Plane Irons," it's now apparent were used originally to that Leonard Bailey-to whom the designate L. Bailey patent was issued-also applied some spokeshaves. Those numbers aspects of the patent to securing spoke­ were changed around 1870 by the Stanley Tool & Level shave irons. Co. to the 50 and 60 Several observations have been designations. No. 1 became made regarding the No. 1 (51) and No. No. 51. No. 2 became No. 52, 2 (52)* shaves, the words "Bailey's etc. Not all the L. Bailey Patent" and difficult to read dates shaves continued to be made, ending in " ... 1858." The month and so there isn't a uniform day weren't readable on the numer­ correlation between the two ous castings originally observed. On numbering systems. some samples, only the "1" was distin­ guishable, while on others only the References: "3" was clear. Before now, it was as­ Hilton, William B.; Index of sumed that the date was July 13, 1858 Plane & Spokeshave Patents (the issuance date for Patent No. 1812 to 1910; Lynn, Massachu­ 20,855), but there was no apparent setts; 1977 direct connection between the specifi­ Lamond, Thomas C.; Pat­ cations listed in that patent and the ented Stanley Spokeshaves, The Bailey No. 1 or No. 2. GRISTMILL, No. 53, pg 12-15; I now believe the date to be "Aug. 1988 31, 1858." The finding of a very early Stanley Rule & Level Com­ Bailey No. 1 (figure 1) with the Au­ pany Catalogue, 1870; reprint gust 31, 1858 date on the blade (figure published by Ken Roberts Pub­ 2) initiated a search that led to yet lishing Co., 1978 another discovery-a somewhat later Stanley Rule & Level Com­ No. 1 with the August 31, 1858 date pany Catalogue, 1877; reprint cast in the back of the handles. The published by Ken Roberts Pub­ blade in this shave is marked "L. lishing Co., 1980 Bailey. Boston." (figure 3). A check of Stanley Rule & Level Com­ the patents issued on that date clearly pany Catalogue, 1884; reprint points to the application of the iron published by Ken Roberts Pub­ securing aspect. lishing Co., 1980 An analysis of the patent specifica­ Stanley Rule & Level Com­ tions reveals that a "bearing" screw pany Catalogue, 1892 with Abr­ M-WTCA.ORGidgement Revised to 1897; re­ through a slot in the blade is one of the major innovations introduced. Obvi­ print published by Ken Roberts ously, Leonard Bailey applied the Pub.Co, 1980 securing method described in Patent Number 21,311 to his spokeshaves. NOTE: Any comments concerning this article, other He indicated this on the first versions spokeshaves or similar tools, by stamping the blades accordingly such as beaders, scrapers, and and, later, by casting the date in the keg shaves, will be most handles. appreciated. Please write: The markings cast in the handles Tom Lamond have recently been found on examples 30 Kelsey Place of both the No. 1 and No. 2, with the Lynbrook, New York 11563 blades marked "L. Bailey. New Brit­ ain, Conn." (figure 4), and the No. 51

Page 16 THE WOMEN'S PAGE WOMEN'S AUXILIARY OFFICERS NOTE: All material for The Women's Page should be sent to President Eila Arnold The GRISTMILL editor, Barb Pontius, at P.O. Box 1038, Vice-President Loretta Ring Carmel, IN 46032. Ginger Bergdahl relinquished her position Secretary Edna Schmidt as women's editor. She did an outstanding job and we appreci­ Treasurer Shirley Linstromberg ate her hard work on past issues. Lyn Callis Publicity Chairperson

EILA'S INPUT by Eila Arnold hers who make these meetings so articles. If there is another who would Auxiliary President special? There aren't enough words to be willing to take over the job, Barb GREETINGS FROM INDIAN­ express our appreciation for the en­ said that wouldn't be a problem. APOLIS-As I begin this little "in­ ergy and effort it takes to host these We certainly do owe Ginger many, put," it's a hot, sultry September day. affairs. many thanks for doing such a great It's hard to realize that summer is Speaking of our wonderful mem­ job for all these years. She got us off to almost over and I don't know where bers, we want to assure every one of a wonderful start. There were some it's gone ... What happened to June? you ladies that you are a member of doubts expressed regarding the idea That's easy-we were planning for the Auxiliary. We hope that you are of having a Women's Page-and now and getting ready to go to Reading. participating in all the events-the we have several pages! Just keep those That was the highlight of my sum­ meetings, the quilt-making, our articles coming... mer. In July, we had some really hot luncheons, sending in your favorite It's been a few days since I started weather and that's when our air con­ recipes, or just coming in and visiting this "input," and our Indiana weather ditioner decided to stop for awhile! with your friends. has changed. The days are cooler and Then August came, and in this house­ Remember that our Editor, Gin­ the leaves are beginning to turn col­ hold that means it's time to work on ger, gave a little talk at our luncheon ors. We're eagerly anticipating our plans for the display for the Pioneer in Reading and asked for a volunteer drive to Detroit-to see the leaves, of Museum at the Indiana State Fair. to be the Women's Page editor? So far, course, and then to the meeting itself. August also brought the invitation there have been no volunteers, but if We don't have words enough to and registration forms for the Detroit you're interested, please let us know. thank our hosts, Mike and Barb Sla­ meeting. Meanwhile, our new GRISTMILL sinski and Lars and Alice Larson, for The plans for Detroit sound very editor, Barb Pontius, didn't hesitate the countless hours they spent mak­ interesting, but by the time you read to accept the responsibility. She will ing and executing all the plans and this the meeting, too, will be a mem­ need material, so please remember details. So we'll just say it again-"A ory. Isn't it wonderful that we can that if we are to continue having a great big THANK YOU." always count on these terrific mem- Women's Page, it's up to us to furnish CALLIS HONORED AS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH M-WTCA Auxiliary member Lyn she has been "selling" other counry Raymond Connor, director of the Callis took Indiana State Employee of offices on the virtues of computeriz­ Department of Public Welfare's the Month honors in August. The ing their tasks ... District IX, relates, "Lynn has spent following excerpt is from Interchange, When she is not helping with many hours developing a computer the Indiana State Department of computer training and implementa­ program for AFDC (Ai,d for Depend­ Personnel newsletter: tion, Callis is busy with the many ent Children) and Medicaid that As a county welfare director, responsibilities which go with being currently is being used by 11 coun­ Lyndall Callis performs aM-WTCA.ORG variety of a counry welfare director. She ties in her home district. She has duties geared at helping the needy oversees the staff of 21 at the Law­ also implemented and trained recipients served by her Dearborn renceburg office and often fills in for several county welfare departments county office. During her more than various members. She has been outside her district." 20 years in the department, she has serving as director for Dearborn Lyn notes, ". .. I have enjoyed being been involved in every aspect of the County since 1972. able to help co-workers here and in operation, from child welfare to food After realizing how much a other county offices ... This has stamps. computer could help in her office, helped us provide the best service When Callis filled in for a Medi­ Callis took the initiative to enroll in possible to the citizens and that is caid caseworker in 1986, she real­ classes and learn how to program why we are here." ized a personal computer could be a the computer to meet their needs. The next time you see Lyn at a tremendous aid in the many repeti­ She continues to spend many hours meeting, congratulate her for such tious aspects of the job. She "sold" after work and on weekends, keep­ dedication and hard work-and ask her county council on purchasing ing updated on the latest computer about her time management secrets! one for her office and since that time technology.

Page 17 THE WOMEN'S PAGE AUXILIARY EXCERPTS FROM DETROIT by Barb Slasinski early childhood pictures of the auxil­ iary officers and executive board were After all these months of prepara­ displayed. The ladies were encour­ tions, correspondence, changing plans aged to match the pictures to the and formulating lists, the first week owners. Super sleuths Donna Zerkle of October arrived, along with 290 and Lyn Callis were awarded prizes guests at the Holiday Inn Fairlane !n for their efforts in matching all the Detroit. Wednesday, October 3rd, m pictures correctly. Contrary to popu­ the sectioned off parking lot area, old lar belief, the bald-headed baby on and new friends exchanged greetings the poster was not Fred Curry. Later and made some great purchases. in the evening, we enjoyed demon­ THE NANTUCKET BASKET Bright and early Thursday morning, strations by Rose Kiley and Caroline· ,. .. # an American eta the registration desk was manned Carter. Rose showed the processes and ready to get the meet underway. involved in making Shaker boxes. Among the many tables of tools, aux­ Caroline churned butter, which was iliary members offered their wares. available to sample on crackers. A Colorful jewelry crafted by June Shaw, great job by both demonstrators. clever baby bibs by Carrol Olson, Fun and games was the order of Barbie clothes by Shirley Heebsh and business for auxiliary members on many different handicraft items by Friday afternoon. We shared laugh­ Allene Gildea, Nellie Leach, Ramona ter in large volumes. Everyone went Ramsey, Harriett Whiting and others away with a prize, even though it took were available to purchase. extra efforts for some to achieve this. Thursday afternoon began with Fifty-five items were donated for the Tammy Bidwell, a color consultant, Chinese auction on Friday evening. A speaking on the importance of wear­ ceramic pumpkin, teddy bear bank, ing the right colored clothing and pewter Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a fresh accessories to co-ordinate with your flower arrangement and handcrafted skin and hair. Her presentation was articles were just a few of the dona­ well received and a number of us tions available to win. Tickets were chose to have her do our individual purchased in hopes of having your color analysis. Next on the agenda, lucky number drawn. A special thanks Lyn Callis taught a cross-stitch orna­ goes to Allene Gildea for presenting ment class and Barb Slasinski showed the idea of this auction and for pre- how to make a poinsettia magnet. paring it for us. . Some auxiliary members now have a The auxiliary had 15 interestmg head start on Christmas. and educational displays in the theme The auxiliary room was furnished of "Household Containers." Judges with cheese, crackers and pop during Choice awards went to Agnes the meet. The ladies really enjoyed Sternberg, Marge Bradley and Pat the snacks, which were furnished Fesser. Most Enlightening went to through the efforts of Mark Lar~on, Pat Baader, Most Educational to Judy Lars and Alice's son. Fall decorations Blackhurst, Most Fun to Mary Gan­ and candy adorned the tables. Maga­ denberger and Best of Theme and zines, games and puzzles were avail­ Best of Show to Jan Deckebach. Thank able for all to use. ElevenM-WTCA.ORG baby or you to all who displayed... the judges' task wasn't an easy one. Saturday morning brunch on the raised terrace was attended by 68 TOP TO BOTTOM- auxiliary members. Covered baskets Mary Gandenberger's "Boxes, with fall-colored ribbon roses were Boxes and More Boxes" won the the centerpieces and the door prizes. Most Fun award. Molly Abraham, restaurant critic from Judy Blackhurst and The the Detroit newspaper, was the guest Nantucket Basket was "Most speaker. She covered a vari~ty of Educational" in Detroit. subjects, from what to look for m res­ "Containers from the Sternberg taurant service to women in the locker Household" from Agnes Sternberg Auxiliary award winners: Pat room. was Judges' Choice. Baader, Agnes Sternberg, Jan Deckebach, To everyone who helped make this Pat Feeser won Judges' Choice for Mary Gandenberger, Pat Feeser, Marjorie her "Handmade Baskets Make Bradley (Judy Blackhurst is missing) meet so enjoyable, Thank You from Usend Household Containers" Alice and Barb. Page 18 display. THE WOMEN'S PAGE GINGER BEER BO'ITLES by Jan Deckebach I began collecting ginger beer bottles soon after my husband, Rich­ ard, joined the M-WTCA about eight to 10 years ago. Since we tried never to miss an antique show or flea mar­ ket (in hopes of expanding his tool collection), we decided that I needed to begin a collection. I chose ginger beer bottles because I like stoneware-bottles are an ac­ ceptable size and weight to carry around the shows, and the price was affordable. For years I would go to show after show and find only one or two bottles. My brightest moments were the few times I would come across a cabinet Jan Deckebach won Best of Show, Best of Theme with her "Ginger Beer full of ginger beer bottles. Hopefully, Bottles and Containers display." they would all be different. In 1985, I got a book called "Stone­ ware Ginger Beer Bottles." This book choose my "prize" depending on its Southfield Michigan, where.I shared changed the way I collected. I learned uniqueness. my collection with the Women's Aux­ the history, the different closures, I have to admit, my greatest mo­ iliary Group and other members. labeling, countries, etc. Now if I run ment of ginger beer bottle collecting Thank you so very much! across a quantity of bottles, I can was the Fall M-WTCA meeting in

GIFT BOXES by Eila Arnold Dear Auxiliary Members: Thanks for sending in your articles-keep them coming. If your display article isn't in this issue, don't feel left out. Due to great coverage of the Detroit meet and member submissions, we have a space shortage... more women's displays are coming in the March GRISTMILL. M-WTCA.ORG Barb Pontius

Since the theme "Containers" is many years and these little boxes quite broad and inclusive, I decided were Christmas gifts at one time or that my accumulation of little boxes another, at different locations. Their might just fit in at this time. These value is purely sentimental. boxes do not truly represent a collec­ Oh, we had exciting times at our tion as such, however, because I did little Christmas celebrations at school. not actually choose them for a collec­ Perhaps a better title for the display tion. Instead, they have all been given would have been "Memories." to me. I taught second graders for Page 19 THE WOMEN'S PAGE .------~ SPILL HOLDERS Marjorie Bradley

There are match holders to store matches, toothpick holders for tooth­ picks, and spill holders that hold spills. The first two are commonplace ... but what are spill holders and spills, are how were they made? A spill can be described as a slender piece of any substance, especially a thin roll of paper, to be lighted in a fire and used as a match. This type of paper spill was used in most 17th and 18th century homes. Since friction matches were not readily available Marge Bradley took a Judges' Choice award for her "Spill Holders." until after 1859, the spill was com­ monly used to light the lamps, candles, pipes and cigars of that day. Later, a use of spill holders. The English spill ers. Early patterns, such as Diamond spill plane was devised which cut bases were made of wood, brass, por­ Point, Sandwich Star, Bulls Eye and tightly-rolled wood shavings that celain and glass. Therefore, it's not Lyre (or Harp) are identified. Colors made excellent spills. surprising that early glass manufac­ range from the clear flint glass to the The need for a container to store turers in America followed suit by beautiful colors for which the Boston spills resulted in what we now call a producing containers to hold spills. and Sandwich Company was noted. spill holder. English author Edward These American spill holders were Especially rare are the spill holders in Pinto states in his book, Treen or created using molds from the thick, the early colors of green, blue, ame­ Small Woodenware Throughout the flint glass whale oil lamps of the 1830s. thyst, cobalt and canary. Ages (1901), "Improved standards of The molds forming the font for these Although different in color or pat­ living in the eighteenth century and lamps were adapted to mold the short, tern, the design of the spill holder was the trend for specialised articles bring squat and low standard vases we now similar. The foot was either hexago­ us to spill vases, without which no have named spill holders. Thus, nal or round and the rim was smooth. living room was complete in Georgian whether by intent or not, the whale The one exception that I know of was and Victorian days." The favorite place oil lamp had its matching base. This the spill holder in the Smocking pat­ for the spill holder, with its contents set has become a desirable acquisition tern. The Smocking spill holder had a of spills, was on the fireplace mantle, for the collector. fluted edge which was an integral where it was readily accessible to the On display at the Sandwich Glass part of that pattern. fire at eventide to light the lamps. Museum in Sandwich, Massachusetts As friction matches became more England was the forerunner in the are many fine examples of spill hold- prevalent in the 1860s and kerosene replaced expensive whale oil for fuel, the thrifty housewife converted the spill holder for use as a spoon holder. This is evidenced by the frosted inte­ rior of many spill holders caused by use as a spoon holder over the years. Spill holders were even listed as spoon M-WTCA.ORGholders by the time glass factory cata­ logues were first printed in the 1850s. However, as Jane Spillman notes in her book, Glass, Tableware, Bowls and Vases (1982), "Still the patterns on these containers match those on lamp fonts more often than those on tableware forms, which suggests that they may have been used for spills." Spills and spill holders are now obsolete in our society. Nevertheless, their place in history is being pre­ served by collectors who admire our forefathers' practicality, resourceful­ Spill holder with matching whale oil lamp in Giant Sawtooth pattern. ness and ingenuity.

Page 20 EXTENSION RULE by William J. Baader

The following are excerpts from back and forth thereon and ad­ patent papers for an extension rule. justed to any desired position, Letters Patent No. 563277, dated by applying slight force, but will July 7, 1896, application filed April not move without the applica­ 13, 1895, Serial no. 545,567 (no tion thereof. model), was issued to Charles ''The back or slide 9 not only Edwin Jewell and Major Romeyn serves area handle or head-piece Jewell of Seneca Falls, New York. by which to manipulate the ruler, but also as a straight-edge ''This invention relates to rulers or for guiding the pen in ruling, or measuring-sticks, and the object other work, and as a protector thereof is to provide a scaled ruler for the scale on the upper side of ...... , 0. I. • K. &. lfflU.. having an adjustable sliding portion, the rule. In our device, however, UTDIIIUm.'n. X the construction and arrangement this is not the chief purpose of •-. Na.HT htea&M l ■ JJ f, IIN. being such that while the sliding part the back 9. The ruler being is not scaled, it still enables us to sealed as shown and described, measure any distance up to twice the it is apparent that we can meas- length of the ruler proper, in which ure any length or distance from Figure 1 represents our improved one to thirty inches, in the use of ruler with teh slide partially extended; a fifteen-inch rule, by simply Figure 2, a transverse section on the sliding the back to the right and ~ line xx of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 a similar fixing or adjusting it to the re­ section on the line yy of Fig. 1. quired position, when the dis­ ~ "Referring to the drawings, the tance measured can be deter­ ~ ' numeral 2 designates the body of the mined by the last number ex­ ~- ruler, made of wood, rubber, or other posed by the back or slide on the --1 material, and provided with a beveled scale which it covers, an example •-·- edge 3, on which is placed a scale, of which is sown in Fig. 1, the -I ~- which is divided into inches and frac­ distance between points "10" and '1 tions thereof, the inches being num­ "11" being twenty-two inches, bered, preferably, from "1" to "15" and that being the number exposed ~Jlt preferably from left to right, as shown. at the inner end of the slide. ~ .... ~ -!\ The side or edge 4 is kerfed or slotted "It is evident that we may ~ longitudinally the full length of the employ a ruler of any desired body-piece, as shown at 5, and this length and scale and operate the ~-- -~ slot is secured a metal strap or plate 6, same in a similar manner, and preferably of brass or similar mate­ that instead of placing the cov­ rial, forming a metal straight-edge ered scale on the top side of the c.c~ which is not liable to become injured ruler it may be placed on the Jl. -~ in ordinary use. back, and that other changes or ~~ ''The body of the ruler is kerfed or modifications may be made with­ -- IJ ~~ slotted longitudinally on both the top out departing from the scope of and bottom sides thereof, as shown at our invention. 7, Fig. 3, a short distance from the "It will thus be seen that we back, preferably about one-quarter of accomplish the object of our the width of the ruler, andM-WTCA.ORG between invention by a device simple in one of said slots 7 and the back of the construction and operation and ruler is another scale, divided into comparatively inexpensive. The inches and fractions thereof, the parts of our improved ruler can inches in this case being numbered be easily put together, and the from "15" to "30," and preferably from device can be used as a neat and left to right, as in the first instance. attractive ruler of the length of 'Within the kerfs or slots 7 are the body portion thereof, or so placed the edges 8, as shown in Fig. 2, manipulated as to correctly of a substantially tubular metal back measured twice said length." piece or slide 9, formed of sheet metal, and having a slight spring action by I have never seen this rule, and it which it is held, through friction with would be interesting to know if any the body-piece and kerfs or slots 7, in other collector has one, or if the rule such manner as to adapt it to be slid was ever manufactured. Page 21 PUZZLED by Hunter Pilkinton I've just returned from the Dear­ steel is quite malleable and can be born meeting-broke, but happy with bent, cut and folded when it's at an my purchases. I was also pleased that orange heat. this column received quite a few good I think the sketches of the opera­ comments as I made my rounds. tions to make the Blacksmith Cross Several discussed the problem of are fairly self-explanatory, but here's moving the house on rollers-some a brief run-down of the procedure. right methods, some wrong. The little Split the bar vertically and horizon­ problem of pushing the coin through tally, making sure to extend the cuts the ring was, as I suspected, a bit too one inch past each other, as shown in easy. I received nice letters from O.M. the sketch. Then, bend the tab out­ Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana and ward from the bar 180 degrees, until_ ? '-x------:~------~I.P r',,.d Jerry Glaser of Playa Del Ray, Cali­ it's in line with the axis of the bar. In 61""' ,,.,-~1/, lflll"W 1,11,e._'4,,P fornia regarding the house moving the same operation, bend the split end .S~'1~~ (June, 1990 issue), and only one letter upward 90 degrees. Open the split on the blacksmith cross problem and flatten to form the arms. Dress up (September, 1990) from Mike Sla­ the shape and upset the ends, and ;~tl_,;S /INP vl'nr,tJ.11.S ':Z,,11ek-SH,r H sinski, Saginaw, Michigan, who sent there you have it. The overlap of the ~/llld.C'-lf/1/llwll t.llt1.:J.$ II a nice and correct sketch. I also re­ original cuts forms the decorative Cv~ .-,,f.,11:h ~ '"',ti ,:,,,._,.,p ceived a number of favorable com­ diamond shaped opening. ,,,,nM~,A,/~ ments on the coverage of Jo Blocks (September, 1990 issue). Encouraged by that, I'm including a little bonus Now For The Puzzle Whatsit tool in this article. Jerry Glaser also sent me oodles of How are the two parts of a box-joint information on Jo Blocks and their plier assembled? The box-joint is a originator, including a picture of a mortise and tenon, but the tenon has sewing machine modified to do fine cheeks on each side of the mortise, so Blacksmith Cross lapping, which was described as being it's captive. This type of plier is quite used to produce the first gage blocks. old (I used an Orr and Lockett 1989 The lapping was done free-hand Catalog reprint as a model for the against a grey cast-iron plate turned sketch). The box-joint is still used on by the treadle. Unfortunately, my surgical and precision pliers today. It article was at the printers when I gives a much smoother and stable received the extra information. If pivot action than a simple lap joint. anyone wants more information on Jo The bonus Whatsit, as shown in Blocks, contact me. the sketch, may show up at flea mar­ Now, I guess we're back on track kets. (I found two sets at Dearborn.) and ready for the Blacksmith Cross The little cylinders are precision solution. You can try this for yourself ground on the sides and ends. All are with some modeling clay. Remember, the same diameter, but one is slightly

Box Joint Pliers

M-WTCA.ORGlonger. The base shown has no func­ tional use other than storage. The little cylinders are removed from the base when in use. They may be used singly and in pairs, threes or fours. They are sold in sets of four cylinders and are 1/2 inch or less in diameter. They're still on the market, but what are they and how are they used?

Send answers directly to Hunter Pilkinton, Route 1 Box 180, Wav­ erly, Tennessee 37185.

Whatsit tool Page 22 T~~i-R~J~-:t,~d_ Ca._La_lo9",•ll ~s

-.;:1,o!Al)l) 1 ~dvertisi11I L.1lt.Oq1:...... -· 1fJ\l\l'",.!.,<»- _,; \Int I ...,. ~-.. "

•~-;:-RS' Cl-ii,.\.oG Ei~\. woR srsd~ ..,. .. , .. Trade Catalogues ,.,--~,.,,,_~~- w .. :- ... ..-...~:, w Promotional Iterns w Store Displays w Broadsides w Advertising Signs w Postcards

••u•••TDOa.a.-..-. PREMIUM PRICES PAID A. H. POMEROY, fl)etaH1forkl~ fl\aWil)81')', For Advertising and Catalogues by STANLEY TOOLS

* 1888 + PRICB LIST ~ Actively buying Pre-1900 items Improved UW>r.~twin1 * * of every sort by all Makers @PENTERS'ToOLS ~.r-..•.1;.,.~•"'._,:,,..,.•••Av.,~,,.••"\l",,,. .. ._"'.,_"..-.._•Mi. "••~"•"....

I 1) I "" / ~ • I~..,.~""" 11-.,

Please ... show me something great and : I , !k.f;;.~ , ' DARE ME TO BUY IT! :, ~--~ ,

~"Tll-•.. ~-...-. .. ~~,r.,¥.,.y.,.....,,, .. -.., ..... ~·~ IT-umb.ruHL\h. STANLEY M-WTCA.ORGRULE AND LEVEL CO.

AMERICA'S CALL TODAY POWER BUYER of the VERY FINEST in TOLL FREE ANTIQUE TOOLS 1-800-869-0695 is committed to PAYING YOUR PRICE Martin J. Donnelly for choice items in these and P.O. Box281 other categories. Bath, N.Y. 14810

Page 23 It's Here! ANTIQUE & USED TOOLS Quality, older hand tools for collectors and woodworkers. Antique & Collectible Illustrated lists published 5 times a year. STANLEY TOOLS SUBSCRIPTION > $8.00 -A Guide to Identity and Value- CURRENT LIST> $2.00 specializing in by John Walter BOBHAIJSE

AT LAST! The long-awaited, complete guide to 110 years worth of collectible Stanley tools ... Not only planes and rules, but virtually ~ buy and sell every tool Stanley manufactured between 1850 and 1960! The perfect reference for everyone from the handyman with a few old :'i 11 W. 11th • Port Angeles. WA 98362 tools in his workshop, to the most advanced collector, woodworker, or (206) 452-2292 antique dealer! John Walter's new Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools provides a wealth of valuable information ... including Type Studies for wooden and metallic planes, rules, and levels that illustrate vital distinctions and trademarks which help you pinpoint the vintage of a tool. Other features include pricing information that helps you know about what to pay or ask, a Condition/Value chart, manufacturing dates, and construction details. Plus many other bonus features! G~I!~!~!o~~J!G~~~s 1162 Grizzly Peak Blvd. Berkeley, CA 94708 415-848-3651 Number 98 98 Carpenter's Plumb & Level Manufactured: 1897 to 1935 Sizes: 6, 9, 12, 18 inches long Construction: Rosewood, brass bound Finish: Lacquered Uses: General purpose level Specializing in Stanley and P~tented Planes 18 inch: $75 to $125 Number4 12 inch: $100 to $200 Please send a long SASE to receive our next 9 inch: $150 to $300 4 Smooth Plane Manufactured: 1869 to 1984 tool list. Want lists invited. Buy and Sell. 6 inch: $350 to $700 Dimensions: 9 inches long Cutter: 2 inches wide Construction: Cast iron, rosewood handle and knob Finish: Japanned Uses: General purpose bench plane Average Price: $10 to $20 Sample Entries Shown Pre lateral: $25 to $50 (1873 to 1885) Have Been Reduced in Size Type 3: $150 to $300 (1872 to 1873) Type 2: $100 to $200 (1869 to 1872) For This Ad Type 1: $200 to $400 (1867 to 1869) Actual Page Size: 5-1/2"w x 8-1/2"h

Brought together ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! TOOL AUCTION for the first timeM-WTCA.ORG . ALL THE INFO ON OVER Only $24.95 MAY 10 & 11, 1991 1,500 TOOLS ... BAXTER AUCTION BARN Send check or money order to Indianapolis, Indiana 700 Illustrations ... THE TOOL MERCHANT Hundreds of Tools: 460 Pages P.O. Box 6471 • planes • levels • drills Akron, Ohio 44312 Mostly Primitives • squares & bevels • rules Details of Sale in • plumb bobs • mitre tools Add $2.25 per book for shipping & handling. • bit braces • hammers Canadian orders require $3 .00 March GRISTMILL • tool cabinets & sets U.S. currency only. • spoke shaves • chisels Add $1.00 for Priority First Class Mail RISLEY AUCTION SERVICE • marking gauges ' Ohio residents add $1.38 sales tax. • miscellaneous items 4406 E 107 Terr, Kansas City, MO 64137

Page 24 MID-MICHIGAN DISPLAY CASES PO BOX 6518 SAGINAW MI 48608-6518~-· lE) 1-517-781-2414 ..

MICHIGAN R D -NT Sllll'PJNG ANO HANl>I.ING INCl.lll>EI> PLEASE ADD 4% SALES TAX

SAFETY GLASS. LOCK. AND LID PROP - HINGED EITHER ON END OR SIDE AVAILABLE IN ALUMINUM OR GOLD ANODIZED ALUMINUM

-~ '7,.',t ',-> . "'? " . , -~

, ...: a.:.

303-795-5650 ALUMINUM BUY J BUY 2 OR 3 BUY 4 OR MORE Sale Catalog Published 18 x 24 X 2 END 54.00 EACH 48.00 EACH 46.50 EACH Several Times A Year 18 X 24 X 2 SIDE 54 .00 EACH 48.00 EACH 46.50 EACH )8 x 24 X 3 1/2 END 58.00 EACH 51.50 EACH 50.00 EACH l~-~_2_4_!}-1.a.. ~IPL~.!!&QtACH . 51.50 EACH . 50,00 EACH 0 I·3 Issues for $5° I 22 X 34 X 2 END 72.00 EACH 64.00 EACH 62.00 EACH 22 x 34 x 2 SIDE 72.00 EACH 64.00 EACH 62.00 EACH 2r X 34 ,i 3 )/2 END 76.00 EACH 67.50 EACH 65.00 EACH 22 X 34 lt 3 J/2 SIDE 76.00 EACH 67.50 EACH 6~ .00 EACH

GOLD Al'\ODJZED PRICE.:i VhLID THRll JUIIE 1991 ALUMll'\UM BU\' J BUY 2 OR 3 BU\' 4 OR MORE Hi x 24 x 2 END 65.00 1£ACH 58.00 EACH 56.00 EACH Advance Notice • Advance Notice • Advance Notice • Advance Notice 18 X 24 X 2 SIDE 65.00 EACH 58.00 J,:ACH 56.00 EACH f8 .x°24 x 3 1/2 . EN[f .68.50 EACH··- . . 61.00 EACH 59.00 EACH . .!l. .!..~ .4 1t) J~_~I.QLJ,po EACH _. 6_1.9Q_Ji:A~!f. . 59.00 EACH ,. 2::! x ~4 x 2 END 86.S0 EACH 77 .00 EACH 74 .50 EACH 0.. 22 X 34 X 2 SIDE 86.50 EACH 77.00 EACII 74.50 EACH < I0 22 x 34 x 3 1n E1'D - 90.oo EAc11 - so:oo EACH ---1,.50 i:-ACil .. . z •::, The Spring Tool Auction • i2.~ 34 X 3 l/2_~JDE 90.00 EACII _ 80.00 EACH 77.50 EACH § a March 16, 1991 f .,,•> < "PLUS" f The Spring Tool Show

8 March 15, 1991 >0.. < z~ (during the Auction Preview) • 8 I C f .,,!: Next Spring's Auction will be moved to the = < Sheraton East, Indianapolis, IN, a where we will feature a tool show Friday afternoon ,. .§ and evening, Including a fine selection 0.. TOOL AUCTION < z0 to nationalM-WTCA.ORG tool dealers, • 8 offering a great selection of tools for sale. a SAT., APRIL 20, 1991 C z .,,•> !a Ken Wasson Tool < Saturday's Auction wlll again feature f approximately 500+ lots of quality tools. ,. Collection .§ Presently space Is available for selected oonsignments. 0.. < BAXTER AUCTION BARN z0 • 8 Contact Tom Witte ~ Indianapolis, Indiana C (616) 668-4161 .,,•> f 500 Plus Tools- f < Stanley, European & Misc.

Advance Notice • Advance Notice • Advance Notice • Advance Notice Details of Sale in March GRISTMILL

Page 25 THE MARKET WANTED: Articles of interest to fell ow tool BACKTALK collectors and researchers. Personal rewards PLACE great. Send to: Barb Pontius, P.O. Box 1038, This department is available for your Carmel, IN 46032. comments, questions, requests for infor­ FOR SALE WANTED: Defiance blade or cutter, 1-3/4" wide mation or identification and letters with battleaxe mark for No. 3 smooth plane. which provide answers to others seeking NEW TOOL SHOP IN ENGLAND: Good Stock Gale Zerkle, 511 Cookston Ave., Springfiled, information. For identification, a of Norris, Spiers, Moulding Planes and Usable OH 45503. (513) 399-1725. description, markings (if applicable) Tools. Tony Murland, The Tool Shop, 1-3 Eagle WANTED: Old Harness Maker's Tools. Osborn, and a clear photograph or drawing Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, England 1P4 lJA. Bus: Comph-whatever. Don Temp, R.R.1, Coon Val­ ley, WI 54623. (608) 788-1759 late. should accompany the letter. We 0473 232473, Res: 0473 358199. welcome your letters and will print as WANTED: Filletster Bed for Stanley No. 41 many each issue as space permits, on a WILLIAM A. GUSTAFSON MAIL/PHONE Miller's Patent, w/wo cutter, Reas. Also, Guard Plate for Stanley No. 46 Traut's Patent, (Type first-come, first-served basis. Deadline TOOL AUCTIONS. Five auction catalogs a year for receipt of letters is January 15 for for $20.00. Illustrated, with full descriptions for 5), Reas. Tim Barnes, 2088 U.S. 27 South, Car­ 15 the collector and user. P.O. Box 104, Austerlitz, rollton, GA 30117 (404) 832-9407. the March issue, April for the June NY 12017. WANTED: Westcott Adjustable S nut wrench, 4 issue, July 15 for the September issue, inch No. 74, Keystone Mfg. Co., Buffalo, N.Y. . and October 15 for the December issue. Hoyt Herrin, 3338 Poplar Springs Road, The address is: AXES ANYONE? New book-Axe Makers of Gainesville, GA 30507 (404) 532-8171. North America by Allan Klenman now avail­ BACKTALK able. $18.95 plus $2.00 postage. #407-3260 Williams & Associates Quadra St. Victoria, CAN, V8X IG2. P. 0. Box 1038 FOR SALE: Stanley and other Tools from my Carmel, IN 46032 Collection. A little of everything. Don Reagan, ADVERTISING P.O. Box 28, Coal City, IN 47427 (812) 859-4528. INFORMATION Reed Plane FOR SALE: Dictionary of American Hand Tools. 4500+ illustrations. The most complete tool ISSUE COPY DEADLINE I have a bit of information that may reference ever printed. $49.00 postpaid. Alvin March January 15 Sellens, 134 Clark, Augusta, KS 67010. June April 15 FOR SALE: Large selection of quality tools. Planes: Crown, Complex, Plow, Sash, Stanley, September July 15 Rare Makers. Goosewing Axes, Bowl Adzes, December October 15 Coopers Tools, H/F Edge Tools, Levels, Braces, CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES etc. Send S.A.S.E. for current List #18 To: Cliff $.15 per word - ALL words. $3.00 mini­ Yaun, Box 183 Nissen Lane, West Hurley, NY mum per ad. 12491. (914) 679-9206. DISPLAY ADS - RATES FOR SALE: Ohio Planes & Tools. Send S.A.S.E. SIZE COST WORD for List. Curt Lind, 120 Stahl Ave., Washington, LIMIT IL 61571 (309) 699-2767. Full page $150 900 FOR SALE: Tool Books. Wooden Planes in 19th Century America. Vol. 1-$30.00, Vol. II­ Half page $90 450 $40.00, or both for $65.00 postpaid. New York Quarter page $ 50 225 State Planes-$30.00, Rule Books, Descriptive Other sizes $8 per column inch Price List. Ken Roberts Publishing, Box 151, (1 column is approx. 2-1/4" wide.) 25 word Fitzwilliam, NH 03447. be of interest to other plane collectors. limit. Recently, while reading Ken Roberts Photos - additional $8 each (Polaroids not acceptable). Typesetting and borders are book, Wooden Planes in 19th Century not included in the page rates. Special art­ America: Volume II, I realized that I WANTED work will be charged at cost. We must have had in my collection a 3/8 inch back­ WANTED: Tools marked Fairmont in script. a sketch or rough drawing indicating how ing or mother side bead plane with Want Ball Pein Hammer, Pliers, Screwdriver you want your ad laid out. Camera-ready the imprint REED. UTICA. Upon in­ ads are accepted at no additional charge. and Wrenches. Jeff Levengood, 436 Luzern St., specting the 9 3/8 inch plane more Sugarcreek, OH 44681. For your protection and complete closely, I found that the imprint on WANTED: Log and lumber markings or stamp satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten hammer and timber cruising hatchets and axes. and double-spaced. If this is not possible, this mother plane was different from Doug Learn, 3037 East Glengarry Road, Mem­ please PRINT legibly. the imprints normally found on Reed phis, TN 38128-2909 (901) 358-1192.M-WTCA.ORG SEND ALL ADS TO: planes. It was a mother print! As WANTED: Tools marked Plomb Tool Mfg. Co., Gale Zerkle shown in the photograph, the border or Plomb-Los Angeles. John Baldwin, 5005 Paseo 511 Cookston Ave. around the letters which comprise Tortugas, Torrance, California 90505 (213) 373- Springfield, OH 45503 the name and location is raised above 7605. Payment must accompany ad. Make checks the surface of the toe of the mother WANTED: Bookbinders hand stamps and gild­ payable to M-WI'CA. At this time, advertis­ plane (bottom), whereas the normal ing tools as in Hoole Catalogue. Also, old cata­ ing will be accepted only from M-WI'CA logues of bookbinders tools. W.G. Roberts, P.O. members in good standing. For information imprint has the border recessed be­ Box 129, Halletsville, TX 77964. and membership application, contact Gale low the surface. I would be interested WANTED: Single tools or collections, for auc­ Zerkle at the above address or one of the in finding out whether other Reed tion or outright purchase, Call: William A. Gus­ officers whose address is shown on the in­ mother planes have this feature. tafson Antique Tool Auctions 1-800-542-0867. side front cover of this publication. Patrick M. Kelly

Page 26 ATOMIC Regarding "Cleaning /Glaskin Tool Identity and Preserving With reference to the ATOMIC/ Antique Tools," Glaskin Mfg. Co. item inquired about September, 1990 issue in the June, 1990 GRISTMILL, it is pictured in authority Bill Marquis' Dear Members: Fencin' Tool Bible. He identifies it as We, as tool collectors, are the pres­ a Glaskin Saddle Horn Tool. ent stewards of historic objects. As Imagine a cow-hand riding fence such, it is important for us to under­ on horseback with the intention of stand that the preservation and con­ servation of service, I believe, by re­ making necessary repairs, and the Ivory Rule difficulty of transporting tools with ferring them to any of the many read­ such a mode of transportation. Dear Editor: ily accessible published works on the The large ring-shaped handle is The rule shown in the accompany­ subject of conserving historic objects. designed to fit over the saddle horn. ing photograph was recently pur­ Better yet, we might consider having There is a hammer face for driving chased from an area M-WTCA mem­ a recognized museum's objects con­ fence staples. Opposite the hammer is ber. It is a one foot, two fold ivory rule servator present a program on the a digging tool to dig fence staples out with brass round joint, 1-3/8 inches subject at one of our meetings. of wooden posts in order to free up the wide, 1/8 inch thick and believed to be With all best wishes for the integ­ barbed wire and then be able to re-use a sector rule. It is not marked with a rity of our collectively important his­ the staples. But after you get the name, but is marked T.S.N., S.T.T. toric objects, I am, staple freed up a bit, you can slide the and L.S.C. at the ends of the scales. It Sincerely, ring's opening into the staple and has an inch scale marked in tenths, Laurent Jean Torno, Jr. then, with a rolling action of the en­ an edge scale marked in tenths of 1-3/ St. Louis, MO tire tool, withdraw the staple. 16 inches, and many other scales and To Whom It May Concern: The two notches in the mid-section graduations. A small pair of brass and I recently acquired two old wooden of the tool are designed to snag two steel dividers (also shown) accompa­ planes and a drawknife. The planes pieces of barbed wire (such as occurs nied this rule, which are 4-3/8 inches were made by Chapin-Stephens Co. when you find a broken wire). Then, long and have very fine tips. They are and Stanley. The drawknife has no with a transverse rotation of the very similar to ones made by Keuffel stamp on it, other than a number on implement, the two wires can be and Esser, but are also unmarked. the blade. I'm interested in finding out twisted together to create a splice. Can anyone explain their uses or the value of these tools, their age, etc. Richard Delwiche identify the purpose of the tapered Please send information to: Green Bay, WI scales and letters on the rule? If so, I David R. Gibson sure want to hear from you. 36 Hillside Ave. Sincerely, Everett, MA 02149 BACKTALK Editor: Tim Barnes Much thanks. I have a Helb "combined level and Carrollton, GA grade finder." The three outer scales are understandable, but the inner­ Drift Pick most scale which has 76 principal graduations is a mystery. Has anyone ever determined the purpose or sig­ Dear Sirs: nificance of this scale? Enclosed are pictures of a drift Also, what kind of wood is this level pick that was found in central New made of? Mexico about 1940. One end of the Many thanks and very truly yours, head is flat; the other is pointed. John H. Greiner The shaft is 26-1/2 inches long. It Wauwatosa,M-WTCA.ORG WI fits through a cast center, which is riveted in place. The handle fits into a recessed area in the centerpiece and is held in place by a bolt and nut. There is no name of a manufac­ turer visible anywhere; the letters "PAT'D" appear on both sides of the head. I would appreciate your help in finding out who patented the axe, its manufacturer, and perhaps the dis­ tributor. Yours Sincerely, Ed Lynn Tucson, AZ

Page 27 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLUMBIA, MO PERMIT 126

MID-WEST TOOL COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION, INC. Hal Dool i tt li:? Ann Henley, 808 Fairway Drive 12510 Big Bend Rd. Columbia, Missouri 65201 Kirkwood, Missouri

--::::=...--==---==--==--======MEMB ERSM IP UPDATE

ALABAMA Holland, Bernie, New Palestine MISSOURI Gipson, Steve, Brownsboro Hutchison, Phil, Indianapolis Brown, Merle, Lonejack ARKANSAS Jones, Craig, Dana Creek, Robert L., Richmond Patterson, John W., Little Rock Kinsey, Robert D., Carmel Cultural Heritage Ctr., Columbia CALIFORNIA Lloyd, Scott S., Indianapolis Cunningham, Bob, West Plains Kaplan, Charles, Santa Monica Lueking, James R., ~loomfield Rouse, Morris, .Toplin Kimball, Robert C., Patterson Nelson, Jim, Columbia City Sigmund, Andrew J., Bonne Terre Miller, Merle, Paso Robles O'Bara, James W., Noblesville Simmons, Bob, Richmond Shepherd, Roger, Oakland Reeves, Robert E., Columbus Smith, Joseph, Greenfield Williams, Dennis G., Carmichael Sensing Sr., C. Dennis, Corydon Smith, Al, St. Louis Woolf, Jerry, Modesto Smith, David, Elizabethtown NORTH CAROLINA CANADA Strong, Ralph Lee, Wheatfield Karolak, Edward, Durham Warwich, Thomas, Ontario Townsend, Marlon, Muncie NEW JERSEY COLORADO KENTUCKY Clifford, Gary R., Long Valley Reeder, Layla, Englewood McGuirk, Larry, Calvert City Frey, William C., Chatham FLORIDA Whinnery, Walt, Louisville Lothrop, Phil, Rutherford Barrington, Wjlliam, Tampa MASSACHUSETTS NEWYORK Melby, Floyd C., Ormond Beach Champi, Frank K., Newburyport Messamore, John, APO New York Yavak, Garwood D., Lutz Connoly, Daniel, Shrewbury Sanchinico, Michael, Yonkers GEORGIA West, Karl, Walpole Schultz, Charles, Scarsdale Andrews, H. Robert, Marietta MAINE omo Kennedy, Hugh, Jackson Blanchard, Clarence, Pownal Bunner, Dan, Plain City Tigue, John E., Lilburn MICIDGAN Devitt, Jack, Ottoville IOWA Carter, James R., Lincoln Park Kieffer, Jack, Hilliard Cross, Richard, Baxter Dragos, Raymond C., Allen Park Makar, James, Japle Heights Lage, Kenneth, Wilton Engel, Ray, Birch Run Monnier, Don, Sidney Lynch, Gaylan, Charles City Hall, Del Ray, Clarkston Van Dyk, Adrian J., Marietta Pippin, Eugene, Marshalltown Homer, Doug, Rochester Hills OKLAHOMA Yock Jr., Paul R., Palmer Kearns, Thomas, Detroit Guy, Craig, Oklahoma City ILLINOIS Lootens, Rob, Utica Shockley, Donald, Tulsa Enge, Thomas, Canton Mason, Richard, Melvindale OREGON Hulsey, Sue, Kinmundy Nickel, Steven E., Ypsilanti Economaki, John J., Portland Kulenkamp, Kenneth, Shipman Scovill, Russel G., East Lansing PENNSYLVANIA Raymond, Barney, Monmouth Stefureac, George, Brighton Hains, Timothy, Cornwell Ryan, Roger K., Danville MINNESOTA Semanek, Allan, Everett Schroeder, Charles, New Lenox Anderson, Richard W., Little Falls SOUTH CAROLINA Simanski, Paul, Villa Park Coleman, Patrick, St. Paul Davenport, Robert, Myrtle Beach Smith, Billy E., Bloomington Diekmann, Brent, Mounds View Stoner, Robert G., Roebuck Suit, Lou, Rockford M-WTCA.ORGLoomis, Patrick, Stillwater TENNESSEE INDIANA Miller, Roy, Clear Lake Evans, Curtis, Joelton Andrews, Mike, Bloomington Pawlak, Ben, Minnetonka Lee, Everett W., Afton Bertram, Charles J., Evansville Richardson, Stven R., Sandstone Ponter, Tom H., Algood Burrin, Kevin, Bloomington Scheide, Martin A, Columbia Hts. WISCONSIN Gable, Carl D., Ft. Wayne Strand, Jack Burnsville Bojanowski, Chester, Oconomowoc Heckman, Norman E., Bargersville Torborg, Wayne, St. Cloud Morrissey, Thomas M., Mequon Tousignant, Lew, St. Paul Petry, Bob, Palmyra Sunstrmo, Harold, Sister Bay

Page 28