September 2015 No. 160 the Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) No

Home , Grindstone, Grooving plane

Used Grindstones from the History of Grindstone City Michigan article on page 26 Studying, Preserving, and Sharing Knowledge of Tools

M-WTCA.ORG

A Great Photo of the Caudle Brothers Museum from the High Noon at Virgilina Area Meeting on page 10

September 2015 No. 160 The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) No. 160 September 2015

Copyright 2015 by Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. All rights reserved. THE GRISTMILL Editor & Advertising Manager: Bill Kolm | 11415 Spaulding St. Omaha, NE 68164 Contributing Editors: Bob Roger, James Goodson, John Wells Graphic Design: Tracie Sis, Green Hat Creative Heads The Gristmill is the official publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. Published quarterly in March, June, September and December. The purpose of the Association is to promote the preservation, study and understanding of ancient tools, implements and devices of farm, home, industry and shop of the pioneers; also, to study the crafts in which these objects were used and the craftsmen who used them; and to share knowledge and understanding with others, especially where it may benefit restoration, museums and like institutions.

President Vice-President of Scholarship LeRoy Witzel Mark Eastlick 105 Knights Blvd, Humboldt, IA. 50548-1879 14530 Mount Pleasant Rd., Cambridge Spring, PA. (515) 890-0262, [email protected] 16403-9776, [email protected] (814) 734-7818 DEPARTMENTS Vice-President of Elections Treasurer Hollis Feeser Vaughn Simmons 1606 28th St. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901-7614 3315 Clement Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 Chaff ...... 4 (507) 282-3175 [email protected] (540) 432-0617

2015 M-WTCA Scholarship Vice-President of Meeting Planning Secretary Larry Thorson Randy Knudsen Award Winners ...... 5 764 Stonebridge Ave., Onalaska, WI 54650-8813 8173 Lenox Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32221-6630 [email protected] (608) 779-0966 [email protected] Committee Reports ...... 6 Vice-President of Membership John Walkowiak Treasurers Tidbits ...... 7 3452 Humboldt Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55408-3332 Financial Statement 2014 . . . . . 7 [email protected] (612) 824-0785 www.mwtca.org

Area Meetings ...... 8 Directors Tool Family Trees ...... 13 Area A Area E Area J Area O Richard Rayburn, 2015 Bill Cox, 2015 Jim Price, 2015 Bob Valich, 2015 Mathew Kujawa, 2016 Robert Terry, 2015 Jim Dills, 2016 Lest We Forget ...... 31 Area P Greg Vetsch, 2017 Eric Kenney, 2016 Area K Patrick Renehan, 2015 Don Snyder, 2017 Auxiliary ...... 37 Area B Don Craig, 2015 Don Stark, 2015 Darrell Vogt, 2015 Area F Gary Coleman, 2016 Jason Miller, 2016 Gary Kane, 2016 William Warner, 2017 James Leamy, 2017 Obituaries ...... 42 Area L Area C Area G Steve Gosselin, 2017 Area Q Jim Charvat, 2015 Wayne Michael, 2015 Rob Zaccardi, 2015 Area M What’s It ...... 43 Zachary Dillinger, 2016 Ray Myers, 2016 Bruce Bogust, 2017 Stephen Edwards, 2015 Area D Area H Doug Fowler, 2016 Area R Lee Kallstrom, 2015 Annette Habicht, 2015 Bill Gustafson, 2017 Area N David Christen, 2016 Peter Habicht, 2017 Vince Soukup, 2015 Area S Bill Ruppert, 2017 FEATURES Area I Mike Imel, 2016 Herb Caudle, 2016 David Hegwood, 2016 Phil Baker, 2017 Wordell Davis, 2017 Millers Falls Treadle Tools . . . . . 14

The 46th Brown International Antique Tool Auction ...... 21 Committee Chairman Where to Send What Elections...... Hollis Feeser Send changes in your address, phone number Henry Disston Meeting Planning...... Larry Thorson or E-Mail to: KLM Computer Services, c/o Kerry McCalla, 104 Engle Ct., Franklin, TN 37069, phone Motion Picture Maker? ...... 23 Membership...... John Walkowiak (615) 791-6198, E-Mail [email protected] M-WTCA.ORGScholarship...... Mark Eastlick History Of Grindstone City Michigan . 26 Gristmill Editor...... Bill Kolm Request The Gristmill copies from: Carl Gray, 17140 28 Mile Road, Ray, Michigan 48096-2905, phone Special Publications...... MIke Urness (586) 781-9467, E-Mail: [email protected] The Extended Blade ...... 28 By-Laws and Policy...... Steve Edwards What’s It...... Rob Hartmann Pay membership dues for current year: Dues are $25 for USA, $40 for Canada & $60 for Foreign Directory...... Randy Knudsen Alumo Grooving Plane members. Send your check made out to M-WTCA to for Weatherstripping ...... 29 Preservation & Education..... Doug & Paula Cox Vaughn Simmons, Treasurer, 3315 Clement Drive, Marion Henley Award ...... Kerry McCalla Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4723 phone (540) 432-0617 Stanley Drafting Rules ...... 32 Displays & Awards ...... Dick Bradshaw E-Mail [email protected]. Please write Internet ...... Russ Allen RENEW and your name and address on your check. Do not use a new member application to renew an Address Labels ...... Kerry McCalla A Wall of Grindstones ...... 33 existing membership. Scrapbook...... Aaron Hoyle Strategic Planning...... Ed Hobbs Submit materials and advertising information Tape Measures Before 1900 to The Gristmill: Send to Bill Kolm 11415 Spauld- In the United States ...... 34 ing Street Omaha, NE 68164, phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected]

The Gristmill (ISSN 2166 8078) is printed by Obtain scholarship information: Contact Mark Elman Print, 6210 South 118th Street, Omaha, Eastlick 14530 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge NE 68137 phone 402.346.0888 Spring, Penn. 16403-9776 phone (814) 734-7818 2 The Gristmill 2015 M-WTCA Area Meetings

Area E Sept. 6, Ottawa, IL. Bill Cox, (815) 672-3874, [email protected] Area H Sept 12, Simsbury, CT. Annette or Peter Habicht (413) 645-3148, [email protected] Area Q September 19, Raleigh, NC. Ed Hobbs (919) 828-2754, [email protected] Area D September 20, Cosgrove, IA. Bill Ruppert, (319) 545-2756, [email protected] Area D Oct. 18, Omaha, NE. Lee Kallstrom (402) 981-0500, [email protected] Area S Oct. 24, Broadway, VA. M-WTCA Vaughn Simmons, (540) 432-0617, [email protected] Area E National Meetings Nov. 1, Carlinville, IL. Bob Terry (618) 377-3421, [email protected] Fall 2015 Sept.30-Oct 3, 1015 Mars, PA. Area N Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] Nov. 21, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL. Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected] Spring 2016 June 9-12, Holiday Inn - Airport, Des Moines, IA. Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] 2016 Fall 2016 Oct 4-8, Ramada Plaza Hotel, Louisville, KY. M-WTCA Area Meetings Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] Area K,M,N & Q Spring 2017 Feb 4-6, Madison, GA. June 14-17, 2017, Springfield, IL. Steve Edwards (205) 914-5760, [email protected] Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] Area F March 11-13, McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer,IN Fall 2017 Matt Borders (812) 824-9318, [email protected] Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2017, Memphis, TN. Larry Thorson 608-779-0966, [email protected] Area E M-WTCA.ORGMarch 27, Loves Park, IL. Gary Johnson (815) 494-3219 Area D May 1, Humboldt, IA. LeRoy Witzel (515) 890-0262, [email protected] Area N Nov. 19, Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown, FL. Willard Smith (850) 674-2777, [email protected]

Meeting Dates must be cleared with Jim Crammond, 734-241-0549 [email protected]

September 2015 3 CHAFF Hollis Feeser, Vice President of Elections is busy working From President, on our slate of Directors to announce and install at our Fall semi-annual meeting. Please help him out by stepping LeRoy Witzel up to be a Director or recommend the Director you wish to represent your area. Send Hollis an email or give him a phone call. We are always wanting new people to get involved to keep M-WTCA moving forward. See Hollis’s The semi-annual meeting held in Kingsport, Tennessee is article in this Gristmill. over and many thanks go to our meeting hosts, Larry Thor- son and Judi Heckel. All aspects of the convention from I urge you to look over the M-WTCA financial report in room trading at the start, to wrapping up with the Saturday this Gristmill prepared by our treasurer Vaughn Simmons, night banquet were enjoyed by everyone. It was a very im- and also the other financial information article prepared pressive facility at a wonderful location in eastern Tennes- by him. Our Board Of Directors appreciates the detailed see. I appreciate all the work done by everyone attending financial material presented at our semi-annual meetings the Executive and Board of Director meetings. The prep- by our treasurer. We are fortunate to be part of a sound aration and homework done ahead of these meetings al- financial organization. Many members continue to support lowed each meeting to go smoothly and efficiently. One of M-WTCA beyond their annual dues. Each year M-WTCA is the decisions unanimously approved was to increase our remembered upon the death of a member by family mem- support for the Mt. Vernon intern from $3300 to $5000 per bers and friends with donations. year starting in 2016. Doug Cox, Preservation and Educa- tion Committee Chairman, presented information relating Let us see if we can keep our 2016 membership moving up to the positions some of our previously sponsored interns from 2015. Please refer to John Walkowiak’s, V-P of Mem- hold today. It is obvious that their intern work helped pave bership article in this Gristmill. As we go into the fall, keep the way to their responsible current positions. We know in mind that new members joining after October 1st will M-WTCA support of the intern program is appreciated by have a bonus. The last three months of 2015 are free as both Mt. Vernon and the interns each year. part of the 2016 dues. There are many who have not heard of M-WTCA. Help spread the word. I am pleased to announce a $2300 donation to M-WTCA. We thank the New England Tool Collectors (NECTA) for I hope to see many of you in Mars, PA. at the fall semi- this contribution. They have disbanded and have specified annual meeting (Sept. 30-Oct.3, 2015). Our hosts, Larry that their funds should go into our Endowment Fund. I am Thorson and Becky Leamy and many volunteers have a also pleased to say that Bob Terry (Area E Director) has wonderful agenda scheduled for everyone. agreed to be our new Endowment Committee Chairman. We thank Mel Ring who prompted the establishment of We appreciate all the work done in planning the fund and was its first chairman and Ray Nissen who these semi-annual meetings. They are a spe- is retiring. As was stated at the 2005 fall meeting, when cial place to deepen M-WTCA ties and learn the Board of Directors established the start of the Endow- ment Fund, “the objective of the fund is to provide mem- more about antique tools. bers and others the means to give funds to carry out the It is unfortunate that only 10% or less of our membership mission of M-WTCA”. will take advantage of these times together. When age, dis- Another new member of our executive committee is Steve tance and time restraints keep members away from semi- Edwards (Director in Area M-WTCA.ORGM) who has volunteered to be annual meetings, it is wonderful to have all the area meets By-Laws & Policy Chairman. It is important the policies , available to everyone. procedures and practices are up-to-date in the Directory Be sure to check out our website (www.mwtca.org) for each year and we thank you Steve for doing this work. information about M-WTCA. Hope to see you soon. As in any organization or business, it is important to have a vision of where we are headed and ideas to be thinking about as we move forward. We call this strategic planning. Ed Hobbs has agreed to be Chairman of a Strategic Plan- ning Committee and make reports to future Executive and BOD meetings. We thank you Ed and those on your committee for working on this matter. www.mwtca.org

4 The Gristmill 2015 M-WTCA Scholarship Award Winners by Mark Eastlick

The Scholarship Committee of M-WTCA is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s scholarship awards for the 2015-2016 academic year.

In recent years our organization has awarded six scholar- dents can continue their higher education in order to ships of $1,500 to deserving students. This year, thanks to reach their goals. We congratulate this year’s winners and the generosity of Roger and Marsha Smith, we are able to wish them the best of success. fund two additional awards. We thank the Smith’s as well as several others who have donated funds for specific use Applications for the next school year will be available for scholarship purposes. from the Committee Chairman after November 1, 2015.

In coming years we hope to be able to expand the awards that M-WTCA is able to give so that highly qualified stu-

BENJAMIN BORJESON Benjamin is THOMAS PAGE After graduating from from Maristad, Sweden. He is attending Houghton High School in Houghton, the University of Gothenburg where he Michigan, Thomas will attend Michigan is enrolled in Department of Conserva- Technical University seeking an engi- tion’s Construction Crafts Program. His neering degree. long term goal is to own a shop making traditionally made products. He also has made many of his own tools.

DEREK GAIER Derek is a recent gradu- SYDNEY RIZZO Sydney is from St. Pete ate of Lehman Catholic High School in Beach, Florida where she will be trav- Piqua, Ohio. He will be attending Bowl- eling to Charleston, South Carolina to ing Green State University to major in major in Psychology at the University business. of Charleston.

MAE GODWIN Mae is from Columbia, SYDNEY TIMM Sydney is a recent Missouri and will be attending Colum- graduate of Palm Harbor High School bia College where she will be majoring in Florida. She will be attending the in graphic design with a minor in pho- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy tography. and Health Science in Boston to earn a M-WTCA.ORGPharmacy degree. GABRIELLA KING Gabriella is from GABRIELLE VETSCH Gabrielle is from Bath, New York where she will attend Albertville, Minnesota and will be pur- the University of Buffalo to major in suing a degree in Biology at the Univer- Biomedical Science. She would like to sity of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. use her degree to do lab work in cutting She would like to use her degree to at- edge medicine. tend dental school and begin her own practice.

September 2015 5 M-WTCA Needs You COMMITTEE REPORTS by Hollis Feeser, V.P. Elections

Area Directors are important. We will soon be sending in the Due to an oversight on my annual Director Nominations with the elections to follow. part, the nomination form Nominations can still The Association lists a membership of some 3300 members did not get in the June is- be made through spread over 19 Areas with 48 Director seats as determined by sue of the Gristmill September 15 via the number of members in each Area. The Directors are the email, phone or letter. pipeline to the officers and committee chairs of the Associa- Think it over, M-WTCA tion. They are the critical link to getting messages to the top needs you. Hollis Feeser: as well as keeping tabs on local Area functions such as tool We are just beginning to [email protected] meets, meetings, activity planning, and recruitment of new take advantage of com- phone: 507-282-3175 members and Directors. It is not a difficult job taking only puter processing to speed mail: 1606 28 Street NW, a few hours per function. This year 18 Areas have Director up the elections process Rochester, MN. 55901 openings either as two term completions or as unfilled seats and save postage expens- for a total of 27 openings. It is critical that these openings es. There are some 3,300 members to contact, once for nomi- get filled. The health and well being of M-WTCA depends on nations and then again for elections. The election process is having full Director representation of every Area. changing to email. We know that not everyone has an email I urge every member to consider being a Director. Help and address and we are working around this but in the meantime, assistance from past and current Directors is always avail- if you do not have email, you can make a nomination or vote able. Committee chairs and officers recognize the impor- as shown above. If you have email but have not updated your tance of Area Directors and are ready and willing to offer Directory address, please send your correction to Kerry Mc- assistance in filling Director seats. Calla as show on page 2 of the 2015 Membership Directory. I am here to help. You can contact me anytime.

Membership Report by John Walkowiak, V.P. of Membership

I trust that this has been a good summer for your collecting you also get to sit in on the Directors meeting and have a say interests and the fall will be even better. I want to thank in what goes on with the organization and present ideas of everyone for promoting Mid-West to your friends and ac- your own. (Also, anyone can sit in on the Directors meetings) quaintances. Our membership has been steadily increasing Please consider it. If you have any questions about being a and that is great news all the way around. Director, just give your present Director or myself, or any Board member a call to talk about it and ask any questions. I I want to remind you that I have membership brochures, also have copies of the Directors Guide that I can send you. silent salesmen and business cards with our website infor- Remember, members are in charge of this organization, and it mation, just contact me if you can use some. takes input from all of us to keep it going on a forward path. Most of our Areas have a Director who is “retiring” this fall, We all want it to keep going right? as their term ends. That means that someone has to take their Also, I want to remind everyone that reminder notices place. I would like YOU to considerM-WTCA.ORG volunteering as a Direc- about Area and National meets are being emailed to every- tor in your Area. Or think of a member you know who would one. Everyone that is, who has given us their present email be a good candidate. Trust me, I have been in those shoes and address. I know there are members who have email but it is very rewarding and not really a lot of time or effort. It will have not given it to us, and I urge you to do so. not cost you anything. One of the main responsibilities of a Director is to help host your meetings. If you have not hosted Due to ever rising cost of paper mailings, email notification a meeting before, it may look like a lot of work and respon- will have to be used more in the future. If we do not, the sibility. Most if not all meetings are repeats of many years of cost of our membership and meetings will have to go up. meetings most likely in the same place at the same time each The program we use is as safe and secure as we can get, so year. This means that all the details have been worked out by please do not worry about that. your previous Directors and the meet is pretty much on auto pilot. If you can attend the National Meetings as a Director, Please send your email info and updates to Kerry McCalla at [email protected].

6 The Gristmill Treasurer’s Tidbits FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2014 by Vaughn Simmons Balance Sheet Gift Memberships ASSETS Checking Account and CD’s ...... $ 121,378 Membership to M-WTCA is a great gift. Just in- Restricted Funds - CD’s clude a note somewhere on the membership ap- Endowment ...... 47,403 plication that “This is a gift to (new member name) Meeting Reserve ...... 34,498 Mt. Vernon Tools ...... 231 from (your name). With that authorization note I Pres. and Ed. Comm ...... 2,823 will add “2016 Membership gift from (your name)” Life Membership Fund ...... 77,690 to the new member membership certificate. Other Reserves - CD’s Board Reserve ...... 104,929 Donations Advance Level Contributions ...... 64,711 Other Donations over $250 are acknowledged with a Advance for Nat’l Meetings ...... 7,000 receipt that is IRS compliant. Your check copy Assets held by Areas and Aux...... 35,563 should suffice for under $250. Restricted dona- TOTAL ASSETS ...... $ 496,226 tions to Endowment, Scholarship, Mt. Vernon In- LIABILITIES tern, Preservation and Education are restricted to Deferred Revenue Dues 2014 ...... $ 49,146 Deferred Revenue Dues 2015 ...... 200 expenditures made in those specific areas. Unre- Deferred Revenue Dues 2016 ...... 25 stricted donations are available for general operat- Advance Level Donation 2014 ...... 5,553 ing expenses. TOTAL LIABILITIES ...... $ 54,924 EQUITY All donations made in memory of a M-WTCA mem- Retained Earnings ...... 438,890 ber are acknowledged with a receipt to the donor, Net Current Income ...... 2,412 regardless of amount and the names and addresses TOTAL EQUITY ...... $ 441,302 of donors are provided to a family member indicat- TOTAL LIABILITY AND EQUITY ...... $ 496,226 ing that a memorial gift has been made to M-WT- CA. Memorial gifts may restricted or unrestricted. Income and Expense Statement INCOME Membership Dues ...... $ 81,829 Overpayment to M-WTCA Life Memberships ...... 989 Gristmill Advertising ...... 5,656 Renewals through the M-WTCA website are very Semi-Annual Meetings ...... 1,811 convenient; however on occasion payments are Auctions ...... 1,019 made through the website and later a check is sent Interest Income ...... 2,894 Donations(non-restricted) ...... 6,444 with the invoice that everyone receives in Novem- Dontions(restricted) ...... 4,644 ber. There have been second checks and second Label Sales ...... 313 website payments. All overpayments are applied to Directory Advertising ...... 2,225 the following year membership dues. TOTAL INCOME ...... $ 107,824 EXPENSE Invoices sent out in November have a title line that Scholarship ...... $ 9,064 says “Dues Invoice for 2016” or “Important Notice” Mt. Vernon ...... 3,300 Meeting Expenses ...... 3,276 If there has been a prior year duplicate payment or Gristmill ...... 47,189 an advance dues payment, it will say “Important Membership Directory ...... 11,480 Notice” and that your dues are paid for this coming Director Q’rtly Report ...... 236 year. Both the Dues Invoice and Important Notice New Members Back Copies ...... 2,387 What’s It Comm ...... 81 cards have your membershipM-WTCA.ORG cards attached. If Other Comm Exp...... 688 there any questions about dues payments, please Membership Development ...... 992 feel free to email me at dvs@beaglevalleyfarms. Advertising ...... 165 Area Mailing Costs ...... 577 com or phone 540-432-0617. Refunds of overpay- Internet ...... 461 ment will be made upon request. Administrative-Printing, Postage, Supplies . . . . 2,089 Special Publication ...... 10,045 2014 Financial Statements Membership Dbase Service ...... 4,437 CPA Service ...... 1,370 The 2014 Financial Statements included in this Treasurer ...... 5,648 Insurance ...... 1,917 Gristmill are brief and do not include any interest- Corp. Registration Fee ...... 10 ing information about antique tools. If you have TOTAL EXPENSES ...... $ 105,412 any questions about the assets, reserves, liabilities, equity, income or expense, feel free to contact me. NET INCOME ...... $ 2,412

September 2015 7 AREA MEETINGS

AREA H Spring Meeting 2015 by Peter & Annette Habicht, Area H Directors

In spite of the stormy weather on May 31st, 2015, just over Historical Society Assoc. located in the heart of Simsbury, 30 members and guests attended the Area H Spring Meeting CT. The theme for the meeting will be Connecticut tools at the Stanley-Sloane Museum in Kent, CT. and makers. There will be two demonstrations. Flyers will be emailed and snail mailed to area members shortly with all the details on this meeting.

Many members finished off the meeting by walking the grounds to view the Gothic remains of an old pig iron fur- nace. Pig Iron was quite a large industry in the northwest corner of Connecticut in the mid to late 1800s. There are several state parks with trails and waterfalls nearby the museum where members went for an afternoon picnic and stroll.

Good Attendance in the early morning parking lot.

Member Joe Buda giving his presentation Curator Barbara Russ providing an on Sloane’s philosophy on hand tools and enlightening background on the their use. Stanley-Sloane Museum.

Attentive members assembled for a business meeting and presentations.

Tools were displayed and sold with the usual enthusiasm with members sharing their pleasure with their new acquisi- tions. All enjoyed coffee, along with muffins and fresh fruit.

Barbara Russ curator of the Museum, gave a brief history about the land purchase by Stanley Tools for the museum built by Eric Sloane, the way the displays were made and arranged by him. After his death, Mrs. Sloane had all the items that were in Eric’s home studio brought to a replica of that studio attached Joe Buda admiring Bruce Perry’s mint, Admiring a very early Boring Machine while to the museum, and placed the items herself just as they had unused, meat grinder. Tailgating. been left by her husband. Among the items is an unfinished piece of his art on an easel. Along with all the tools in the museum, there are many pieces M-WTCA.ORGof Eric Sloane’s’ art on display. Member Joe Buda gave an informative presentation on the form and function of handmade tools used as an extension of the hand as was the philosophy of Eric Sloane. The sim- plicity of form and function and fit in the hand of a tool was vital to Eric Sloane. It can be seen in many of the tools made by him displayed in the museum.

A brief business meeting was held, with plans for a fall area meeting, met with positive response. A date of September Interior view of the very attractive and informative displays created by Eric Sloane 12th, 2015 has been set for the fall meeting at the Simsbury himself.

8 The Gristmill AREA MEETINGS

Area “A” Spring Meet; Hastings, Minnesota - May 16, 2015 by Bob Nelson

After a four year hiatus due to renovation, we returned to Trade floor activity was very active with good sales and the very popular Hastings National Guard Armory for our good values reported by sellers and buyers. Spring 2015 “Cheap” Meet. Our community table had some unique and rare items of- Over 100 old and new members joined us for a great day of fered at very exceptional prices, and once again we had trading, tool talk, and fellowship. great participation in the “What’s It?” session. Thanks to everyone who attended our Area A Spring Meet. Please join us on February 13, 2016 for our Medina, Minnesota “Cabin Fever” Meet.

above: Lee Osterbauer’s Panther Saws

left: Ray Schmidt’s Stanley Defiance Planes (1925–1955)

Ray Schmidt shared his very impressive and complete collection of all of the types of Stanley made Defiance Planes; circa 1925 – 1955.

What’s rarer than a Panther Saw? Lee Osterbauer displayed A bevy of Auxiliary Beauties the correct answer: his (2) beautiful Panther Saws!

One of the most precious moments of the day occurred at Rick Rayburn’s trade table. One of our newest members Sam Klanderud, was admiring Rick’s tools with his son Christian. Chris took a liking to many of Rick’s tools and negotiated the best bargains of the day. Even Chris was as- tounded by his good fortune.

M-WTCA.ORGTrade floor Activity

The Klanderuds and Rick Rayburn Lots of “What’s Its”

September 2015 9 AREA MEETINGS

High Noon at Virgilina by Bob Roger, photos by Dennis Fisher

On April 18, 2015 at 7:30 am, all of the Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department Association fire trucks had been moved from the station house and were parked along the street. Tables and chairs were set up in place of the trucks, and people were beginning to arrive. Within the next hour the population of Virgilina, Virginia increased by 60%, all at the firehouse.

Ten displays of rare and unusual forged tools were ready for ter smith Peter Ross discussed and demonstrated how to viewing as well as many tables full of old tools. The firemen make a pair of calipers using only an anvil, hammer and were busy at a fire behind the station barbecuing chicken tongs. What on earth happened in quiet Virgilina? for lunch. Another fire was being built in a forge where mas- On the other side of town, 1½ blocks away, Henry and Her- bert Caudle had decided to host an Area S, M-WTCA meeting and open their fantastic tool museum for tours. 104 members (including auxiliary and many members of Area Q) met at the firehouse and lined up for their escorted tour.

Peter presented a very informative program. Some exceptional buys were made at the tables, displays were voted on, and the chicken was delicious. However, by mid-afternoon the town population was back to normal and the firehouse was back in business. Is that what the youngsters today call a FLASH MEETING?

The next five photos are of the Caudle Brothers and their museum. M-WTCA.ORG

10 The Gristmill AREA MEETINGS

Henry and Herbert welcome visitors to their Virgilina Tool Museum. If you are planning to be in the area give them a call. Their numbers are in the directory.

Display Theme – Blacksmith Made Tools

Don Taylor

Bob Roger M-WTCA.ORG

Vaughn Simmons

September 2015 11 AREA MEETINGS

Macomb, Illinois. Spring Meeting by George Wanamaker

On Sunday April 19, 2015, 60 Mid-West Tool There were eight displays. Judging was done by ballot by Collector Association members gathered at attending members. First place was $25, second was $20, and third was $15, all in tool bucks. The winner received the Macomb 4H Center Grounds for our 28th the amount in script to buy tools at the meeting. The seller meeting. This meeting was put on by Ron and cashed the script for money. Thus two people were win- Sherri Knorr and George and Ketra Wanamak- ners for each prize, the displayer and the person who sold er. President LeRoy Witzel and his wife Susan an item for the tool bucks. First place went to Laurent Torno for his Georg Freidrich yardstick made in 1760, pos- made a six and one half hour drive to attend sibly to commemorate his sons’s birth. Second place went and support this show. There were donuts, to David Schepers for his display of Bailey Victor # 11 and juice, and coffee for all. #14 planes from 1882. Third place went to Don Snyder for his Ellis nickel plated Four In One wrench patented in There were 30 tables of tools. Many of the tools went 1904. Other displayers were John Hasek with a Mann axe home to new owners. Items for sale included planes, but- head from the early 1800s, Susan Witzel with a “Sweet Tool ter stamps, farm tools, books, catalogs, Stanley tools, a Tree” having a maple sugar mold in it, Lloyd Bank with an raisin seeder, butter blender, horseradish grinder, rules, A. J. Slonecker lifting jack, patent in 1905, Dale Crosier tapes and numerous other items. with a John Fray wimble brace, patent in 1869, which you could turn and feel the difference from a regular brace, The What’s It session had 12 items of which seven were and George Wanamaker with a nickel plated hearth toast- identified in 35 minutes. Tools identified were hose clamp er made locally by John Eads , a blacksmith in 1834. pliers, horse rein holder, patent in 1887, nutmeg grinder, stove pipe spacer to allow heat to pass to a second floor, All attendees had an enjoyable time, went home with new and a shot gun shell tool. There was an interested crowd items, new knowledge, and maybe cash profits from their and good discussion about most items. sales.

Area Q September Meeting in Raleigh, NC by Ed Hobbs

September in North Carolina marks the beginning of some adequate food and facilities for everyone attending. No- cooler weather and is the perfect time for an Area meeting. tices, which will include a registration form, a map and a There seems to be smiles and list of local hotels will be sent a bounce in everyone’s step as Each year this Area meeting draws over 200 to all M-WTCA members in they enjoy the changing sea- people who are interested in collecting and NC., SC., & VA. in mid August. son and getting together with using tools as well as those interested in ear- The farm is located just a few those who share our interest.M-WTCA.ORG ly industries from all over the east coast and miles south of Raleigh, off I-40 This year’s date is Saturday, even from the mid-west. It is an opportunity at exit 297. There is plenty of September 19 at Ed & Kathy to buy and sell tools, hear a very interesting room for all and we can guar- Hobbs’ Farm. antee there will not be any program, view outstanding tool displays, snow or cold weather and the While primarily a Saturday participate in the tool auction, trade stories, BBQ will melt in your mouth. event, some early birds come eat great BBQ and generally relax under the in on Friday afternoon to set shade of the tent, barns and pecan trees. For more information or a up, check things out, social- registration form, please con- ize and/or to park their motor homes or campers. As in tact Ed Hobbs at 919-828-2754 ([email protected]) the past, pre-registration is required to ensure we have or Ray Hoke at 919-876-8512 ([email protected]).

12 The Gristmill TOOL by Bob Roger Shown in Figure 1 are 10 members of a very large, diverse, and really old family of FAMILY tools. Guessing the family should be a cinch, but can you identify what the probable use was for each of the items? Note: all insets are the same scale. Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 have long handles for use with both hands, and the others have short handles for TREES use with only one hand. Answer on page 30

Figure 1 - 10 members of very old family tree eBay M-WTCA.ORG by John Walkowiak

Please consider placing an M-WTCA membership promo- Just go to http://mwtca.org and click on the Selling on eBay tion in your listing or on your web site. This will be good for bar on the left side of the homepage. Then simply copy and M-WTCA by providing the thousands of eBayer’s and online paste the promotion and add it to your listing where it best collectors who are looking at old tools and do not know fits. It is simple and easy and will be a great help in expos- about us, an easy means to make contact with our organiza- ing our great organization to the world. Also, do not forget tion. This will also improve your credibility as a seller by to include a membership brochure in all the tools you send showing your affiliation with M-WTCA. It will be a Win-Win out. Please contact me and I will send a supply of member- situation for everyone! ship brochures to you.

September 2015 13 Millers Falls Treadle Tools by Randy Roeder

The Carpenters’ Scroll Saw ground and blade clamps that could (1875 ca. 1884) be repositioned to allow a worker to rip a board. With a price tag of $25.00, The story of the Millers Falls Compa- the tool was no hobbyist’s toy. Identi- ny’s involvement with treadle tools be- fied in the catalog simply as Scroll Saw gan in 1873 when the firm added hand at the time of its introduction, the tool held bracket saws to the line. Intended was later given the moniker Carpen- as a fill in product to keep workers ters’ Scroll Saw to distinguish it from busy during the traditional fall down- the firm’s amateur models. turn in sales, the saws were popular with hobbyists who made handicrafts The illustrations of the Carpenter’s and did delicate scroll work during Scroll Saw found in the company’s ad- the winter months. Sales exceeded vertising and catalogs are confusing expectation. Between August 1874 to say the least. The earliest known and August 1875, the company sold image of the saw found in the Decem- 50,000 bracket saws. The success of ber 1875 issue of the magazine Manu- its bracket saws provided the inspira- facturer and Builder, depicts a saw tion for the development of the firm’s with a scissor type arm linkage and first foot powered scroll saw. Intro- lacking a presser foot for holding a duced in 1875, the saw was a serious piece of stock in place.(figure 1) The piece of equipment, weighing in at 66 1878 company catalog shows an im- pounds and operating at up to 1,000 proved tool with a fixed arm linkage Figure 3. 1877 Lester Saw, lathe installed strokes per minute. Capable of cutting and a presser foot.(figure 2) Apparent- through stock up to three inches thick, ly, someone at the company mislaid the tool business. While its braces, it was equipped with a hard maple the woodblock for the later version of breast drills, vises, levels and chucks table that stood three feet from the the saw when the 1881 catalog went to were geared to the professional mar- press. The booklet pictures the earlier ket, the company’s family tool chest, saw with no presser foot and scissor push drills, bracket saws, miniature type arm linkage, while the accompa- planes and tool handles were targeted nying text, identical to that in the 1878 to home and family. With the addition catalog, describes the presser foot. of the Lester Saw, the saw blades, The Carpenters’ Scroll Saw, the com- small drills, miniature planes, and pany’s sole attempt to manufacture a scroll work patterns ordered by the professional grade treadle saw, was customers of its bracket saws, could not particularly successful and was be cross marketed to the purchasers discontinued by 1884. of the Lester. When set up so that its lathe and circular saw were opera- The Lester Saw tional, the Lester no longer functioned (1877-1914) as a scroll saw, although this limita- In 1877, the Millers Falls Company tion appeared to have little effect on Figure 1. Carpenters’ Scroll Saw with scissors-type introduced the light-weight Lester sales. Capable of cutting stock of up linkage M-WTCA.ORGSaw and sold thousands of the tools to an inch thick, the Lester Saw oper- within months.(figure 3) Designed by ated at speeds of up to 1,000 strokes Edward Lester, the plant superinten- per minute. Its lathe, which could dent, it was capable of cutting stock accommodate a piece of stock nine up to an inch thick. The Lester Saw inches in length, operated at speeds featured a secondary circular saw of up to 7,000 revolutions per minute. blade, an emery wheel, a drill chuck The standard Lester Saw included a and a small lathe, all of which could wrench, a screwdriver, four turning be mounted to its frame and powered chisels, saw blades, and drill points. by the treadle. The new scroll saw fit It sold for $8.00. For another $2.00, a in nicely on the amateur side of the chuck, tail stock and center for working metals was available. A stripped Figure 2. later Carpenters’ Scroll Saw with presser foot operation’s two pronged approach to

14 The Gristmill down version of the Lester, which was painted red and green with pin By 1881, the Lester saw had been functioned as a scroll saw only, sold stripe decorations. Other changes al- redesigned again and renamed the for $6.00.(figure 4) lowed the lathe to remain attached to Lester Improved Saw.(figure 6) The the frame when the saw was in use, a improved version boasted a stur- The Millers Falls Company redesigned major improvement to the original de- dier frame than its predecessor. The the Lester Saw in 1878 and referred to sign. For a time, a cheaper model with- new frame was effective in reducing the result as the New Lester Saw.(fig- out nickel plated components was the wobble created by the use of the ure 5) The wooden legs of the original sold as the Lester No. 2A. A stripped treadle and featured the horseshoe Lester were replaced with cast iron. down version of the saw without the shaped front legs that defined the ap- The pitman, emery wheel, and drill lathe, was available for as long as the pearance of subsequent Millers Falls chuck were moved to the left of the tool was offered. Company scroll saws. The Lester Im- frame; the lathe to the right. The saw proved Saw was now japanned black with red and gilt decorative detailing. Other improvements included a blower to remove dust from the saw table and a cast iron treadle that replaced the wooden version. Shortly after- ward, Pratt’s Rubber Positive Blower replaced the company’s earlier effort. Although the rubber blower was a sig- nificant improvement, most of those still extant have deteriorated to the point that they are ineffective.

Rogers and New Rogers Scroll Saws (1878-1925)

The Millers Falls Company brought out its first Rogers Treadle Saw in 1878. (figure 7) Named after the Secretary of the Board, George E. Rogers, and designed to sell for less than the Lester, the saw had no provision for attach- Figure 4. 1877 Lester Saw, no lathe Figure 6. Lester Improved Saw, 1881 ing a lathe or circular saw. Wooden components were painted rather than varnished, and the trim was polished or japanned rather than nickel plated. At 1,000 strokes per minute, the Rog- ers Saw matched the Lester Saw for speed. When set up for sawing, the earliest Lester Saws outweighed the Rogers Saw by ten pounds. The Les- M-WTCA.ORGter’s extra weight gave it the advantage of less wasted energy because its saw operated with less vibration.

The year after its introduction, the company replaced the Rogers Saw with its New Rogers Saw.(figure 8) The tool was completely re-designed. Its wooden legs were replaced with cast iron, and its arms rode on much improved bearings. Eager to point out the superiority of its metallic support Figure 5. New Lester Saw, 1878 Figure 7. Rogers Saw, 1878

September 2015 15 system, illustrations of the saw proud- table and an emery balance wheel Walking Beam Saw ly announced that it was All Iron— that could be used for sharpening. (1884) conveniently ignoring that fact that its The New Rogers Fret Saw, with its pitman and arms were made of wood. horseshoe-shaped front legs, became The Millers Falls Company’s Walking (The pitman would one day become the most widely sold jigsaw of the era. Beam Saw (seen in figure 10), first ap- metallic). In 1885, Albert D. Goodell’s Ornamented with red and gilt trim, peared on the back cover of its 1884 improved saw clamps were added to selling in the $3.00 to $4.00 range, and catalog. (A Walking Beam Saw is a jig the arms. The clamps simplified blade well made for the price, the New Rog- saw whose arms remain parallel dur- installation and significantly reduced ers hit a sweet spot in the market and ing operation.) The back cover noted: breakage. retained its position as the leading To do accurate work a saw must run amateur saw for decades. The company introduced two versions in guides. Hitherto, all saws made on of the New Rogers Saw. The cheaper Cricket Scroll Saw that plan were lifted with a spring; as No. 1 was fitted with a japanned table (ca. 1881-1917) this spring was not positive in its ac- and an iron balance wheel. The pre- tion, resort was had to movable arms mium No. 2 featured a nickel plated Although the Millers Falls Company and the guides were dispensed with. advertised the New Rogers as the “best We have now overcome the long-felt cheap saw in the business,” it went on difficulty by using the walking-beam to develop an even cheaper model, the motion. By this arrangement we are Cricket Saw.(figure 9) Built with light- able to make a saw better than the best er castings and not as finely finished, and almost as cheap as the cheapest. the Cricket weighed eight pounds less than the New Rogers. It lacked a dust It has a solid iron frame, but no wood- blower, and sold for $2.50. Weighing in en arms, as the saw runs in guides, at just 17 pounds, its arms and pitman upright. Drilling Attachment of the were made of second-growth ash rath- most approved pattern, one of our new er than the premium ash used on the Cyclone Blowers made of pure rub- rest of the company’s saws, and while ber, latest improved clamps, and very the Cricket sported an iron balance heavy Nickel-Plated Tilting Table. The wheel, no emery wheel was included. Balance Wheels are large and drive the In most other respects, the saw was machine with great power and steadi- similar to the New Rogers. ness. The iron frame is japanned and

Figure 8. New Rogers Saw, 1881

M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 9. Cricket Saw Figure 10. Walking Beam Saw Figure 11. Star Scroll Saw

16 The Gristmill striped with gold, while all working Family Grind Stone mineral through its sources in Asia parts are made of steel. We see no (ca. 1878-1894) Minor. Wellington Mills, which also reason why this saw will not take the manufactured sandpaper, won the place of all higher price machines. One of the earliest images of the Mill- highest award medal in its category at ers Falls Family Grindstone has been Centennial International Exhibition at While the company saw no reason found in an advertisement on a de- Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876, a fact that the saw would not take the place tached page from an unidentified pe- not likely to have escaped the atten- of all higher price machines, it did not. riodical.(figure 12) Fortunately, the tion of Millers Falls Company execu- The Millers Falls Walking Beam Saw reverse of the page contained date in- tives. The Huron quarries, the source was out of production by the time the formation. The advertisement notes: of the Millers Falls Company’s sand- 1885 catalog was published. Inventors have taxed their ingenuity No. 387 Star Scroll Saw for many years in getting up house- (1899-1925) hold tools and utensils, the thing most needed has been the longest delayed, The company introduced the Star Saw that is a good Family Grindstone. It (seen in figure 11), to meet the de- runs with foot power, and it is oper- mand for an amateur machine more ated by a clutch so that whenever the substantial than the New Rogers. The foot touches the treadle it starts off saw’s arms were centered, rather than in the right direction, and will run attached to the side of their support at fast or slow speed as desired. The casting, providing for more efficient stone is 8 inches in diameter 1 1/2 movement. The upper arm rode atop inches thick, and made at the Huron the frame, and the back of the lower quarries expressly for this use. arm passed through an opening in the frame assembly. The arrangement al- The Emery Wheel is 10 inches in di- lowed the arms to remain parallel ameter and 1 inch thick. It is double during operation, creating an efficient coated with best Wellington Mills walking beam motion. The 1905 cata- Emery, and will last for years; when log noted: not in use it is taken off by loosening a thumb-screw, and laid aside. To adjust the Arms all that is necessary is to loosen the Bolt which goes The trough for the stone has an en- Figure 12. Family Grindstone, 1878 through the Upper Arm in front of larged pocket for holding a sponge, casting, and crowd the Arm side- which prevents it from throwing the ways either to right or left, and into water when running at a high rate of line with the lower one; the hole in speed. For grinding carving knives casting is elongated to permit change and all light tools, and for polishing of position as described. cutlery, this machine is perfect.

The drive wheel on the Star Saw was It weighs 26 pounds and is taken heavier than that of the New Rog- down and boxed for shipping. Price ers with the extra weight providing including box, $3.00. We will ship it additional power for sawing thicker for any part of the county on receipt stock. The Star came M-WTCA.ORGwith two bal- of the price. For sale by all Hardware ance wheels, one of iron and one of dealers. emery, providing for a steadier operation. The emery wheel was attached The company made much of the to its axle with adjustable clamps sourcing of its abrasives, and given which allowed for easy substitu- what was available at the time, they tion of a buffing attachment, small were first rate. Emery is a naturally sandstone wheels or other grades of occurring hard, dark rock composed emery. Like the New Rogers, Lester, of aluminum oxide. The quality of the and Cricket Saws, the Star Saw was stone can vary widely, and the Welling- equipped with a tilting saw table. ton Mills operation, based in London, England, had access to the best of the Figure 13. Family Grindstone, 1881

September 2015 17 stone wheels, were located in Michi- gests that there may have been com- sandstone wheels were now the same gan along Lake Huron. Soft and wet plaints about the quality of the first size—ten inches in diameter and one when freshly mined, Huron sandstone version of the grindstone: inch thick. In the early 1890s, the com- cured as it dried and was noted for its pany changed the size of the emery hardness, fineness and lack of impu- After much experimenting we have wheel yet again, shrinking it to four rities. The Huron product was widely now fully perfected our Grind-Stone inches in diameter and 3/4 of an inch considered to be superior to the Ohio for family use and offer it to the pub- thick. One can only assume that the sandstone mined at Berea and Mari- lic with a FULL GUARANTEE that it price of emery had risen substantially. etta which was softer and best suited is a perfect machine; and also that it The wood framed Family Grind Stone to coarse work. will please everyone who buys it. was out of production by 1894.

By 1881, the Millers Falls Company The attachments for the machine’s Hand-Power Family Grind Stone had redesigned the Family Grind legs and the drive assembly were (ca. 1881-ca. 1884) Stone.(figure 13) Reading between the beefed up, bracing for the lower legs lines, text from that year’s catalog sug- was re-designed, and the emery and Not all of the company’s grindstones were designed to be foot powered. The 1881 catalog pictured a hand cranked stone mounted on a wooden frame.(figure 14) The hand crank model was available in three sizes, with stones measuring eight, ten, and twelve inches in diameter and varying between 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches thick. Although the catalog description of the Hand Power Family Grind Stone was minimal in the extreme, it would be safe to conclude that most readers pictured a well behaved son or daughter powering the device while Papa did the sharpening.

Family Grindstone No. 2 (1894-1922)

The Millers Falls Company replaced Figure 14. hand-powered Family Grindstone Figure 16. later Family Grindstone, No. 2, with its wooden frame Family Grind Stone adjustment wheel M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 15. Family Grindstone No. 2, 1894 Figure 17. Family Grindstone, No. 3, 1897 Figure 18. later Family Grindstone No. 3, with hand crank

18 The Gristmill with the iron framed Family Grind- a degree of stability not found on stone No. 2 about 1894.(figure 15) The the No. 3. The No. 4 lacked the hand machine featured a large, belt-driven crank typical of the later versions of drive wheel and represented a major No. 3 and featured a four by two inch advance in both construction and ef- pulley that allowed for the use of a ficiency over its predecessor. Unlike power drive. Today, anyone attempt- the earlier Family Grind Stone, the ing to connect a No. 4 power drive to No. 2 was a one stone machine. Its a high speed motor should be fore- single grinding wheel was manufac- warned that a century old sandstone tured of Huron quarried sandstone wheel is likely to explode into frag- measuring eight inches in diameter ments when subjected to this sort of and 3/4 of an inch thick. By 1901, the abuse. The use of the foot powered company had added an adjustment treadle is far safer. wheel to take up slack in the belt. (figure 16) The addition was likely a Goodell Lathe response to the unforeseen problem (1885-1922) of belts stretching, due to the inertia The Millers Falls Company intro- encountered in trying to put a sand- duced the Goodell Lathe in 1885 as stone wheel into motion. it expanded its efforts to reach the Family Grindstone No. 3 amateur market.(figure 20) Named (1897-1922) after the plant superintendent, Albert D. Goodell, the lathe featured a bed Figure 19. Family Grindstone No. 4 The Family Grindstone No. 3 first just 24 inches long and capable of ac- appeared in the 1897 catalog.(figure commodating a 15 1/2 inch piece of 17) Of the same general quality as stock. Although the small size of the the Family Grindstone No. 2, it came lathe limited its use to the turning of equipped with a 14 inch sandstone novelty items, its optional sawing at- wheel that was 1 3/4 inches thick. tachment allowed a user to do scroll The weight the wheel however, ne- saw work without having to purchase cessitated a design alteration. Instead a second machine. While not particu- of a belt assembly, power was trans- larly efficient, the combination of the mitted from the treadle to the wheel two tools allowed for the creative by means of a wooden pitman. The construction of book ends, corner change eliminated the need for peri- shelves, letter holders and the like. odic adjustments to take up slack in The lathe’s drive wheel was designed the belt. Between 1901 and 1904, the with two grooves of different depths company added a hand crank to the on its face, a feature that allowed the No. 3 grindstone.(figure 18) Although belt to be repositioned in order to ef- the No. 3 remained a foot powered fect a change of turning speed. Figure 20. Goodell Lathe machine, the crank added the option of turning the wheel by hand. The The basic Goodell sold for $10.00 and crank was weighted on the end op- included an emery wheel, a spindle posite its handle, providingM-WTCA.ORG a coun- with a small chuck for holding drill terweight that steadied the motion of points, a larger chuck for 1/4 inch the wheel and helped to maintain the twist drills, and long and short tool stone’s velocity. rests. Five turning chisels, a drill chuck, a wrench and a set of drill Family Grindstone No. 4 points were included as well. For an (1905-1922) additional $2.00, the detachable scroll saw head could be added to the outfit. The Millers Falls Company intro- (Mounting the saw head required just duced the Family Grindstone No. 4, one bolt.) An optional small circular (figure 19), as a deluxe version of its saw attachment became available Grindstone No. 3. The four legged about 1890. The cost of a complete frame of Grindstone No. 4 provided Goodell unit, a lathe with detachable Figure 21. Goodell’s clamp

September 2015 19 saw, was roughly comparable to that and Companion lathes and on the three Turning Tools, Screw Driver, of the company’s Lester unit, a saw New Rogers and Cricket scroll saws. Belt Hooks, Direction Sheet, Wrench, with detachable lathe. While the Les- Albert Goodell was awarded United 24 Griffen Patent Saw Blades, six ter had the advantage of being able to States Letters Patent No. 332,391 for Drill Points, 71 Designs ... cut stock two inches thick, its lathe his clamping invention. attachment was limited to stock nine Given for nine new names, or for inches in length. Companion Lathe six new names and $1.40 addition- (1885-1922) al, or three new names and $2.00 At the time that he was involved in additional. Price of machines $8.00 designing his lathe, Albert D. Goodell The Millers Falls Company made complete. came up with an improved method its appeal to the home hobbyist in a for attaching scroll saw blades to the fairly sophisticated way when it de- The Companion Lathe was virtually arms of its scroll saw head.(figure 21) veloped the Companion, a combina- identical to the Goodell Lathe but His improved clamps served not only tion treadle lathe and saw designed was not so well finished and came to hold the blade in place, but also to exclusively for the youth market. with fewer tools. The Millers Falls draw it taut. Well-designed and easy (figure 22) The Companion units Company’s lightweight lathes got lit- to use, Goodell’s clamps were used on were designed in consultation with tle respect from professional wood- the saw attachments for the Goodell Perry Mason & Co., the publisher of workers and indeed, were seen by The Youth’s Companion, a magazine one contemporary writer as fit only sometimes credited with the popu- to “sell to boys and ministers of the larization of scroll sawing among the gospel.” younger set. Named after the magazine, the Companion cost $1.50 less No. 417 Lathe than the Goodell model and was (1915-1922) heavily promoted in the publication. In 1915, the Millers Falls Company Perry Mason & Company built The introduced a foot powered lathe for Youth’s Companion’s reader base by workshops where electricity or other using prizes to encourage young peo- forms of power were lacking.(figure ple to sell subscriptions. Companion 23) Weighing 175 pounds and capable Lathe outfits were among the premi- of accommodating a 40 inch piece ums awarded to those young entre- of stock, the machine was equipped preneurs adept at doing so. An issue with a heavy two speed drive wheel of the magazine published in 1885 that required the use of a one inch provided this description for would belt. Not intended for the hobbyist be salesmen: market, the No. 417 lathe did not fea- The Companion Lathe and Saw is ture a scroll saw, tiny drill point spin- the best combination Lathe and Jig dle, or grindstone attachment. It was Figure 22. Companion Lathe Saw now made. It combines the most shipped without turning tools, and valuable qualities and improve- there was no option for attaching a ments of all our former styles. The gimmicky circular saw. Although the superior points of this machine are company advertised that the lathe found in the following reasons: 1, was intended for “woodworking and Strong and heavy castings and ex- light metals,” an examination of its M-WTCA.ORGoverall design suggests that few, if tra finish. 2, Large treadle. 3, Auto- matic Dust Blower. 4, Anti-friction any were used for this latter purpose. Blade Wheel. 5, Large Emery Wheel. The No. 417, along with the rest of the 6, Rigid Head and Tail Stocks. 7, Im- company’s foot powered tools, was proved Saw Clamps. 8, New Strain- dropped from the line about 1922. ing Rod. 9, High Speed.

The Lathe will turn a piece of wood 16 in. in length. There is no machine of the kind now selling for $12 which is a practical and good as Figure 23. No. 417 Lathe this one. We send with each machine

20 The Gristmill The 46th Brown International Antique Tool Auction by John G. Wells

This was the second Brown International Antique Tool Auction, No. 46, held on March 28th 2015. It was managed and put on by its new Lot 535 owner Jim Gehring. Jim and his very able crew are now old timers and ready to roll out the goods with the best of them.

Prices realized in this article include a 13% buyer’s premium. A 3% discount is available for cash or a good check. All photos are courtesy of Brown Auc- tion Services: Cami Foley photographer. Lot 662

TOP CONTENDERS Good+ condition and sold on a bid of $1,921. The Birdsill Holly smooth plane in Lot 535 had a cast iron body with a simple The Ohio No. 110 center wheel plow wrap around band tightened by a ro- plane, Lot 217, in Boxwood through- bust thumb screw to hold the cutter out, was a beauty. It had a few small tight against the frog. The plane’s sole chips in the locking nuts and a closed had circular recesses that were in- crack in one of them. It was in Good+ tended to serve the same function of condition and sold for $1,808. Lot 439 reducing friction as grooves. The simple hardwood tote, circular in cross The L. & I. J. White plow plane, Lot section and slightly swollen in the 219, in medium brown Honduras Ma- middle, fitted the hand nicely. It was hogany, had four ivory tips on the in Good condition and brought $2,147. ends of the arms, and very light chip- ping on a few of the threads. It was a Lot 662 was a plane by Harris of San very rare plane, was in Fine condition Francisco CA. It is marked on the and brought $1,469. heel “Pat. Appl’d For”, but no patent has been found. It was a pattern The Millers No. 42 bronze Type 4 maker’s cast iron plane with an ad- plow plane, Lot 233, had the filletster Lot 217 justable cutter mechanism based on bed, bronze wrap around fence, and the Chaplin’s patent. It also had a re- the iron straight fence; but it did not placeable wooden sole that could be have any cutters. It was in Good con- fashioned to the desired cross section dition and sold for $1,102. by the user. The plane was shown at The Zoar Community, a group of Ger- an annual PAST tool meet in San Di- man Religious Separatists, formed ego many years ago. It was not for in 1817, settled in Zoar, Ohio. They sale but I was allowed to photograph M-WTCA.ORGfunctioned as a communal society it. Later it was sold in Brown’s 30th through 1898 when they dissolved. auction, Lot 676. The plane in this The cast iron bench planes they auction, Lot 662, was in Good condi- Lot 219 made mostly for their own use had tion and brought $2,034. a large box like enclosure over the The Sandusky No.140 center wheel mouth, and usually had corrugated plow plane, Lot 439, in Brazilian soles. They have a very heavy look Rosewood throughout was a beau- and although they have an interest- tiful plane. The wedge and tops of ing history in the opinion of some, the arms had a little minor damage they are less attractive in appear- through use, and it lacks the locking ance than the cast iron planes made screw for the center wheel. It was in by Hazard Knowles and patented on Lot 233

September 2015 21 August 24, 1827. Zoar planes are all be re-glued and the lock on the box very rare, but a few have been of- needs a key. This stunning example, fered in prior Brown auctions where was in Fine condition, and sold on a they have brought substantial sums: bid of $1,808. in Brown’s 26th auction, in April of 2005 a Zoar bench plane with a cor- Lot 450, the Universal Roofing Square rugated sole was purchased by an ab- patented in 1899 by John Van Namee Lot 526 sentee bidder. A Zoar anvil was sold of Streator, IL. was a charming as- in 2011 in Brown’s 38th auction, and semblage consisting of a 17 inch long another Zoar bench plane was sold maple body and four arms. This con- in Brown’s 40th auction in March of traption made it possible to lay out 2012. The Zoar 16 inch bench plane lengths and angles needed to pre cut in this auction, Lot 526, had a cor- all of the members of a sloped roof with intersection of wings of differ- Lot 314 rugated sole, was in Good condition and was a good value at $3,842. ent widths and heights. It was one of two known examples. It was in Lot 314, the 24 inch early 19th centu- Good+ condition, and sold for $1,695. ry, wooden gravity type inclinometer All of the same layout work could be level, was invented by Philo Curtis in done by a qualified carpenter using a Utica N. Y. Although it was marked typical two foot steel framing square “P.C. Curtis Patent”, no patent has having roofing or rafter tables. been found. Its brass face plate was bent, but otherwise it was in Good The final little gem, Lot 302, in this condition. This previously unknown group was a 3½ inch long steel soled Lot 499 inclinometer brought $2,599. brass infill plane made in 1987 by the most highly gifted of all plane smiths, The Stanley Log caliper in Lot 499 Robert Baker. It was in immaculate was never assigned a model number condition and sold for $1,305. nor listed in a Stanley catalog. After seeing photographs of Stanley’s re- UNUSUAL ITEMS ceiving facility for shipments of logs Two items on the cover of the 46th of rosewood, beech, hickory and auction catalog rank as unusual. other woods, it is clear they needed Lot 267 the strange bronze 11 inch a tool like the one in Lot 499 to use smooth plane bearing the mark “Mo- in their own business. The example rin”, and Lot 292, a cast bronze miter in this auction was made of hickory; or smoothing plane, previously units hickory shaft had a table with zil- identified. lions of hand stamped tables of num- Lot 605 bers used to convert log diameters The very rare Morin plane, Lot 267, and lengths into board feet of sawn was recently featured on the web site planks. It had huge solid brass jaws “Working by Hand”, posted June 11, that could measure a 36 inch diam- 2014, where it was called “A weird eter log. It was in Fine condition, and bronze plane” and was described as M-WTCA.ORGsold for $2,486. having a 2 inch wide cutter that was only supported at the mouth and at The Jones “Most Improved Micro- the top of the handle. A frog could scope”, Lot 605, was manufactured have provided solid support between by the Dollond family of scientific those two points or at least part way instrument makers of London in the there and would have dampened cut- early part of the 19th century. This ter chatter. There was a mention of a example was 19 inches high when as- companion block plane in the listing, sembled. It was in the original fitted it was a little less than 2 inches wide wooden box, with several eyepieces Lot 450 by 7 inches long; but no clue was of- and other accessories. Several of the fered as to where more information little spacer blocks in the box need to

22 The Gristmill could be found. The Morin smoothing Smith: “P-TAMPIA Vol. II”, page 112, plane in this auction was in Fine con- figure 164a and b. The plane was in- dition and sold for $536.75. Appar- vented, designed, made and sold by ently a Morin smoother was offered William C. Scott, 204 Clinton St. Cin- in Tony Murland’s 2013 auction with cinnati, Ohio. The cast bronze body an estimated value of £80 to £120 on the plane in this auction was in pounds. Fine condition, regardless of the im- proper infill and wedge, and was a Lot 302 Lot 292 was apparently the cast good value at $310.75. It is very rare bronze body of a Scott miter or end and could have been brought into grain plane with a later and in-appro- collectable condition with a properly priate replacement infill. The proper shaped toe insert and wedge. body and infill can be seen in Roger K

The 47th International Tool Auction We are looking forward with great expectations to the 47th In- ternational Tool Auction and Dealers Sale which promises to be filled with a tantalizing selection of rare and unusual tools.It will Lot 267 be held on October 30th and October 31st of 2015, at this same location, the Radisson Inn, Camp Hill, PA. Jim Gehring, known for his tremendous knowledge of levels and inclinometers as well as an impressive range of similar collectables and for being the owner and manager of the Fine Tool Journal and now of the Brown International Auction Services, will be at the helm. Clar- ence Blanchard and Mike Jenkins may be available if called upon for Special Collections and for consultation on special items.

Lot 292

Henry Disston Motion Picture Maker? by Bill Kolm

While looking through the July 1917 issue of The Industrial Among the subjects of special interest to teachers of manu- Arts Magazine an interesting article caught my eye in the al arts will be found those on the lumbering industry, car- “News of the Industrial Arts School Trade” section of the is- pet weaving, bookbinding, machine tool making, printing sue. The title was “DisstonM-WTCA.ORG & Company Issue List of Motion equipment, motor car building , etc. Picture Films”. Everyone knows that Disston was famous for all the types of saws and other related tool items they Readers of the Industrial Arts Magazine who are inter- produced, but motion picture films was a shocker. The ar- ested in films for classroom use should address Henry ticles reads: Disston & Sons, at Philadelphia.

Henry Disston & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa. have just issued, With motion pictures being about 20 years old in 1917, Diss- thru their Educational Department, a fourteen-page book- ton was on the cutting edge of technology as they got into let of motion picture films suitable for educational pur- the film business. I also like how they listed the films by poses. The length of the films ranges from one thousand feet not the length in time they ran. It just goes to show not to ten thousand feet and the subjects range from food to much has changed in business in the past 100 years. Good industrial products. companies continue to come up with ways to keep customers coming back.

September 2015 23 MMARTINARTIN J J. .D DONNELLYONNELLY A AUCTIONSUCTIONS TheThe World’s World’s Largest Largest Specialist Specialist Auctioneers Auctioneers of of Antique Antique Hand Hand Tools Tools AA Division Division of of Martin Martin J. J. Donnelly Donnelly Antique Antique Tools Tools, Avoca,, Avoca, New New York York www.mjdauctions.com www.mjdauctions.com (800) (800) 869-0695 869-0695 mjd@mjdauctions. [email protected] TwoTwo Great Great Auction Auction Weekends Weekends Coming... Coming... SeptemberSeptember 18th 18th & & 19th 19th HolidayHoliday Inn Inn Everett Everett Turnpike Turnpike 99 Northeastern Northeastern Boulevard, Boulevard, Exit Exit 4, 4, Route Route 3 3(Everett (Everett Turnpike), Turnpike), Nashua Nashua New New Hampshire, Hampshire, 03062 03062 ForFor reservations reservations call call (603) (603) 888 888 - 1551- 1551 ·Special ·Special Auction Auction Rate: Rate: $96 $96

OurOur September September sale sale will will feature feature the the Personal Personal Reserve Reserve Collection Collection ofof Paul Paul Kebabian, Kebabian, South South Burlington, Burlington, Vermont Vermont

OctoberOctober 23rd 23rd & & 24th 24th ClarionClarion Hotel Hotel & & Conference Conference Center Center 2030 2030 Waterfront Waterfront Parkway, Parkway, West West Drive, Drive, Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana Indiana ForFor reservations reservationsM-WTCA.ORG call call (317) (317) 299-8400 299-8400 · Special· Special Auction Auction Rate: Rate: $65 $65

OurOur October October sale sale will will feature feature the the Winchester Winchester Collection Collection of of DavidDavid McDonald, McDonald, Houston, Houston, Texas Texas We Market Collections If you are considering the sale of antique tools or related other antiques, please contact us to learn about our many marketing advantages.

M-WTCA.ORG

Don’t Miss Our Award Winning Twice-Weekly Newsletter ToolVista Just go to mjdauctions.com And Enter Your Email Address or Send an EMail to [email protected] Every Tuesday and Thursday for 18 Years! History Of Grindstone City Michigan by Lynn Ehrle

In the year 1834, Capt. A. G. Peer with his schooner the Rip of stone were manufactured, docked and shipped out of Van Winkle, was forced to take haven during a severe storm Grindstone City, according to Mrs. Tom Smith, Mr. Smith in a cove near the location of what became Grindstone City. was shipping clerk here for 25 years. Robert Wallace be- While he was anchored there, he recognized the quality of come manager and finally sole owner of the company and the grindstone rock (the Marshall Sandstone Formation) in turn sold all his holdings to the Cleveland Stone Co. in and took some samples of the stone with him on his return 1888. Capt. Peer sold part of the original property to Coo- to Port Huron. In their exploring, they found some big flat per and Prentiss who sold their property to Worthington stones along the beach and on further examination found and Sons of Cleveland, Ohio in 1870. evidence that these strata of rock were underlying the area to a lesser or greater extent. Samples were taken to De- In 1888, the Cleveland Stone Co. purchased the property troit where they were found superior to the Ohio flagstone, owned by Worthington and Sons and became the sole own- which city officials were planning to use to pave some of the ers of all quarry properties in Grindstone City. They con- streets. He later took some of this rock to Detroit, where it tinued to operate the store and quarries but the salt works was used to pave a few blocks on Jefferson and Woodward were discontinued, as operating costs made it no longer Avenues. This was the first use made of grindstone rock as profitable. They built a mill to make scythe stones and far as it is known. It is interesting to note that the founda- whetstones in addition to the grindstones. The grindstones tions and basements of early brick buildings in Port Huron; made here varied in size and weight from small kitchen including the Harder and the old Johnston Howard block stones six to twelve inches in diameter, weighing 3 ½ to 10 later known as the Hartstuff Block which now houses the lbs. Large grinding stones weighing 3 ½ tons or more and Barnet Drug Store, were built of these stones. Capt. Peer 50 inches in diameter were used by various industries. The acquired 400 acres of land here in 1836, including the Grind- largest stone ever turned out weighed over six tons. stone quarries. He began taking out stone immediately, but There were two grades of rock, light and heavy, the light the first stone was used entirely for building purposes. rock from 12 to 15 feet deep and the heavy rock form 5 Through his efforts a company was formed in 1835 to pro- to 10 feet deeper. The rock here lies in strata varying in duce grindstones. It was operated by Pease and Smith and thickness from two to three inches to six feet. The lighter made grindstones for ten years; at which time Pease died top stone is usually cut in squares to the approximate size and his share went to Capt. Peer, a relative. Capt. Peer wanted; by a steam drill, then the section was loosened then built the first grindstone mill, which was run by wa- and lifted by picks, bars, wedges etc. The large, heavy terpower. Previously the stone was turned out by hand. He stone was cut in the same manner but often was loosened later installed steam power to operate the mill. The engine by charges of dynamite. The large square sections of stone used was the first steam engine ever built in Detroit and were then lifted out of the quarry hole by means of a steam had been used in the first steamer that plied between Port hoist and set down on the top of the ground, where quarry- Huron and Detroit. men roughly rounded the stone and cut a square eye in the

M-WTCA.ORG

Capt. Peer operated the quarries until 1865, when he took center of each one. The stone was then hoisted on a flat into partnership James Wallace and Mr. Prentiss. He later car and hauled to the mill by a dinky engine. The company sold out to them. They then took into partnership Robert had their own cars, engines and tracks for this purpose. In Wallace of Grindstone City and Frank and E. L. Wallace of later years, the square eye became round to accommodate Detroit, after which the quarries were operated under the the round spindles that found common usage. name of Lake Huron Stone Co. In 1865 a total of 3,400 tons

26 The Gristmill At the mill, the stone was put on mandrels run by a system He was later employed as crane man, lifting stones from the of belts and operated by steam engines while the turners quarry and also loading them on the flat cars to go to the mill. finished the stone. Two men worked on each stone, smoothing them with crowbar like tools, which were frequently These stones found a ready market in Canada, Germany, sharpened to keep their cutting edge. It was Bill Bruce’s job Russia, and Africa, where they were used in diamond min- for many years to keep these tools sharp. He was the coming and in other industries. Due to carborundum taking pany’s blacksmith. They maintained their own blacksmith the place of grinding stones, the quarries could no longer shop. The finished stone, which must be true and evenly be operated at a profit, so they were discontinued in 1930. balance, is then weighted, marked and ready for shipment.

Among the old stone turners for the company were: William McCoy, Peter Green, Ira Wirt, James Hall, John Copeland, William Sparling Sr., Jack Hoy, John O’Neil, William Hunt- er, David Collon, Pat Kane, Roy McMullins, Pat Doyle, Pat Condon, Robert Copeland, James Reed, Bob Talbot, Tom McAllister, Dan Colhane, Louis Hebert, Thomas Ludlow and Samuel Cook Sr. Mitchell G. Cook, who worked in the mill Research by Lynn Howard Ehrle, freelance reporter based says that their schedule was 140 gross of whetstones a day. in Plymouth, Michigan, E-mail: [email protected]

HISTORY OF (Bessemer Block Bricks) The Besse- stone, shale, and oil. The shale rock normally hauled mer Limestone Company (BELCO), away as overburden, had a high quality of clay and BEL- BESSEMER which initially may have been CO decided to start utilizing it to produce bricks as well. LIMESTONE known as the Tod Butler Company, With this the Bessemer Brick Company, a subsidiary of & CEMENT was organized by budding indus- BELCO, was born. In late 1902 the new company opened trialist Joseph G. Butler Jr. (1840- a “face brick” plant along West Poland Avenue in Bes- COMPANY 1927) around 1885 to mine the semer, and followed that up by opening a large “paving abundant limestone fields in the brick” plant on East Poland Avenue in 1907. Brick pav- rural hills south of the settlement of Hillsville in western ers purchased from this plant were used on Main Street Lawrence County. Butler was previously employed by in Plymouth, Michigan. They were labeled “Bessemer the Youngstown-based Brier Hill Iron & Coal Company, Block Youngstown.” These two plants expanded signifi- which was founded by the late David Tod (1805-1868) cantly in the next few years and were a major success. a skilled lawyer, wealthy coal and steel magnate, and Other subsidiaries sold limestone byproducts for agricul- former Governor of Ohio. Butler was financially sup- tural or construction purposes. In 1905 the Pennsylvania ported in his new venture by a group of wealthy iron Railroad (PRR) opened a 3.5-mile extension off its main- and steel manufacturers from Wheeling, West Virginia. line at Covert’s Crossing, to serve the industries at Besse- BELCO enlisted a host of Swedish but also Finnish, Slavic, mer and particularly BELCO. To avoid confusion with the and Italian immigrants in its mining operations, which town of North Bessemer near Pittsburgh, the PRR called sprang the little settlement of Bessemer in North Beaver its new Bessemer based freight station “Walford.” Years Township. The company and settlement name of Besse- later in 1921, the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad (P&LE) mer came from Sir Henry Bessemer, the English inventor also opened a short extension off its existing second- of the Bessemer processM-WTCA.ORG that utilized limestone in the ary track from nearby Hillsville. The village underwent manufacturing of steel. Initial operations were crude rapid expansion as well and was officially incorporated with “men and mules” doing most of the work, but as the Borough of Bessemer in July 1913. The humani- things progressed into the modern times with the use tarian minded Fred R. Kanengeiser (1878-1965), the vice of engine driven machines beginning soon after 1910. president and general superintendent of BELCO who is Extensive mining operations by BELCO and other out- known as the “Father of Bessemer,” was largely respon- fits produced a host of deep quarries that still dot the sible for the early growth of the town. In early 1917, landscape around the Bessemer-Hillsville area. The lime- BELCO sold off its entire brick manufacturing interest to stone mining operations were a major success for BELCO the Canton based Metropolitan Brick Paving Company, and the company steadily expanded its operations over which went on to become one of the largest and most the years. In addition, the region around Bessemer was well-known brick making companies in the world. rich in other natural resources to include coal, clay, sand-

September 2015 27 The Extended Blade by Phil Baker

Up until now, Henry Disston & Sons manufactured the only Photo #4 is a close up of extended blade which is a full 3 saws I know of with an “extended nose” on a Backsaw. At inches. Photo #5 shows a Disston & Sons #8 & #9. The #9 Ed Hobb’s meeting back in September, I was fortunate to blade extension is 2 inches. I find this may vary slightly. The find and acquire an exception. #8 half back (note tip of brass back) has an ogee curve and that may vary slightly. The #11 gauge saw’s blade extension The previous owner had cleaned the back to read Patterson. is the same as the #9. Further cleaning took place since it was heavy with years of accumulation found on a tool which may have been pro- I am always looking for more information to share. tected in a tool box but not exposed to the elements. Shown in Photo #1, a great saw has been found in my opinion.

Photo #1 Schaffer has a J. Patterson in San Francisco from 1863- 1866. The EAIA directory has this one listed 1863-1866 plus a Charles Patterson making files & saws no date, also in the collection is a Patterson Bros. In New York ca 1884 and a 14” Photo #4 that looks ca 1850 having a handle with hook with not too much to go on. My guess is this saw dates either side of 1856.

Photo #2 has the Patterson mark and is also marked Ger- man steel. Note German steel refers to a method of refining steel for the manufacture of edge tools. It is not necessarily from Germany.

In Photo #3, the handle is old growth beech with tight grain. It looks like it was made in the U.S.A. It has only two saw screws with 7/16” heads. The London pattern handle is nice.

Photo #5 Photo #2 M-WTCA.ORG

Photo #3 Photo #6

28 The Gristmill Alumo Grooving Plane For Weatherstripping by Roger K. Smith

Thanks to a display by Steve Gosselin of Denver, Colorado recently acquired all three planes known (Nos. lA, 2B and at the meeting of the Rocky Mountain Tool Collectors in 3B). It is not known if any other sizes are in collections, in Albuquerque, NM. three or four years ago the mystery of particular, if there was a lB. the Alumo planemaker has been identified. Apparently The Security Co. either made the planes or con- Scores of these planes have turned up over the years, but we tracted with some foundry, etc. to have them made. This never had been able to identify the maker. The “Imp” section catalog also solves the question on who provided the “af- of Planetalk, 1978, Vol. III, No III, p. 15 featured an article ter-market” variation of the Stanley No. 78W Weatherstrip with drawings submitted by William B. Hilton describing the Plane (See PTAMPIA II, p. 238, fig. 375.). It appears that it details of weatherstripping and the use of the three known was The Security Co. that purchased Stanley No. 78 Rabbet types of Alumo planes, NO. 2B, 3B and 1A. It also described & Filletster Planes and altered them by adding the detach- the weatherstripping saw. These were offered by Stanley as able steel guide plate & the lock lever on the bottom of the the NO.1 Bead Saw from 1934 to 1942. (See Stanley Tools plane. (See the description from The Security Co. Catalog by John Walter, p. 316 for illustration and description.) They in ad printed here.) were probably made by Disston for Stanley. Note, also, that they offered a Stanley No. 190 Plane with Steve Gosselin displayed a catalog from The Security “special guides for the meeting rail.” (See Stanley Tools, Company, 255 Grove St., Detroit, Michigan. Catalog NO.9 p. 445for the 190W Plane. The last sentence describes the (c. 1939) that illustrates an ALUMO 1A Plane. This writer plane offered by The Security Co.

M-WTCA.ORG

September 2015 29 ANSWER by Bob Roger

TOOL These tools are all members of the family of ADZES. The adzes in Figure 1 are: FAMILY The short handled adzes in Figure 1 (Items 5-9) are 1 Ice adze with a 6-inch wide toothed called hand adzes and are used with one hand. Items blade used for smoothing the surface TREES 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 have long handles for use with both of a layer of ice blocks in an ice house hands and are called foot adzes (yes, they feed on before adding the next layer; your foot if you are not careful). Foot adzes were 2 Double-bit adze with a curved (gut- used standing up by swinging it toward your feet. The blade of an adze always ter) and a flat blade. The curved blade runs perpendicular to the direction of the helve (handle), and almost always is was for hollowing out eave gutters, beveled (sharpened) only on the inside/top side facing the handle. feed troughs, etc. while the flat blade was for general smoothing tasks. Dou- The adze is listed ‘almost first’ in alphabetized tool books and was one of the very ble-bit adzes were also made having early edge tools. It was also the objective of my first tool collection. But as far as two flat blades for railroad work3; I know, it has never been the subject of a book or even of a definitive paper. The most discussion I have seen is a couple of pages in more general tool books. I am 3 Demolition adze with 2¼-inch wide not sure why, maybe because some folks think they are ‘just a simple tool’ that blade, used for lifting boards from walls does not have much variety or complexity. You will be amazed at the diversity of and floors during salvage operations; them if you look a little closer. 4 Tie adze used by trackmen on railroad ties. The blades are 1 and Beginning with blades made of shell, flint, or obsidian, then bronze, and then 1½-inches wide; iron1, the adze was used for thousands of years as a paring and surfacing tool, mostly on wood. It was also used for several other functions. 5 Probably a cooper’s adze, but could also be used as a bowl adze for hol- From Mercer2 we find that by 1925 the adze was already out of use by carpenters and lowing small work pieces. The blade was passing away with the cooper and shipwright. The shipwright adzed down the is intensely curved in both directions; ship’s framework to proper level and contour for receiving the inside and outside 6 Cooper’s howel adze. These were ship’s planking (called the ‘skin’), which had to again be adze-leveled before the used to cut the howel on a barrel be- joiners planed it to a finish. The carpenter similarly used the adze on barn and house fore the howel plane and jigger came framework, floor rafters, and flooring. Farmers used them to make log feeding and into popular use (circa 1800)4. watering troughs and coopers used them to make barrels. They were also used in making large bowls, chair seats, bread troughs, dugout canoes, gum tree boxes, bee 7 Double-bit cooper’s adze having a hives, in rail road construction, and for a variety of other purposes. Mercer also il- curved blade and a flat blade; lustrates Korean adzes having wooden heads into which steel blades are mortised. 8 Joug adze used for shaping wooden bucket yokes5. Joug is French Adze heads may have one blade or two, or they may have one adze blade and for yoke. One blade is ¾-inch wide one axe blade. The cutting edge of the blade may be straight, curved, lipped, or straight, and the other is a lipped 3 toothed. The blade from handle to cutting edge may be flat (straight), slightly inch blade; curved, or heavily curved. The poll may be flat, half-flat, spiked, hammer headed, peg-shaped, or have none at all. The handle on a foot adze may be straight, bowed, 9 French bowl adze. The head is 12 or S- shaped. My collection of adzes numbers close to 100 and no two are the same. inches long and 7½ inches wide at the edge. It weighs over 8.5 pounds and would build up a pretty solid forearm; 10 Carpenter’s foot adze with an axe-eye and an octagonal hammer- M-WTCA.ORGhead poll. Adzes are a wonderful family. I hope you get to know them.

Notes: 1. Knight’s American Mechanical Dictionary, 1876 2. Mercer’s Ancient Carpenters’ Tools, 1929 3. Sellens’ Dictionary of American Hand Tools, 2002 4. Salaman’s Dictionary of Woodworking Tools, 1990 5. Hack’s Classic Hand Tools, 2001

30 The Gristmill Lest We Forget by Bob Roger Included were chairs, a draw-shave Lest We Forget is a series of short articles, bench, tables, and stools, and the each about a tool or implement that was strange item shown in Figure 1. It is 32 once a common household, farm, or trade inches long and the arms are 1x1 inch in cross section. The open jaws span necessity, but whose use or existence may 3 inches, and the design is such that soon be forgotten. as they close they are kept nearly parallel. Each jaw has two rows of teeth with a total of 30 on the bottom and 20 on the top. The teeth are offset so Eel Tongs 15 mile trip by canoe across multiple that they mesh and allow the jaws to lakes and connecting streams. close completely. The teeth are lum- Freshwater eels were once very plen- bermen’s boot calks that have been My father purchased the camp from tiful in our lakes, rivers, and drain- screwed into the hardwood jaws. age ditches. They were valued as a those men, and I spent my early teens food source, and leather made from exploring and enjoying the wilder- Most if not all early eel tongs were their skin was used in a wide variety ness. One day while fishing I hooked hand-made, and most look like long- of applications. Special traps were what I thought was a large pickerel. As handled pliers with very sharp teeth. invented to catch them during spawn- he neared the surface, I lifted my pole This set of tongs appears more coming runs, and who has not seen the el- and swung him into the front of the plex but actually works very well. egant spears that were used to catch canoe. It was a large and very angry Why were tongs needed? First, to them in shallow waters. But catching eel, and he slithered quickly toward grab and remove eels from the traps them was not the problem. my feet. I thrust my knife through his or holding bins, and then to hold them head to end my panic, and paddled for while removing the skin. The tongs In the early 1900s, a remote area of camp. I had caught my first eel. My were clamped on the eel’s head while northeastern Maine was lumbered dad told me to skin him out for sup- the skinner grabbed the skin with pli- off, and a camp was built on a lake to per, and that is when I learned the ers just below the head and pulled house the lumberjacks. The camp was problem with eels. it toward the tail, removing it in one abandoned after the work was fin- piece. Eels are slimy and slippery and When we took possession of the camp ished, and eventually it was purchased darn near impossible to hold for skin- and its contents, we found several by a couple of local men for use as a ning without a stout pair of tongs. Let items that the previous owners had fishing camp in the summer, a hunting us not forget this once necessary but carved and made while sequestered camp in the fall, and a trapping camp now hard to find tool. in the winter. The only access was a during the winter trapping seasons.

M-WTCA.ORG

Figure 1. Eel Tongs

September 2015 31 Stanley Drafting Rules by David E. Heckel

Starting approximately in 1919, The Stanley Works had advertising drafting rules made to be given away by their salesmen of their Stanley architectural products. Those items advertised on the rules were architectural hardware, wrought steel hardware and ball bearing butt hinges.

These maple and celluloid rules were probably made by and their sales offices around the United States. After either DIETZGEN of Chicago, IL. or KEUFFEL & ESSER World War II, these drafting rules were made for Stanley of New York City, NY. The early rules match a similar Di- by KEUFFEL & ESSER and are so marked, along with etzgen rule, #1526. They had drafting scales on both sides the number 1399W. The center part of the rule then was of the rule along with various Stanley Trademarks and ad- changed from maple to plastic. dresses of their main plant in New Britain, Connecticut

circa 1919-20

circa 1950s

circa 1920-22

M-WTCA.ORGcirca 1950s

circa 1923-25

1925-35 circa 1960s

32 The Gristmill John Walter refers to the rule in his book, Antique & the State of California, Department of Engineering, Bu- Collectible Stanley Tools Guide to Identity and Value reau of Architecture, during 1919 to1923. on page 498. He states that, “At least two variations are known.” Since 1996, five more variations have been None of the rules are very common and do not turn up for found, making a total of seven variations. They all vary sale very often. slightly in the wording and trademarks, with the three latest versions having different lettering on the rules and on their leather cases.

From a collectability standpoint, the rule with the Sweet- heart logo along with the 1920s Stanley Tools logo is the most desirable, as it also mentions CARPENTERS TOOLS. The rule with just the S.W. in a heart logo for The Stan- ley Works is the rarest. This rule came in a leather case marked C.K. ALDRICH and the word SERVICE in a diamond shaped logo. An internet search of the name re- circa 1920s vealed that C. K. Aldritch was the Specification Writer for

A Wall of Grindstones by Bill Kolm

With the History of Grindstone City Michigan article running in this issue, I thought an interesting news note I found in an old March 1926 Industrial Arts Magazine would fit nicely with that Grindstone article. Shown at right is the accompanying photo from the magazine with the caption “PLANT WALL, HENRY DISSTON & SONS, PHILIDELPHIA, PA.

The article reads:

Grindstones are an unusual material used in building a wall several blocks long around two sides of a 65 - acre tract in Philadelphia, occupied by the plant of Henry Disston & Sons, Inc. Along a third side which fronts on the Delaware river, is a massive retaining wall, also constructed of grindstones. The stones were wornM-WTCA.ORG out in grinding saws and other tools in the Disston plant, and more that 2,500 of them were utilized in building a church. No record was kept of the thousands which went into the retaining wall around the plant and the wall on the river front.

In addition to serving as walls, the grindstones are also used as foundation material for roads within the area occupied by the factory buildings that compose the Disston works.

September 2015 33 Tape Measures Before 1900 In the United States by George Wanamaker

Tape measures were known to be used in Roman times. They con- a very good seller. Roe started mak- sisted of strips of leather with graduations marked on them. The ing etched steel blade long tape later in 1895. earliest reference to a cased tape is from England in 1838. George White, was sent to the penal colony in Australia for theft of a ribbon George M. Eddy and Company, locat- tape that was pulled from a metal container by a wooden ring. ed at 353 Classon Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, had been in the business of I am going to discuss two types of making measuring tapes since about tapes and their beginnings in the Unit- 1844. Eddy was the first to make a ed States. First, I will discuss the long flat steel, etched blade tape measure flat tapes of 25 to 100 feet. Second, in the United States. They started I will discuss pocket tapes, shorter producing this type of item in the tapes with a case similar to a pocket mid 1870s. According to Seeger and watch of the times. The time period I Guernsey’s Cyclopedia of the Manu- will discuss will be from the late 1860s facturing and Products of the United States, in the late 1870s. Besides flat to about 1900. George M. Eddy and Company 25 foot cloth tape with a rewind mechanism patented in 1897 by John G. Eddy, steel tapes, George M. Eddy and Com- Long Flat Tapes George’s son, who joined the company in 1894. pany also made linen and cotton tape measures, pocket spring tapes, tailor’s Cloth Tape Steel Tape tape measures, advertising tapes and rubber combs. Long flat tapes had two types of tape, Steel tapes are much more interesting cloth, linen or cotton, and metal. and more modern. With the Industrial In the United States in 1879, besides These tapes were wound into a metal Revolution, the quantity and proper- George M. Eddy, Bradley and Hubbard case with a crank, when not in use. ties of steel were greatly improved. Manufacturing Company of Meriden, Cases ranged in size from two and one Iron was not flexible enough or du- Connecticut, Keuffel and Esser of New half to about six inches, the larger the rable enough for heavily used tapes. York, E. T. Lufkin Company of Cleve- case the longer the tape. In 1842, the first British flatsteel blade land, Ohio, and Waterbury Brass Com- tape manufacturer James Chester- pany of Waterbury, Connecticut were man started production. An early ref- listed as producing steel flat tapes. erence to steel tape measures in the United States was in Engineering News, Volume 27, #27, page 1316 from December 31, 1914. In an interview J. G. Eddy, the eldest son of George M. Eddy, related that, “the first steel tape in the United States was made sometime before 1870 by Mr. Wheeler, Worchester, Massachusetts, who su- 1870s Eddy advertisement. pervised bridge building. He made it Linen tapes wore better than cotton to measure bridge spans. It was made ones. Wear could be enhancedM-WTCA.ORG by im- of loop wire with a marking every foot. bedding metal thread or fiber in the His successor, L. A. Nichols, added a cloth. The cloth tape would be about drop of solder at every foot mark and one half inch wide. Lengths known put graduations on these. The Chi- to have been made for building and cago Steel Tape Company started to engineering were 25, 50, 75, and 100 produce this type item in about 1870.” feet; for surveying 16 1/2 feet, 33 feet, In 1871 Justus Roe and Sons in Long and 66 feet, one, two and four rods, re- Island, New York, started making a spectfully. Cases were made of brass wire tape measure using studs put in or steel finished with paint, nickel the wire for the graduations. It was plating, leather or left natural. called “Roe’s Electric Reel”, and was Advertisement for George Eddy, CA, 1894.

34 The Gristmill Pocket Tapes back into a metal case. The case was In the early 1900s, George M. Eddy made first of German silver and later and Company was listed as the larg- In 1868 Alvin Fellows of New Haven, of nickel plated brass. Eddy’s trade- est company solely producing tape Connecticut, received the first patent, mark was G. M. Eddy, in a curve over measures. The company remained in #78,272, for a spring return pocket N.Y., over a spread wing eagle. (See business after George Eddy’s death tape measure. The patent showed a below.) in 1913, as evidenced as being listed tape measure with a cloth blade that in the 1914 American Trade Index. was pulled out with a ring attached George M. Eddy and Company was to the lead edge. There was a but- incorporated in the state of New York ton at the side of the case which was on December 23 of that year by J. G., depressed and a spring rewound the G. E., and J. Lynn Eddy with capital blade into the case. of $50,000. By 1917, the 34,000 square foot factory was for sale for 20 cents At this time, there are no known tape per square foot. measures with Fellows’ patent date July 14, 1868 or featured side but- First Eddy pocket tape with flat steel blade, CA. early 1890s. The rewind button is at bottom of case front. The question is, in 1917 was George ton. However, there are spring tapes Note the pull design. M. Eddy Company Incorporated, out with the patent date July 13, 1869, and of business or moved to a new loca- a release button in the center of the George M. Eddy’s son, John G. Eddy, tion and selling the old factory? case. It may be possible that this later joined the company in 1894 after serv- patent was a redesigned tape mea- Haff Manufacturing Company of New ing in the National Guard from 1875 to sure moving the spring release button York City was making sewing tape 1894 and reaching the rank of Colonel. to the center of the case. Other tape measures with nickel plated cases, He received his first patent #591,747 measures are known with a re-issue and spring return cloth blades by 1882 on October 12, 1897 for a tape reel date of June 6, 1871, along with the as indicated by a patent granted Janu- which was assigned to George M. 1869 date on them. However, noth- ary 10, 1882 to E. P. Haff. Cloth tapes Eddy Company. ing has been found to verify either of of three and six feet are known. At these dates as related to a tape mea- According to a reference in an 1894 least one of these tapes was still avail- sure patent. Hardware Dealer’s Magazine, George able in 1894 in a Supplee Hardware, M. Eddy and Company started busi- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania catalog. Questions that arise about Fellows ness in 1844. Products are unknown are: Did he produce any tape mea- Haff’s most interesting tape measure at this time. By 1894, “they made tapes sures? If so, how long was he in busi- was in a nickel plated case, and had a ranging from a 12 inch cloth tape in a ness? Did he sell his patent to others? six foot cloth spring return tape. The metal case to steel tapes of 500 feet case had a mirror on one side of the in length in metal or leather cases. Eddy started in the 1870s, making case and adjustable brass perpetual These included measures for survey- spring pocket tape measures with calendar on the other. There were ors, engineers, architects, railroad and four and six foot cloth blades. The also nine holes in the outside edge in bridge builder, carpenters, iron work- cases were made of brass, nickel which to place straight pins for stor- ers, pipe manufacturers, plumbers, plated brass, and celluloid. There are age. Thus, you had a tape measure tailors, dressmakers, shoemakers, and tape measures known to have been with four purposes; pin holder, mir- all classes of artisans.” produced by Eddy, having one or both ror, perpetual calendar, and measur- the later patent dates on them. It is my ing tool. belief that these later patents if they were issued, went to M-WTCA.ORGGeorge Eddy Questions yet to be answered are: rather than Alvin Fellow. How long was Haff Manufactur- ing Company in Business? Did they By the early 1890s, Eddy was mak- make tape measures other than sewing pocket tape measures with steel ing tapes? Did they ever make a steel blades in seven lengths; three, four, blade tape measure? six, eight, ten, 12, and 15 feet. These used a retraction mechanism different Lufkin Rule Company started busi- from Fellow’s patent. ness as E. T. Lufkin Company in 1869, initiated production of long flat steel Offered as a contemporary choice, blade tape measures and steel blade was the same case with linen tapes of A later George M. Eddy with a cloth tape and a nickel plated brass case, CA. 1900. pocket tapes, starting in 1889 in Cleve- the same lengths. These spring wound

September 2015 35 land, Ohio. This production continued Ohio; and Waterbury Brass Company until 1892, when they moved to Sagi- of Waterbury, Connecticut. Spring naw, Michigan and resumed produc- tapes, pocket tapes, and sewing tapes tion there. They made six foot lengths were produced by George M. Eddy and it is assumed other lengths. They and Company, Haff Manufacturing were also producing cloth blade tape Company, and Lufkin Rule Company measures at this time. prior to 1900.

In summary, long flat tapes,pocket There is still much to learn about tapes, sewing tapes, and spring tapes tape measures from the late 1800s were being made in the United States and early 1900s. Are there other prior to 1900. Companies known to long tape and pocket tape measure Lufkin pocket tape made between 1889 and 1892 in produce long flat blade tape measures manufacturers in the United States Cleveland, Ohio. were: George M. Eddy and Company, from this period? If so what did Brooklyn, New York; Bradley and they make? If you have further Hubbard Manufacturing Company of information, please contact George Meriden, Connecticut; Justus Roe and Wanamaker at George.wanamaker@ Son; Keuffel and Esser of New York; gmail.com; 309-255-2406; or 321 S. Lufkin Rule Company of Cleveland, Lafayette, Macomb, IL. 61455.

Haff Manufacturing four foot tape, C.A. 1885.

Haff Manufacturing sewing tape with perpetual calendar on one side, a mirror on the other, and six holes for pins in the edge by the pull ring, CA. 1894. Alvin J. Fellows patent for the earliest United States patent for a spring return tape measure, CA. 1868. M-WTCA.ORG This is our Silent Salesman Use it on a counter or table at your shop or event. It is 9”x11”. It is self-standing, and it has a pocket for a supply of Membership Brochures.

If you can use one, please contact me at [email protected].

36 The Gristmill AUXILIARY Iowa Ink - Unpacking From a Semi-Annual Meeting… by Susan Witzel, Auxiliary President

I have been home well over a week now and I am still sort- you have been a recipient of one. That means we miss ing and putting things back in their “proper places” so I will seeing your face in its usual place at our meetings. First be able to find them when we travel to Mars, Pa., October time attendees are always recognized and welcomed. Pay- 1st - 3rd. Treasures found on the Auxiliary book table will ing registrations fees may seem expensive, since tools go on bookshelves in our tool barn. New items that I man- are readily accessible on eBay these days, but tool meets aged to pick up either at stops in antique shops or on trade once attended, give you a different slant on collecting. By tables at the meeting, are gradually finding a new home. talking to our older members, and attending the What’s It Perhaps the most unusual item that is still hunting for a session where strange tools are identified, we all become “place to reside” is, the giveaway item from the Kingsport, more knowledgeable. Besides, it seems like there are al- TN. meeting. What do I do with four bottles of “shine,” ways bargains to be had in the parking lot and in the trade moonshine that is. To add more interest, it is all flavored. I room. Viewing displays by both men and women is the Fri- came home with caramel, strawberry, coconut, and honey day highlight before the tool trading begins. Members stay ginseng. As a special treat, we were all invited to meet by their exhibits to answer questions, get their pictures Tiny, the maker of this legal “shine” and learn about his op- taken, discuss tools, and make new friends. erations on Saturday afternoon before the banquet. Larry and Jeanne Tool trading, tool talks, the Tool trading, tool talks, the auxiliary Thorson hosted this unusual party meet and greet in the evening, our for interested collectors. Every- auxiliary meet and greet in the book review and programs planned one was invited. They had enjoyed evening, our book review and by each hostess, plus tours of the area make each meeting unique meeting Tiny, a 6’8” giant of a man, programs planned by each clad in bib overalls and barefoot, and give us new memories to laugh that they wanted to share the ex- hostess, plus tours of the area, about and cherish. Judi Heckel perience with the rest of us. Talk make each meeting unique and her able crew of helpers, led about stereotypes – he was it. It the craft projects while the rest of was a fun time of sharing and visit- and give us new memories to us provided laughs and humor as ing. Thank you to the Thorsons for laugh about and cherish. we tried to follow their directions. pulling us out of our shells and of- Dave Heckel took us on a tour of fering us all another unique experi- National Parks. He and Judi have ence to savor. traveled far and wide to explore those national treasures. How lucky we are to have members willing to give pro- Besides my president’s book and gavel, I have information grams and share their knowledge and enthusiasm. about Kingsport, and more about the Mars, Pa. (Pittsburg area) where we will be the first weekend in October. It is New officers will be installed in Mars at the Auxiliary fun to see where you have been and fun to contemplate brunch. Thanks to all who have agreed to serve. You will where you will be going. M-WTCA does keep us moving. not regret it. That bucket with installation candles is full of I truly believe it keeps all of us “young” because we have happy memories. Our Mars meeting is bound to be an “out a passion for something and someone beyond ourselves. of this world” experience. Call Becky Leamy if you have any M-WTCA.ORGquestions. Fun is guaranteed. Now to put that “shine” away, Many cards were laid out in the trade room for members to sign to be sent to some who could not attend. Perhaps see you soon.

Email or mailing address change? Please send changes to Kerry McCalla at [email protected].

September 2015 37 AUXILIARY Kingsport Tour by Judi Heckel

Members enjoyed a double feature on the were able to exchange for fresh horses or use a currency exchange for unfamiliar bank notes. Today, designated as morning tour at Kingsport. a Historic Living Farm, members observed the gigantic gardens and saw the horses, cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs on the grounds. Members explored ten buildings and met several living history volunteers who answered questions and provided interesting observations.

The first stop was the Allandale Mansion. Built in 1953, the Mansion was the home of Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Brooks. It was originally a 500 acre farm where Black Angus cows and Tennessee walking horses were raised. The Brooks were an extremely civic minded couple, who sent employees to help a needy neighbor bring in his hay or delivered hot choc- olate to sledding children in their Cadillac. The childless couple bequeathed the home, three barns, an amphitheater, a picnic pavilion, and a dance barn along with 25 acres to the City of Kingsport. Today, elegant weddings, receptions, book readings, concerts, and a host of events are available to the public for a very modest fee. Rod Gemayel, the curator, allowed members to freely roam the house and gardens and appreciate what the house offers.

A short drive away brought the group next to the Exchange Place. Attendees enjoyed a catered lunch of salads and sandwiches in the Roseland Room, where Billee Moore introduced us to the history of this 1850s restored farmstead that existed on one of the first major roads in the area. The original store, post office, and farm met the needs of the stage coach as it arrived threeM-WTCA.ORG times each week. Travelers

38 The Gristmill AUXILIARY On The Other Side of The Bed by Kathleen Holmes

I mentioned recently Phyllis Diller’s quotation “So what For your information, here is a list of books I have read if my back goes out more often than I do?” I do “go out” recently…Secrets From the Past by Barbara Taylor Brad- but not in the usual sense of the word. I travel vicariously ford, The last Runaway (Tracy Chevalieer), On a Far- through the reading I do. ther Shore; Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson (William Souder), Martha Washington (Patricia Brady), No Mark Many strangers take me on trips with them as they travel on Her (Deborah Crombie), The Silver Star (Jeannette and explore the world. I can be in Siam in the morning, in Walls), Out of Range (C. J. Box), If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Great Britain for lunch, and have dinner in Australia and Your Mother (Julia Sweeney), and Growing Up Country; never leave my rocking chair. The Hudson Library is my Memories of an Iowa Farm Girl (Carol Bodensteiner). booking agent with the variety of reading material offered This is just a partial list from the last few months. and I can hop on a freight train leaving this afternoon and be on the Gobi Desert by evening. Great…and cheap… too. I keep a list in a little notebook of the books I have read. If I want to remember a title or an author, I can always I know there are folks who are not read-aholics like me. reference it. Some prefer papers, magazines, or getting their information on the TV. Me…I like the solid feel of a book in my Some of my family are also readers. Some do not have ei- hands. Cecil got me a Nook for Christmas… I can not get ther the time or the inclination. It does not make one of us the hang of it. Other folks take one with them wherever right and the other wrong…keep that in mind. they go. I see them in airports, hotels, restaurants, etc. and admire the possibility. Maybe some day I will grow up Cecil is downstairs organizing yet another group of tools enough to get modern. into a display for the next tool meet. He enjoys presenting some of his collection for others to also enjoy. He reads Wherever…and whenever…I am in a group, we inevitably extensively in books, magazines, and brochures so he can will begin to share what we have read (or are reading). visit knowledgeably with anyone who is interested in what What fun conversation comes about when others are also he is displaying. So stop by…either at the tool show or a readaholic. I can come home with a list of possibles. here at the house. He can bend your ear while I can rest quietly On The Other Side of The Bed.

A Stitch in Time by Judy Escallier

I have been sewing since I was a child as I come from a I have fond memories of my grandmother’s button collec- long line of women who sew, quilt, etc. Needlecrafts have tion that I had to have one of my own. The hand sewing always been important to me. Currently I belong to a group needles were made in the 40s and 50s. of like-minded women. We crochet, knit, sew or do any nee- dle craft we enjoy. Anyone is welcome My favorite item in my display is a to join. For me, I enjoyM-WTCA.ORG working with Featherweight sewing machine made children, teaching them to sew doll in 1955. This machine was first in- clothes or items for themselves. I also troduced at the Chicago World Fair teach them to knit and crochet. in 1933. My first antique sewing machine was a Singer Treadle which I As Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote in Little still use today. When I got my treadle House on the Prairie, “It is the sweet in 1979, it was not working but after simple things of life which are the real some cleaning, oiling and a new belt, ones after all.” it would sew through anything. Most of the time, old sewing machines can My husband encouraged me to set up be rejuvenated. a display knowing how much these sewing items mean to me.

September 2015 39 AUXILIARY Grandmother’s Sunday Dinner Table by Peg Davis

Sunday dinner at grandmother’s house was always special Grandmother always invited us to eat when she said “Come whether there were guests or “just” the family that had to the table.” We were nourished with delicious food as well come to visit. The meal was served soon after church at the as a sense of well-being, love and gratitude. While my frugal dining room table which was covered with a white cloth. grandmother served largely what she had raised and pre- served, she managed to instill in us The colorful dishes made in Japan the meaning of living well and being in the 1930s, set a cheerful mood gracious. for the meal and were reserved for Sundays and holidays, otherwise we Note: Some of the pattern glass I used white ironstone. Her flatware inherited from grandmothers. Some came from Sears and Roebuck. A items were wedding gifts to one of patterned glass sugar bowl, creamer, my grandmothers in 1890. Other spooner, preserves stand, salt and items I have purchased, because they pepper shakers and a plated pickle reminded me of those special meals castor were always in the center of around my grandmother’s table. the table. Since my paternal grandmother died before I was born, it is the dining There were certain staples on grand- table at my maternal grandmother’s mother’s table such as homemade bread (in one form or an- that I remember. I have collected Meito china similar to my other), butter, pickles and preserves. The bread basket was grandmother’s as time went on. It does not all match but made from rye straw in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Often it creates the same inviting ambience. I have always trea- two meats and five vegetables were served and there were sured family pieces but started buying in the 1980s. I love at least two desserts. auctions, church yard sales and thrift shops.

BOOK REVIEW by Julie Kesterson

There were 30 auxiliary members of M-WTCA who Leisel Meminger, was our main character. As she grew gathered on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. to discuss from 9 to 14 years old we followed her theft of books, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Almost everyone love of books, and eventually her writing of a book. The participated in the discussion and only two dozed off. power of words, both positive and negative, were dis- Background was given on the Australian author and his cussed in all nine of Lisa’s books, as well as the symbol- inspiration for writing the story. His mother, Lisa, as a ism of fire and snow used throughout the novel. Guilt, six year old in Germany, had witnessed an event that courage, fighting, crimes in Germany, and duality of hu- made a lasting impression on her and later her son. man nature, both cruelty and kindness were some of M-WTCA.ORGthe themes discussed. This concept of duality of human We discussed some background information on Nazi nature had Death confused and at the end of the novel Germany, the Nuremburg Laws, the Holocaust, Nazi he states, “A LAST NOTE FROM YOUR NARRATOR…I Propaganda, and the Book Burnings. am haunted by humans.” Death was our omniscient narrator and was a difficult We concluded by sharing titles of SUGGESTED concept for many of the readers to grasp, beginning other books dealing with WW II, Nazi BOOKS: with the first page of the book that stated “HERE IS Germany, the Jews, and the Holocaust. A SMALL FACT… You are going to die.” Death took an active role in the story using foreshadowing, plot spoil- The book for the Mars, PA. meeting is, The Coal Picker ers, and asides which helped us preview each chapter. by Martin J. Hula 2014.

40 The Gristmill AUXILIARY The Cute and Ugly Tools of Sewing Winner of Members’ Choice Award and Blue Ribbon by Denice Cox

Even though the finished items from sewing may be beauti- People ask me “What is a buttonhole cutter?” I think the ful, some of the tools are cute and others are ugly. reason why I collect these types of cutters and chisels is because they are so ugly. Usually when My favorite “cute” tool is my “Se- someone says they have a button- norita” patented child-size antique hole cutter, they are talking about a sewing machine which is one of the scissor type. Most have never heard rarest of all child size patented sew- of or seen a cutter like these. If they ing machines. This is the only one I have, they think they are a type of have ever seen and there is not one leather tool. True, some are, but not pictured in either of Glenda Thom- all are for leather. Some of these as’s books on sewing machines. were made for manufacturer’s use, There is one in Thomas’s second like the table top model in my dis- book in an ad for the “Cupid” sew- play. But most of the smaller ones ing machine, another rare machine were made for home use. They are that also hailed from Chicago. That easier on the hands, especially if ad refers to the A.M. Crane Co. as a distributor for the Cu- you have a small hand. Over all, the chisel type are easier pid Mfg. Co. but this machine is marked Patented and A.M. to use. You just rock the chisel back and forth on the fabric Crane Mfg. so there is still research to be done to figure with a piece of wood under it. out exactly what the relationship is between these two machines and names. The ad indicates that this machine was I have a question that I can not seem to find an answer for. being marketed towards invalids who were not able to use Maybe someone reading this can tell me, “Why was there a treadle sewing machines and that it was a high gear rapid buckeye found in most sewing baskets? “ I remember a few stitcher. The sole reference I could find using Google, gave in my grandmother and mother’s baskets. At times when I the date as approximately 1901 but there was no other in- find an old sewing basket at a flea market or antique shop, formation other than a line listing the manufacture’s name there is a buckeye in it. and patent information on the base under the sew plate.

1. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank 1947 12. On Hitler’s Mountain by Imgard Hunt 2005 2. If This Is a Man by Primo Levi 1947 13. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 2006 3. Night by Elie Wiesel 1960 14. Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel 2010 4. Sophie’s Choice by William Styron 1979 15. The Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project by Jack Mayer 2011 5. Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally 1982 M-WTCA.ORG16. Number the Stars by Lois Lawry 2011 6. Time’s Arrow by Martin Amos 1991 17. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult 2013 7. Stones From the River by Ursula Hegi 1994 18. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James 8. Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels 1996 Brown 2014 9. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink 1997 19. All the Light We Cannot See by 10. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris 2001 Anthony Doerr 2014 11. The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas 20. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah 2015 by John Boyne 2004

September 2015 41 OBITUARIES David R. McDonald, Sr. David Ross McDonald, Sr., 84, of Hous- graduating college. It ended all too soon with her untime- ton, Texas, went to his eternal rest on ly death in 1988. He then married Jeanne McDonald, and May 1, 2015. A burial service was held brought 25 years of new joy to their combined families. He at Fayetteville National Cemetery, Fay- is survived by Jeanne, of Houston, their five children, and etteville, Arkansas. ten grandchildren David was born Dec 26, 1930 in Plano, He was known as “The Winchester Collector” by all his M- Texas and served his country in Eu- WTCA friends and had put together a fantastic collection of rope in the US Army from 1950-1952. Winchester tools, sporting goods and other Winchester items. He retired from a very successful 28 year career at CONO- His enthusiasm as a collector was known to many and he also CO Oil Company in 1985, rising from roughneck manage- served as an Area Director of M-WTCA for quite a few years. ment trainee to serving as President of CONOCO Western Pacific. He traveled all over the world and was knowledge- He was a unique person who was also a friend to all that able on many subjects. knew him. David had a great way of saying goodbye, “I wish you well”. He led by example at all times and we all are David married his first wife, Alice McGinnis McDonald after richer for it.

James S. (Jim) Jones, 1937-2015 James was born in Fairfield, Iowa, and grew up in Birming- dealer for several years before working for Roberts and ham, Iowa. He lived in Avon, Illinois, and later Macomb, Dybdahl as a lumber trader for 40 years. He retired in 2007. Illinois. He married Judith Anderson in 1956. James is sur- He was a past Associate Director of the Illinois Lumber and vived by his wife Judith and two sons, James J. of Costa Material Dealers Association of Illinois. Mesa and Jeffrey (Mary Ann) of Naperville, Illinois, six grandsons, two great-grandsons, and a sister. James was a long time member of the Mid-West Tool Collec- tors Association and collected Stanley tools as well as other He served in the National Guard Army Artillery Unit of unique and interesting tools. Washington, Iowa for seven years. He was a retail lumber

William “Bill” Neyer, Jr. William P. Neyer, Jr. 83, formerly Sons of Landisville as a production supervisor and roof truss of Mount Joy, PA., passed away on designer. He retired in 1996 after 36 years with the company. Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Bill enjoyed reading, woodworking, traveling, attending Born in Tremont, PA., he was the son auctions and collecting antiques, especially early antique of the late William and Ella (Schell) tools. He was a member of Early American Industries As- Neyer. He was married 59 years to his sociation, Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, local tool wife, Esther (Moyer) Neyer. In addi- clubs and the Mount Joy Historical Society. Bill and his tion to his wife, Bill is survived by two wife, Esther, were avid antique dealers and collectors, ex- sons: Bruce Neyer, husbandM-WTCA.ORG of Teresa (Urey), of Elizabeth- hibiting in New England and local antique shows for more town; and Kevin Neyer, husband of Stephanie (Ream), of than 40 years, specializing in 18th and 19th century hearth Lebanon; three grandsons: Bryan, Brent and Justin; and one items, country antiques and early collectors’ tools. great-granddaughter, Ava Mae. On the side, they published a pictorial mail order sales tool After graduating from Tremont High School in 1949, he at- catalog for about ten years, which went to tool collectors na- tended Williamson Trade School, Media,,PA. majoring in tionwide bi-annually. Bill did an extensive research study on carpentry and architectural drafting, graduating in 1952. John Stamm, the Mount Joy “Church of God” Preacher and Tool Maker, published in the national EAIA Journal in 2001 After working in construction for several years in the Phil- which can be seen on the internet. Bill and Ester were fea- adelphia Main Line area, Bill was hired by Paul A. Martin tured in an article by Henry L. Caudle “My Favorite Tool and Construction of Mount Joy, doing building estimating for Good Friends” published in The Gristmill in March, 2011. five years. In 1960,he was employed with J .C. Snavely &

42 The Gristmill The photos from the Kingsport What’s It program have been posted at mwtca.org. We need help identifying almost half of them, please take a look and let us know if you recognize any of the items. 160-1 27” long, the lower part can be lifted out and moved downward to two other positions, and the upper part can also be adjusted.

160-4 15” long 160-3 Text on this one says “Ernest Holmes 160-2 3-1/2” long Co Chattanooga Tenn, AM 2 Pat. Pend.”

Answers from previous Gristmill issues: M-WTCA.ORG Please email your photos, answers, and comments to: [email protected]

Fig. 159-1 A shoe maker’s corrugated Fig. 159-3 A salt pulverizer, for breaking up burnisher the salt in a shaker, patent number 71,643:

September 2015 43 M-WTCA.ORG

44 The Gristmill M-WTCA.ORG

September 2015 45 M-W TCA Gristmill 1 col. x 5" June 2015

Timeless Tools and Treasures.com Authentic tools for traditional trades and related curiosities: woodworking, machining, leather, watchmaking, etc.

Visit our store in Bennington, NH, by appt. 603-588-2637 • [email protected]

M-WTCA.ORG

46 The Gristmill MARKETPLACE

WANTED: Huge Nut and Bolt. Bolt must be at least 4 inches in diameter at the threads. Gene Snyder 813-362-7016 [email protected]

Restorative Welding, Museum Quality TIG welding of antique firearms, edged weapons, and ferrous metal artifacts, since 1964. Please visit our website at WWW.RestorativeWelding.COM or call Pete Nagel at (815) 732-1249. We specialize in restoring vintage hand tools. Bring us your rusted, tarnished, and forgotten tools, and we’ll return a beautiful heirloom you’ll be proud to display — and maybe even use. To see examples of our work as well as a monthly mystery item, visit our website. Looking for Gabriel planes and Kenyon saws. Let me know what you have. John Walkowiak 612-824-0785 www.BusenRestoration.com [email protected]

Wanted: Any hand forged iron tool (except reaping hooks) marked I-CHRIST or D.Christ. Laurent Torno 7111 Waterman Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63130 [email protected] Tel/Fax ADVERTISING INFORMATION 314-721-3911 ISSUE COPY DEADLINE DISPLAY ADS - RATES March January 10 Size Cost Word Limit June April 10 Full page, 4-color, WANTED: Molding planes marked September July 10 (when available) $275 900 “I:LINDENBERGER”. Mark Knudson, December October 10 Full page $180 900 422 Garden Drive, Bismarck, ND. 58504. Half page $105 450 Email: [email protected]. CLASSIFIED ADS - RATES Quarter page* $60 225 $ .18 per word - ALL words. Other sizes $9.50 per column inch $3.50 minimum per ad. (1 column approx. 2-1/4” wide.) 25 word limit.

NEW POLICY: The Gristmill will no longer accept advertising for a date sensitive event, that will occur during the month of The Gristmill’s publication. For example, an ad for an auction on March 25th that is to be placed in the March issue.

* For layout purposes, all quarter page ads must be the following size. 3 1/2” wide X 4 7/8” tall. M-WTCA.ORGTypesetting and borders are not included in the page rates. Special artwork will be charged at cost. We must have a sketch or rough drawing indicating how you want your ad laid out. Camera Ready ads are accepted at no additional charge.

For your protection and complete satisfaction, ALL ads should be typewritten and double-spaced. If this is not possible, please PRINT legibly.

Payment must accompany ad. Make checks payable to M-WTCA. At this time, advertising will be accepted only from M-WTCA members in good standing. For information and membership application, contact John Walkowiak or one of the officers whose address is shown on the inside front cover of this publication.

Send all ads to: Bill Kolm 11415 Spaulding Street Omaha, NE 68164 phone (402) 572-1238, E-Mail [email protected]

September 2015 47 47th International Antique Tool Sale & Auction October 30 & 31, 2015 Radisson Inn, Camp Hill, PA THE TOOL SALE is on Friday, a tradition for more than 30 years. We anticipate about 60 dealers filling nearly 80 tables with fine tools. Open 1 PM to 6 PM on Friday, October 30, 2015. No tool sale on Saturday.

THE AUCTION begins on Saturday at 9 AM and features choice selections from several fine collections. An exceptionally fine selection of chisels and gouges, including complete patternmaker’s sets by Buck and Marples. Patented planes including Lee stop chamfer, Bailey center post smoother, Morris waffle sole, Porter Gladwin. Plow planes including Israel White, Mockridge & Francis, L. DeForest, center wheels by Ohio and Sandusky. For the Millers Falls collector, a Deluxe Parsons brace and a permaloid bench plane, both dead mint in original boxes, and a previously unknown mystery breast drill. Infill planes, decorative carved 18th century planes, L. Bailey, Chaplin, Sargent planes. Stanley planes and other tools in original boxes. Wooden planes including rare and early makers. Boxwood and ivory rules in mint condition. Rare and unusual measuring and layout tools, surveying, scientific, agricultural and office items. Wrenches, saws, hammers. And, as always, a good selection of high quality box lots. Over 700 lots of outstanding tools. All offered without reservations or reserves.

LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG #47 mails on September 21st, 2015. All tools fully described and fairly graded with estimates. Prices Realized mailed promptly after auction. All items illustrated in full color. Absentee bidding available. Pre-Order Both 2015-16 Catalogs. The 47th and the 48th International Auctions. Still only $50 US & Canada, & $60 US for oversees. Prices Realized promptly after auction. The 47th catalog mails in September 2015 and 48th catalog mails February 2016. To reserve your copy, call, write, email, or fax us today at: Brown Tool Auctions P.O. Box 737,Watervliet, MI 49098 Email: [email protected] 1 (800) 248-8114 FAX (269) 463-3767

Please send ______Catalog(s) for the 47th International Antique Tool Auction on October 31, 2015. $28 US & CANADA. $34 US for Overseas. Includes Prices Realized. Order both ______2015-16 Auction Catalogs. $50 US & CANADA. M-WTCA.ORG$60 US for Overseas. Includes Prices Realized. Visa/Mastercard No. ______Exp. Date: Signature: Phone: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Date

Brown Tool Auctions P.O. Box 737,Watervliet, MI 49098 PHONE: 1 (800) 248-8114 FAX (269) 463-3767 Order a catalog online now or view items after September 22nd at www.FineToolJ.com 48 The Gristmill