Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Hook, Husking |
Source |
Heartland Museum Foundation |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.054.004 |
Credit line |
Heartland Museum Foundation- Clarion, Iowa |
Description |
A husking hook and/or finger protector allowed the person picking to more easily grasp the ear. Those who were skilled had one ear hitting the bang board and one in the air as they were taking another ear off the stalk. If the wife helped with the picking, smaller children would sit in the wagon box as the parents picked. Country school often let out so older children could help or children might pick a row before they went to school and again after returning from school. No after school sports for country kids. The goal was to get the corn picked before Thanksgiving. Most early farms had 80 acres divided into 4 fields. Two of these might be corn. There were no soybeans. Content can be used with the following standards: 4th grade SS 4.26 Changes to Agriculture in a lesson on new tools used to make the harvesting process more efficient. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
Creating the husking hook in 1892, William F. Lillie designed a husking glove that would allow a farmer to quickly husk his crops, making the process more efficient. The glove would be attached onto the hand with leather straps and had an bent metal piece on the palm that would be used to rip open the husk and remove the corn. The glove also had a thick leather pad to protect the farmer's hand. An additional leather pad, as pictured, could be worn for more protection. |
Notes on Related Objects |
Object is related to the following library resources, which can be found by searching the catalog number in the advanced search section: Catalog #: 2018.045.020- Memories of a Former Kid 2018.045.086 I Remember, I Remember: A Book of Recollections |
Primary/Secondary Source |
General primary source |
County Tag |
Wright |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Agricultural Products/Types Agriculture Farmers/Farm Life Agricultural equipment Farm produce Farming Corn Corn husking |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Heartland Museum Foundation and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
