Looking for something to post, I came upon the photos I had taken of a farming implement at the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Historical Society of Williamsport, PA. We visited there at the end of October.
In a room with lots of old time stuff I saw the flail. We have one of these that we found in the barn. We never really knew what it was for until a neighbor in town described how it was used. He didn't put a name to it though.
I have no idea how old ours is but I can't imagine it was in use in the 20th century. I don't have a photo of ours and it's cold, wet and dark outside as I write this so you'll just have to believe me that ours looks just like the one hanging there. Two rods fastened together with a leather thong (I don't think ours is eel skin), with one rod shorter than the other.
I plan to print up the description and mount it next to the flail so others will now know what it is.
7 comments:
I think they are very good for getting recalcitrant husbands to behave too!
...I believe you!
Interesting. I had no idea. I have seen a tool like that in a museum somewhere, but didn't know anything about it. I learned a little history this morning. Have a good day and I will see you again soon!
I have never seen one my grandparents had a small farm but I never saw that.
Cathy
Thanks for the explanation with the little picture. Looks like hard work!
We “flail away” at things. It’s an expression, and this puts it into context. It was a strenuous exercise.
Can you imagine how much energy it would take to “flail away” with that thing? It doesn’t seem very energy efficient.
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