Pitchfork, circa 1870

Summary

Forks worked as extensions of farmers' arms, allowing them to skewer, lift, and move larger quantities of grain, straw or hay than they could do with just their hands. This fork started as a square wooden piece of ash or hickory. Riving (or separating) one end and bending the tines (or points) created a useful tool. Farmers used three- and four-tine forks to move loose hay or straw.

Forks worked as extensions of farmers' arms, allowing them to skewer, lift, and move larger quantities of grain, straw or hay than they could do with just their hands. This fork started as a square wooden piece of ash or hickory. Riving (or separating) one end and bending the tines (or points) created a useful tool. Farmers used three- and four-tine forks to move loose hay or straw.

Artifact

Pitchfork

Date Made

circa 1870

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.42.15

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant Material)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 58 in

Width: 15 in

Length: 3 in

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More