The Collection

THE COLLECTION

We have over 20 American antique flax, wool, and cotton spinning wheels, including several unusual examples. On exhibit are a Lyman Wight patent pendulum wheel that was put into production in 1864 in Wisconsin and a very rare small accelerating wheel signed by J. Farnham of Owego, N.Y., of which only three are known to exist. We also have a number of Canadian wheels, as well as some wheels from Europe. Our loom collection includes timber-frame looms used by both professional and domestic weavers during the period when homespun cloth was commonly made. There are also looms from the late 19th Century cottage rug weaving industry, including a Newcomb No.3 fly shuttle loom, and a Nadeau Handskill loom made of aluminum tubing, one of the first programmable looms for home use. Finally, dozens of winders, swifts, shuttles, and tools for making bobbin lace are on display.

There is also an extensive display of antique tools and a complete blacksmith shop. Many other period items including lighting devices, a reproduction Gutenberg printing press, a foot treadle lathe and other items are displayed.

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