Reel

Description

Reel and stake wound with binder twine. Reel consists of two "X"s joined at centers with half lap joints, probably of hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Four 3/4" dia. dowels are inserted through the ends of the X-cross pieces and the twine is wrapped around these dowels. Dowels turned from American ash (Fraxinus americana). A wrought iron strap with upturned tang is screwed to the top of one of the crosspieces, and a face-turned sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) knob is driven onto the tang. A wrought iron stake with tapered shaft is inserted through the centers of the lap joints such that the reels can rotate. At the bottom of the shaft, a long "half-spear-point" is forged for insertion into the ground.

Notes

According to Jerry Grant, there are journal entries referring to "stringing onions" in regard to onions being grown for seed production. Presumably the tops of these plants were supported between strings to keep the seed heads from toppling over, allowing the seed heads to contact the soil and rot. To learn more, read this blog post discussing this object: https://shakerml.wordpress.com/2018/06/06/tis-the-season-for-gardening/