Objects in Focus: Flax Wheels

Join Collections Manager and Curator of Textiles Rebecca Beall for a behind-the-scenes look at flax wheels in the Old Sturbridge Village collection. Unlike the great wheel, the flax wheel is operated by a foot-powered treadle. It is also versatile and could be used to spin both wool into yarn and flax into linen. This specific flax wheel is special in that it is stamped by its maker, Obadiah Higginbotham (1750-1803) of Pomfret, Connecticut.
Flax Wheel - 1.85.69
A dark finish flax wheel heavily ornamented by dark rings burned into turned members. A star impression border is stamped into sides and ends of table, and gouge carved details on ends of turnings. A single support occurs on the off side leg to wheel post. Wooden screw with handle engages mother-of-all through end of table to tension the drive belt; maker's name, "OBEDIAH/HIGINBOTHAM", is intaglio stamped in a serrated rectangle into end of table.
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[@bunnyd9334]

So very interesting. We love coming up to your beautiful village. Thank you.❤

[@OldSturbridgeVillage]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@ewittkofs]

That was a great presentation; it was so helpful in understanding the technology.