Handmade tools were the norm until the factory system of production. People made tools to simplify many daily tasks at both home and work.

(1) The blade of this tile spade was cut out by hand to "lighten the drag" when cutting clay. Used at Belleville Brick Co. ca 1920. Donated by Jack and Yvonne Chapman.

(2,4) The handfashioned apple picker and snow shovel were made by Thomas Whiteside (1843-1919), and were used by his descendants, Dorothy and Olive, orchardists on Lebanon Ave. Donated by Paul Reis of Whiteside Plantation.

(3,5) Farm tools owned by Jacob J. Gundlach (1825-1902). J.J.G. appears on the hedgeapple wood mallet. The hoe is unusual in size and shape, and is handforged. Donated by Elmer Lanter and Judy Lanter Weir.

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