Blackie's net needles
Object/Artifact
Hand carved wooden net needles inscribed with the name "Blackie" in pencil.
The 11 inch needle was likely carved into a flat shape by hand. One prong is broken. "Jos. Blackburn Blackie" is written in pencil on one side. The needle is 1.25 inches wide.
The 9 inch needle was carved from machine-cut flat wood stock. "Blackie" is written in pencil on one side. The needle is 1.25 inches wide.
2021.06.11
Tools like these were commonly used by Saugatuck's fishermen. Rare example of a hand-made net needle.
1845 Fishing, commercial
Winthers, Sally
100 Commercial Fishing
Demerest, Marvin Eugene "Demmy" 1928-2020
According to Marilyn Hebert (Demmy's daughter) needles were (inexplicably) found in a blanket chest in Demmy's home.
06/27/2021
08/23/2021