I am not sure what this item is supposed to be. Perhaps it might become more obvious if cleaned. It is about 8 inches long and, besides the twisted portion, fairly flat. I suppose it could be a letter opener, too. I also cannot tell what the individual on the bottom is, either. This was…Read more
Tag: harold
Harold Houchen
Heirloom 27 – Tools of the Trade – Woodworking Rasp
A rasp belonging to Harold. It is double-sided, with one side being flat and the other has a curve to it for various woodworking needs. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge, notes, or context. If unable to identify,…Read more
Heirloom 26 – Tools of the Trade – Antler-handled Sharpening Steel
Probably deer antler used to make a handle on the knife sharpener of Harold’s. Looks like it needs cleaning. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge, notes, or context. If unable to identify, I will provide as much information…Read more
Postcard 64 – Daughter of the Plains
I don’t know if the note on the front was a joke or if this really is the person writing the postcard. This image shows up as a fairly popular card from that time era. Harold’s friend, Mollie, writes to him in care of Cordell Christian College.
Heirloom 25 – Tools of the Trade – Rusted Shears
Found in Harold’s tools is this pair of simple shears. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge, notes, or context. If unable to identify, I will provide as much information about the item as I am able.
Heirloom 24 – Tools of the Trade – Possible Potato Peeler?
Or, perhaps, I prefer alliteration. While this looks like a more modern day clay and sculpting tool, I tend to lean more towards a practical application. It could also be for woodworking. Found among Harold’s belongings. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based…Read more
Heirloom 23 – Tools of the Trade – San Antonio Ice Company Ice Pick
An ice pick from a company that existed from 1895 – 1945. This is a nice tool with some good heft and it belonged to Harold. I found an interesting and informative post regarding the history of this company. Read it here. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner…Read more
Heirloom 22 – Tools of the Trade – Small Machine Oil Bottle
Small and lightweight, this would have been used to press oil into small areas with moving parts. Found with Harold’s knickknacks, this would have been used to oil anything from a sewing machine to a typewriter. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based…Read more
Heirloom 21 – Tools of the Trade – Hornsby & McKinley Aluminum Chef Meat Saw
A lightweight, metal saw of Harold’s. Since this is coming up in Google as a “meat saw”, I can only assume that this was used at his family store, Mission Market, in Ontario, California, where he worked as the butcher. He also would have learned his skills while working on his family farm in Oklahoma…Read more
Heirloom 20 – Tools of the Trade – A Handheld Sickle
Another of Harold’s tools. He worked hard with his hands to provide for family. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge, notes, or context. If unable to identify, I will provide as much information about the item as I…Read more