This is one of my favorite tools from Harold’s collection mostly because of its practicality. Branded as a Stanley “Yankee”, it is about 4-5 inches long and has two sizes of flat/slot head screwdrivers on one end. It’s not for heavy usage but can easily fit into areas where a long handled screwdriver is unable…Read more
Tag: houchen
Houchen family content
Heirloom 34 – Tools of the Trade – German-made Small Scissors
Time has made its mark on these with rust pitting but they are still a nice pair of small scissors. I am not sure if these are for manicures, sewing, or some other use but I’m sure they were very handy. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or…Read more
Heirloom 33 – Tools of the Trade – Bear Creek Pocket & Desk Stone
This is probably a 1950’s era small stone used for sharpening knives. Harold liked to work with wood and carve so it was an often used tool and was probably not very far from his reach. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based…Read more
Heirloom 32 – Tools of the Trade – Tagger Typewriter Ribbon Tin
The original ribbon long gone, this old tin contains small pieces of hardware mostly used to hang pictures. 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…Read more
Letter 21 – The Vernard Letters – Part One
Throughout this site there will be many references to Vernard Austin Peratt, the youngest child of Flavious Austin and Mary Lula Belle Peratt. Vernard was born in 1906 with Type I Diabetes. He was a good student and seemingly well liked but was often sickly. In April of 1921 his parents took him by train…Read more
Letter 18 – Sat. Nite – Dec. 4, 1937
This letter seems to be missing at least one page. It brings news from back east to Lula and family. A note on some of these letters – in order to make them more legible I had to fiddle with the contrast to bring the writing to light and more bold.
Postcard 71 – The State House, Guthrie, Oklahoma
A friend writing to Laura from Guthrie, OK. It was the state capital until 1910, the year this was written.
Heirloom 31 – Tools of the Trade – Samurai Sword Letter Opener
A very sharp miniature Samurai sword letter opener. Stamped with “Japan” on the blade, this was found among Harold’s things. 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…Read more
Heirloom 30 – Tools of the Trade – Black Handled Straight Razor
This is a sleek thing of beauty. The metal is in great condition and catches the light wonderfully. It was difficult to take a picture of it without the lights reflecting from every angle. Harold took care of this one very well. The company who made this one is C.V. Heljestrand, known for their fine…Read more
Heirloom 29 – Tools of the Trade – Yellow Handled Straight Razor
A striking, classic piece – this razor looks like it shaved its last hair yesterday and not 50 years ago, at least. This is one of two within Harold’s items. He scrawled his initials into the side of this one. The company is Landers, Frary & Clark, a company from the 1860’s but didn’t begin…Read more