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
Tag: houchen
Houchen family content
Postcard 63 – Laugh, and the World Laughs With You.
John Houchens writes to a Mr. J.K.(or H.) Smith in care of Norris N.L. Houchens. Norris’ brother came to live with him and Magnolia and the kids seemed to think the world of him. Here he is, writing in 1909, as he waits for the train.
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
Postcard 62 – A Church in the Trees
A 1909 postcard from a friend to Laura. Her friend asks if Laura is “clerking” so I assume this is reference to her job at The Dixie in Cordell.
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
Heirloom 19 – Tools of the Trade – Antique Corona Tool
I’m not sure of the purpose of this tool but it looks like it could have been for leather or, possibly, to do some gardening and pruning. Another of Harold Houchen’s collection. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge,…Read more
Postcard 61 – Think of Me
Laura’s friend, Bessie Reed, writing from Custer, Oklahoma, a town about 40 miles away from Dill.
Heirloom 18 – Tools of the Trade – A Well-Used Leather Punch
This came from a collection of tools from Harold. He had quite the history from helping his father on their farm in Oklahoma to the family store in California to the superintendent of parks for city of Ontario. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an…Read more