Long before technology sent single socks into a spinning purgatory, people were more resourceful, creating tools to effectively complete the most daunting of household chores.
One of those tools is this wooden peg, which over the years evolved into a two-piece pin that secured items to a line. This was a significant improvement from the earlier model that fed socks and other garments to the wind, “a serious evil to washerwomen.”
Keep reading to learn more about this wooden tool!
A curious social media user recently posted a photo of small wooden dowels with two legs, asking the internet to help identify them.
The mystery sparked a wave of nostalgic responses, especially from older generations who quickly recognized the objects: “They’re old-school clothespins! We used them to hang wet laundry outside to dry in the sun and fresh air.”
These wooden clothespins sometimes called clothes pegs were once a household staple. Traditionally made from two carved wooden pieces, they grip fabric when pushed over a clothesline. While modern versions often include a metal spring, the simpler dowel style predates that design.
Origins in Antiquity
The story of wooden clothespins stretches all the way back to ancient civilizations, where people devised various ways to secure their laundry while it dried in the open air.
Early versions of clothespins looked quite different from the ones we know today. These were often handmade from natural materials like wood, bone, or even stone—and many were intricately carved with decorative patterns or symbols.
The more recognizable wooden clothespin began to take shape in the 19th century, driven by the growing need for a practical and reliable laundry tool. These early designs were typically made from solid woods such as maple or birch and featured two carved pieces joined by a spring or twisted metal wire to clamp fabric tightly to the line.
‘A Serious Evil to Washerwomen’
The clothespin as we know it today can be traced back to an 1853 patent by David M. Smith of Vermont, who revolutionized laundry day with his clever design. spinning
Filed on October 25, 1853, Smith’s invention featured two wooden arms hinged together by a metal spring. The design allowed the longer legs to be squeezed together, opening the shorter gripping ends—creating a clamp that could hold clothing firmly on a line.
This spring-loaded mechanism not only made the clothespin easier to use but also far more reliable in breezy conditions. Smith proudly noted in his patent that his clothespin had a distinct advantage over the older styles:
it wouldn’t be blown off by the wind, which he described as “a serious evil to washerwomen.” His thoughtful improvement helped prevent garments from falling to the ground, making life a little easier for households everywhere.spinning
The Evolution of Clothespins
As industrialization took hold in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the production of wooden clothespins shifted from handcrafted to mechanized, allowing factories to churn out uniform pins quickly and affordably. This surge in availability helped make them a household essential across much of the world.
Well into the 20th century, wooden clothespins remained the go-to laundry tool, valued for their simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness especially among households without electric dryers. Even as plastic alternatives entered the market, many stuck with wood for its reliable grip and rustic charm.
Today, wooden clothespins still serve a dual purpose: a practical option for air-drying clothes and a beloved item for crafts, décor, and nostalgia. While plastic versions are common due to low manufacturing costs, wooden clothespins continue to represent sustainability and the enduring appeal of traditional homemaking.
