Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Brake, Hemp |
Catalog Number |
1997.28 |
Date |
ca. 1860 |
Material(s) |
Wood |
Dimensions |
H-31 W-75 D-62 inches |
Description |
This is a hemp brake or break. It has four angled legs mortised into the main beams of the lower frame (lower jaw of the brake). The lower frame has two main beams--a long rectagular beam and a short block with rounded corners. There are three thin curved wooden blades (or teeth) that flare out from the short block to the main beam. There are tenons in the lower jaws that are mortised through the beams and wedged. The upper jaw frame has two heavier blades mortised and wedged into its main beams. The short beam on the upper frame is a half round block and the long beam is rectangular with a rounded top. There is a pole handle also mortised into the upper frame main beams. Pegs on the sides of the long main beam of the upper jaw are the hinges for the brake. They fit into two boards that are mortised into the long main beam of the lower frame. |
Notes |
This hemp brake was given to the donor by John Thomas who worked for the Gay Family in Clark County in the 1960s. The Gays were large landowners who grew hemp on the north side of Clark County. The brake is largely hand fitted, possibly dating from the mid 19th century or earlier. |
Collection |
Arthur Walson Collection |
People |
Thomas, John Gay family |
Subjects |
Rope industry Ropemaking industry Roping Hemp Breakers (Machinery) |
Search Terms |
hemp brake hemp break hemp production Ropemaking Clark County (Ky.) |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |