Blackie's net needles
Object/Artifact
Hand carved wooden net needles inscribed with the name "Blackie" in pencil.
The 11 inch needle was likely carved into a flat shape by hand. One prong is broken. "Jos. Blackburn Blackie" is written in pencil on one side. The needle is 1.25 inches wide.
The 9 inch needle was carved from machine-cut flat wood stock. "Blackie" is written in pencil on one side. The needle is 1.25 inches wide.
2021.06.11
06/27/2021
08/23/2021
Tools like these were commonly used by Saugatuck's fishermen. Rare example of a hand-made net needle.
1845 Fishing, commercial
Winthers, Sally
Fishing Equipment
Fishing & Trapping T&E
Category 04: Tools & Equipment for Materials
100 Commercial Fishing
Demerest, Marvin Eugene "Demmy" 1928-2020
According to Marilyn Hebert (Demmy's daughter) needles were (inexplicably) found in a blanket chest in Demmy's home.