This handmade wooden grain rake was used to gather wheat and other grains, and was also used to rake hay.
Farmers were resourceful in making many tools they needed, including grain scoops, woodworking tools such as wood planes and other items to fit their individual needs.
A good farmer was a combination woodworker, blacksmith, tack maker and all around “handy man.” With the war in progress, those duties were taken over by the women and children who were ill prepared in many cases to perform those tasks.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 00003
