51/473

This twister was used to turn straw or hay into rope for use in thatching. It is crank shaped and in three sections - a handle for holding, a handle for turning, and a hook for the straw. It was given to Lavinia Smith by Miss Sally Stoter who probably lived in the East Hendred area.

1 twister: wood, metal; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This straw rope twister was given to Miss Smith by Miss Sally Stoter, who probably lived in the neighbourhood of East Hendred (Berks). // This twister is crank shaped, but, unlike 51/20, it has an extra arm set at right angles to the main part of the tool. The result is that the hook to which the straw is attached lies on the same line as the wooden handle used for holding the twister. There is another wooden handle on the angle of the crank for turning the tool. It measures 19 inches in length. // These straw rope twisters were also known as THROW CROOKS, THRO CROOKS and THRO-HOOKS. // See also 51/20.', Lavinia Smith No. 232., Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Heating and Cooking // 231. Two straw twisters. One from Sally Stoter, one from Mrs Albert Stone.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) [page 25] - 'No.231 // [pencil sketch] // Straw twister', Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 327 // Straw Twister // Lent by MERL Miss Smith c.'

Wood, Metal

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)