Artisans

In the Pioneer Village gift shop I spotted a section of small brooms. I’d been looking for one to use in Liberty as full-sized brooms do not work well in small living spaces.

Meet Pat Haight – official broom maker at the village.

He invited me into his workshop and demonstrated the process, which was captivating.
This equipment holds the stick so the broom straws can be wired on.

A press of the foot spins the entire assembly allowing the wire to wrap smoothly and tightly.

The first layer is on, a second being added.

Then a reversed layer is added which is bent back over to create smooth shoulders.

Final wire wrap is held in place with a small nail.

Here the broom head is stitched so it lays flat.

Final step is the trimmer which efficiently chops the straws to an even length.

Pat makes a variety of brooms for different uses, and has added dyed broom straw for his Fall and Christmas versions.



In this same building is another artisan.
This is Fran Curtis. She uses an antique loom to make rag rugs.


I own several made on a similar loom by my grandmother and consider them far too precious to place on a floor where someone might actually walk on them. Memories of Grandma making these rugs has long since vanished, so I was thrilled to spend time watching Fran at work. Like Pat, she is proud of her creations and excited to share the process.

It is with this treadle (foot powered) sewing machine that Fran pieces together the long strips of fabric.

Here is some of Fran’s completed stock.

I purchased this one in shades of pink and told Fran that while I would treasure it, I would put in on the floor next to my bed. She laughed and said that many people use these rugs as table runners or on sofa backs rather than risk foot traffic.

The fun story here is the playful competition between these two craftsmen. Pat walked me over to Fran’s area and introduced me, adding “And she bought one of my brooms so I’m ahead.” It seems they keep a tally of dollar amounts sold. Pat however says, “I have to work much harder, as I must sell two brooms for every one of Fran’s rugs.”

After visiting with Fran and watching her work, I bought two rugs and she gleefully planned how she would tell Pat that now she was ahead!

Pat and Fran love to demonstrate these old skills to school groups that come through the museum, and are justifiably proud of their work. I will remember the enthusiasm, generosity and warmth of these two fine people every time I sweep or climb out of bed.

The Loom Story (as copied from the tag on my rug)

This loom was built by John Abrahamson, who lived southwest of Axtell, Nebraska. He used the beams of his sod house which was built in 1867, and torn down in 1878. It was fitted and pegged together, as looms and buildings were in the days before nails were common.
Mrs. Abrahamson received 10 cents per yard for making rugs from rags furnished by her folks for whom she did weaving with this loom.