See A Hurdy Spinning Wheel On Display

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Some of you will remember reading our Blog Post about the Beacon Church Talent and Treasures Auction and the old spinning wheel we purchased there.

We’ve been doing some research and have discovered that the Spinning wheel we purchased is a Hurdy Spinning Wheel that was manufactured in Nova Scotia from about 1860 – 1880.

Actually it’s really a bit of a conglomeration, the spindle appears to be off an old Walking Spinning Wheel, the legs are likely a base that’s been added, but the over all is very beautiful and a fine example of our Nova Scotia heritage.

I found a good description of a Walking Wheel and how it was used at the Vermont Historical Society Web Site. Basically the walking wheel was turned by hand and drove the spindle mechanism by means of a drive belt. The spindle was mounted horizontally so that it could be rotated by the drive belt. The distaff, carrying the mass of the fibre, was held in the left hand of the spinner, and the wheel was slowly turned with the right hand. Holding the fibre at an angle to the spindle produced the necessary twist. It also required the spinner to walk when spinning, thus it became known as the Walking Wheel.

The walking Wheel predated the Hurdy Wheel and was used by many of our early spinners, both here in Nova Scotia, and Vermont as well.

I was very surprised not to be able to find any reference to a Hurdy Spinning Wheel in Google or anywhere online! Not even at great Sites like The Spinning Wheel Slueth which is a great online resource for information and all things pertaining to Spinning Wheels!

We did find some information in a book that Doris Cooke has at Hands On Crafts in Yarmouth. Unfortunately at the time of writing this Post I do not recall the book title. However, you should feel free to ask Doris about the book when visiting the Hands On Crafts in Yarmouth.

Another great reason to visit Hands On Crafts in Yarmouth is to see the Hurdy Spinning Wheel which is now there on display in their store window.

Hands On Crafts is located at 314 Main St. Yarmouth and is home to over 60 local crafters. Definitely one of the best places to find local Nova Scotian Crafts created by crafters from Yarmouth County and surrounding areas.

Also, while at Hands On Crafts, ask about their spinning and knitting classes and groups.

We would absolutely appreciate any comments you may have about this post, the Hurdy Spinning Wheel, or other spinning information. Post your comments below or email customerservice@yarmouthcounty.com.

This has been Brian Hurlburt, for YarmouthCounty.com, and I invite you to Make it a great day!

Sincerely,

Brian Hurlburt

customerservice@yarmouthcounty.com

List of Helpful Links

Vermont Historical Society Web Site

The Spinning Wheel Slueth

Hands On Crafts