Online Users Hunt for Answers on Old Wooden Objects That Kept Laundry From Flying Away
Long before technology sent single socks into the mysterious abyss of spinning dryers, people had to rely on clever, low-tech solutions to tackle everyday chores. One such solution was the wooden clothespin—a simple tool that saved laundry from being swept away by the wind.
Originally, these wooden pegs were rudimentary, sometimes allowing socks and other garments to fly off the line, which Victorian washerwomen famously called “a serious evil.” Over time, the design evolved into the two-piece pin we know today, complete with a spring mechanism that securely clamps clothes to a line.
A Viral Discovery
Recently, a social media user came across small wooden dowels with two prongs and asked the internet for help identifying them. The Facebook post quickly drew responses from nostalgic users, many of whom recalled their own childhood experiences with laundry lines. One commenter explained:
“Old school clothespins. We used them for hanging clean, wet clothes outside to dry in the sun and fresh air!”
A Brief History of Wooden Clothespins
Also called clothes pegs, wooden clothespins are traditional tools for securing wet laundry to a line. Modern pins usually consist of two wooden pieces joined by a spring, allowing them to grip garments firmly.
The concept of a clothespin stretches back to ancient times, when early versions were handcrafted from wood, bone, or even stone. These primitive pins often featured ornate designs and motifs, quite unlike the practical, everyday pins that would emerge centuries later.
The Modern Clothespin
The clothespin familiar to most households today was developed in the 19th century, responding to the need for a more reliable and efficient way to hang laundry. Early versions were hand-carved from solid wood such as maple or birch and hinged together with a small metal wire or spring.
Vermont inventor David M. Smith patented a notable design on October 25, 1853. His version featured two long legs that could be squeezed together, causing shorter legs to clamp tightly onto garments. Smith highlighted the key advantage in his patent:
“My improved clothes pin cannot be detached from the clothes by the wind, as is the case with the common pin, which is a serious evil to washerwomen.”
The spring mechanism ensured the pin stayed firmly closed, preventing clothes from flying away even on windy days.
Industrialization and Evolution
With industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wooden clothespins became easier to mass-produce. Factories could now produce standardized pins quickly and affordably, making them accessible to households everywhere.
Throughout the 20th century, wooden clothespins remained a staple of domestic life, even as plastic alternatives appeared. Their simplicity, durability, and eco-friendly properties kept them relevant. Today, they are still used for drying laundry, as well as for crafts and decorations, retaining both nostalgic charm and practical function.
Socks, Wind, and Debate
While plastic pins are sometimes favored for their low cost, wooden clothespins remain a symbol of traditional laundry methods and sustainable living. And when it comes to losing socks—whether to the wind or a dryer—opinions are still divided.
What do you think? Would you rather risk a sock flying away or disappearing in a machine? Share your thoughts and this story with your friends—we’d love to hear what others think!
