Explore the everyday objects that shaped life in our community. From tools of trade to household essentials, each artifact in this collection tells a story about the people who lived and worked here. Browse the items below to discover the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and history preserved in North Kingstown's past.
Sargent & Co. Wool Carders
Accession No: 2504-0010SC–0011SC
North Kingstown, RI | 19th Century
Dimensions: 8" x 8"
Material: Hardwood, leather, and steel wireDescription: Labeled "Sargent & Co. NY," these hand cards were essential for Rhode Island's domestic wool production. Before spinning, raw wool was brushed between the steel teeth of these paddles to align fibers into "rolags." Their discovery in North Kingstown reflects the area's long history of self-sufficient textile craft, bridging the gap between colonial hand-tooling and the industrial manufacturing of the mid-to-late 1800s.
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