Gasconade County Republican - 18th-century German counterlever loom at museum

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18th-century German counterlever loom at museum

18th-century German counterlever loom at museum

Written by Linda Trest

Wednesday, 18 June 2008

The Gasconade County Historical Society’s Museum recently received the gift of a rare counter lever loom.

The antique loom was donated by David and Ramona Culp who recovered it from the attic of an old house on property they own near Bland. Glen Broombaugh of Potosi, who has worked with looms for over 30 years, was consulted in restoring the massive piece. Broombaugh was puzzled by the fact that the warp beam was located where the breast beam usually placed. He in turn contacted a weaving school in Pennsylvania for advice. Tom Knisely, from The Mannings Handweaving School and Supply Center was able to identify the piece as a 18th century German counterlever loom. While these looms are common in the Pennsylvania area, Knisely wondered how one found its way to central Missouri. It is believed, but not yet confirmed, that the original owners of the property came to Gasconade County from Pennsylvania. They probably built the loom from memory. Restoration is underway, but the loom may not be on display for many weeks.

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