Images(2)

Knife

Object number2009.65.12

Manufacturer Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh

Credit LineGift of Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh

DescriptionKnife with curved blade and wooden handle.Dimensions1.125 x 1 x 7.375 in. (2.9 x 2.5 x 18.7 cm)
Historical NotesKnife used to cut the threads after stitching during the process of making brooms. In 2010, the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Center celebrated its 100-year anniversary. They opened as the Pittsburgh Blind Association in Oakland in 1910 to provide employment for people with vision loss. Broom making was one of the core jobs of the Center and provided brooms for fund raising efforts of non-profits as well as major local chains such as Giant Eagle. After making brooms for decades, the Blind and Vision Center shut down broom making operations in 2009. The operation had evolved over the past century and the History Center took in some of the earlier broom making equipment and tools as well as a sample of the types of brooms/mops made by the Blind and Vision Center. All workers at Blind and Vision Center have some kind of vision impairment. The Blind and Vision Center continues to obtain work through the state primarily producing road signs and fulfilling sewing contracts.Label TextThese are essential tools of the broom making trade. The small knife was used to shape the top of the broom where the handle connects with the straw.

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