The Austin Loom

This is a cantilevered open front loom, the loom type most commonly found in this region. This loom was built for Wyatt Hayes and his new bride, Mary Jane Coffey, after their marriage in 1865. Originally the loom had only two treadles or foot pedals. Therefore only plain weave cloth could be woven on it. At some point in the late 1800s the loom was retired from weaving.

In 1926, one of their daughters, Mrs. Lettie Williams, found herself a widow with small children to support. She took the loom out of storage and had two additional treadles and harnesses constructed in order to weave decorative textiles. The Handicraft Revival was occurring at at this time and handwoven decorative textiles were a popular item for sale, so she was able to support herself and her children for a number of years as a professional weaver.

Lent by James and Della Austin