Online Catalog

You can visit the History Center Archives in person to learn what’s in our collection, but much of the material is now indexed in the CatalogIt Hub. On this page, you can browse through several sets of items or use a search box to look for something specific in the collection.

Blackie's net needles

Object/Artifact

Hand carved wooden net needles inscribed with the name "Blackie" in pencil. The 11 inch needle was likely carved into a flat shape by hand. One prong is broken. "Jos. Blackburn Blackie" is written in pencil on one side. The needle is 1.25 inches wide. The 9 inch needle was carved from machine-cut flat wood stock. "Blackie" is written in pencil on one side. The needle is 1.25 inches wide.

Blackie's net needles "Jos. Blackburn Blackie" is written in pencil on one side "Blackie" is written in pencil on one side
"Jos. Blackburn Blackie" is written in pencil on one side "Blackie" is written in pencil on one side

2021.06.11

Tools like these were commonly used by Saugatuck's fishermen. Rare example of a hand-made net needle.

1845 Fishing, commercial

100 Commercial Fishing

Demerest, Marvin Eugene "Demmy" 1928-2020

According to Marilyn Hebert (Demmy's daughter) needles were (inexplicably) found in a blanket chest in Demmy's home.

Make a Donation

Support the expansion of our collection.

DONATE