When the leaves leave the trees and the hay is ready for winter storage, rakes like this one were used. Handmade in the mid 1800s, it was donated to the Botetourt County Museum of History and Culture by Ruth and Irene Bigler in 2021. The handle is 62 inches long and there are five four-inch wooden teeth that were driven through the rake head. After many years of use it is in good condition. Rakes like this one are being made today by the Amish for wall decorations. The rake is on display with other early tools at the free Botetourt Museum at 26 East Main Street in Fincastle.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
