High Quality Handcrafted Brooms
HISTORIC BROOM FACTS
- Brooms have been made and used through the ages to clean caves, castles and cabins.
- When the Colonists came to this new land, they brought the old world customs from Scandinavia, the British Isles, and throughout central Europe, these skills were then blended and adapted to the new culture.
- The broom making technology evolved in the New World using new plant materials.
- Tradition states that the first corn broom seeds were brought to America from France by Benjamin Franklin around 1780.
- The cultivation of the corn broom plant began in the early 1800’s
- The shift to the mechanized production of brooms soon followed.
- The Pioneers brought the broom making skills and styles from the eastern settlements as well as from their overseas homelands of origin into the West.
- The old styles slowly were lost to the new mechanized methods that took out the art and beauty and simplified the broom down to its one basic element – function.
- The seeds are left on the fibers to ‘add Good Luck to any broom that had the seeds still on the fibers’.
- The fine, delicate fibers at the tips of the broom corn have been left in tact to allow the broom to sweep more efficiently. They help grab and hold onto the dust and debris that is swept along without causing the dust to fluff up behind the broom. This only happens when sweeping with a broom that has the fibers trimmed evenly up to the courser fibers.
- The entire stalks at the top of the fibers are left intact, and are used to weave into a charming pattern along the handle. This secures the fibers so they will not loosen and fall out. This ensures the broom will last 4 to 5 times longer than a manufactured broom.
- Always store this broom hanging from a hook on the wall, or standing on the handle. Sitting the broom on the fibers on the floor will cause the fibers to bend.
- Sweeping in one direction will make the fibers bend. Sweep equally from each side of the broom.
- Do not emmerse in water. To clean rinse the lower fibers with water and hang to dry.
- With just a little care this broom will last and keep its shape for years of pleasure and service.
Hearth brooms: Short and sturdy, efficient cleaners around fireplaces, wood burning stoves and such. Handy to the site when hung on brick wall by the hearth. Stunning decorative accent when not in use.
Childs broom: Used for the apprentice sweepers – better suited to their size and more easily trained to use successfully. Great fun for little helpers.
Cabin broom: You have now found that just right item for someone with a small cabin, motor home, R.V., camper, yurt, etc. And when not in use it is a smashing accent piece.
Wizard brooms: For that Harry Potter buff – what could be more enchanting? And it works great for cleaning up after all those sorcerers parties.
Wedding brooms: Unique gift for newlyweds (beats a toaster). So many uses can’t list. Great decoration when not in use. And don’t forget the old folklore adage “Never take an old broom to a new home.”
Welcome broom: Have a new neighbor or moved yourself? Treat them to a new broom for their new home. Remember “Never take an old broom to a new home.”
The Tale of the Get Well Broom
It is said just after the dust settled in a land not so far away lived an elderly and wise woman. Her life was simple and happy because she had a gift. The gift allowed her to know the needs of others and to heal them. Each day she carried her bag from house to house giving and healing and she was happy. Her bag held the key to her healing gift. In her bag she carried brooms. The brooms were as varied as the troubled hearts they healed. All parts of the brooms were carefully crafted. The handles were chosen with care so people would not “fly off the handle”. The wood was for the curative power since the villagers would have to “handle” their problems. She would bind and tie with colors so bright to “cheer up” the suffering. All the brooms would pass “with flying colors” and resulted in great success. The broom is said to “brush aside” the illness at hand; to dismiss from consideration any mental refrain; and to “brush up” or to refresh ones memory and soul. As she gave she always said “let the brooms clean your mind and your heart, as it cleans the world around you.” And they did. People cleaned out their lives and were healed. So, if the dust has settled in your land choose a broom that fits your hand and begin to clean.
Send or give a GET WELL BROOM just like you would a get-well card.
Brooms and Sundries
Brooms have been used for centuries to sweep caves, cabins and castles. Before 1797, brooms in America were home and hand-made. Tree branches and brush were often used to sweep the floor and clean the ashes from the fireplaces. Sometimes crude brooms were fashioned by tying something on a stick or handle: straw, hay, fine twigs or cornhusks. These crude brooms did not sweep well and fell apart after a short time, even though strong linen twine was often used.
Pam and Darold have traveled to study and learn the art of the old hand-crafted brooms of the Appalachian region. This was the same craft brought to the West by the Pioneers. Our goal was to re-create the charming Old World style that was brought over from Scandinavia and England, and further developed in the New World.
These brooms had to be efficient at sweeping, last for years and add charm to any home. The delicate, wispy, untrimmed ends of the cornbroom are excellent for catching the dust and keeps it from billowing up behind when sweeping, which is great for those who are allergic or just dislike the dust that flies up when sweeping with ordinary brooms.
We are convinced that the quality of life can be improved by education, and in turn want to preserve and share the wonderful crafts, techniques and tools that the early Pioneer settlers used in everyday life. So against the backdrop of the everlasting mountains where history lives and where tradition lingers, Pam and Darold practice their craft.
Explore with us the traditional craft as well as the newly emerging art form of broom making. Small whisk, full-sized sweeper, round and flat brooms and kitchen whisks and brushes all designed and crafted by Pam and Darold. All of these brooms are made to be useful as well as to provide a decorative touch to any home.
Share with us the rewards of taking trips to hunt for broom handles. We love to challenge our creativity with unique handles, different weaves, and unusual styles and designs. The Appalachian and Pioneer style of tying and weaving brooms has lasted over the years and remains attractive and useful today.
