Online users look for answers on old wooden objects that fed clothing to the wind

The History of the Wooden Clothespin

Before modern dryers, people relied on simple tools like wooden clothespins to hang laundry. Originally a solid wooden peg, the design improved in 1853 when David M. Smith patented the spring-loaded version, which kept clothes secure even in the wind—solving what he called a “serious evil to washerwomen.”

Over time, clothespins evolved from handmade wooden tools to mass-produced essentials during industrialization.

Though plastic versions are now common, wooden clothespins remain popular for their durability, eco-friendliness, and nostalgic value.

Found a wooden peg with two legs? It’s likely a vintage clothespin—a timeless symbol of simpler times and sustainable living.