At Left: Wide view of rear-left side of loom. Loom outfitted with a three roller, counterbalanced shedding system, with four shafts and treadles. The loom has a weaver's bench built into the frame. At Right: Detailed inside view of right side of loom frame. Note cloth beam brake wheel in upper left corner, and rocker in center. Rockers are of peg-in-hole variety, but there are three holes in the rocker and only one peg in the base of the loom. This loom was built during the mid-1800s. It remained within the Matthew's family until they were displaced by construction of the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway was conceived as a make-work project during the Great Depression of the 1930's. It was known that the strong work ethic and great pride of the mountain folk would not allow them to accept charity, even in the most destitute of times. The Park Service was interested in preserving physical evidence of mountain culture in its original form for future generations to see, so historical and natural attractions were carefully preserved. The Matthew's family cabin is located in the Mabry Mill Park, along with E.B. Mabry's gristmill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, and other outdoor exhibits. Old-time skills, including spinning, dying, and weaving, are demonstrated at the park during the spring, summer and fall. Link to Mabry Mill Park website: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~mabry/mill.html Return to Loom Photograph Index