At Left: Wide view of rear-right side of loom. The counterbalanced shedding system consists of a single roller, two shafts with wire heddles, and two treadles. At Right: Detail of rocker, with metal rocker straps securing it to the base of the loom.    This loom was purchased by Ellen Cain in the late 1960s. She bought the loom from Bill Davis, an Oak Ridge public school teacher. He did not know the builder, but estimated the loom had been built around 1820.

Ellen bought the loom for serious rug weaving rather than historic significance, so she equipped it with wire heddles and a metal reed. Ellen taught weaving classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center for many years. After her death, the loom was donated to the Center, which is one of the oldest craft co-ops in Tennessee. Link to the Appalachian Arts Craft Center: http://www.appalachianarts.net Return to Loom Photograph Index