Americana
Americana are artifacts, or a collection of artifacts, related to the history, geography, folklore and cultural heritage of the United States. Defined as materials and things concerning or characteristic of The United States of America; broadly, its culture. Some of the items here were obtained by American soldiers fight in World War I or II.
Nazi Flag
Hitler and the 20th century German Nazi Party made extensive use of graphic symbolism, especially the swastika, which was used as its principal symbol and in the form of the swastika flag became the state flag of Nazi Germany. This Nazi flag found in the Mammoth Cave Museum is a souvenir taken out of Germany by an American soldier at the end of World War II. - R. Parker
Grinding Stones
3-B-O
Grinding Stones were mainly used for grinding down seeds and grains into a sort of flower. This is a more basic form than the windmills you hear of. These were more of a transportable and personal use. Many different cultures around the world use this method to make their own flour. - H. McEwen
Dupont Explosives
3-A-O
Dupont was the name of a company way back when that dealt in manufacturing explosives. Today it is now more known for its other, less explosive products. Other than this company starting up in 1802, their is not much else to say about this interesting piece of history. - H. McEwen
Blacksmith Bellows
3-A-O
Bellows were used by blacksmith to increase the airflow in their forges. Thus steadily increasing the heat to the forge. This piece of equipment is very key to smithing, and every forge has one. Without this it would take forever to heat up any type of metal. -H. McEwen
HOrse Drawn Sleigh
3-A-O
Sleigh's, much like this one were commonly used for carrying people across snow laden roads. They were pulled by a team of horses in the winter time. This particular sleigh could have been pulled by two horses and hold up to 2-3 people. These were very efficient when snow plows were not invented. -H. McEwen
TypeWriter
3-A-O
The first commercial typewriters were introduced in 1874, however it didn't become common in offices until after the mid 1800's. The Typewriter quickly became an indispensable tool for practically all writing other than personal handwritten correspondence. It was widely used by professional writers, in offices, and for business correspondence in private homes.
-J. Del Toro
GAS MASK
The gas mask is a mask used to protect someone from inhaling airborne fumes and poisonous gases. Gas masks have been used in the United States and all over the world to serve as a lung protector throughout history. - G. Pirtle
Satisfaction Cut PLug Cigar Tin
3-C-O
This cigar tin is like many others you can find in this museum. This company is no longer here, but they made some pretty cool cigar tins to hold tobacco and cigars. - H. McEwen
Union Leader Cigar Tin
3-C-O
Once again, another cigar tin that you can find here in the Mammoth Cave Museum. They were used to hold Cigars, and now they are no longer made anymore. - H. McEwen
Remnants of War
Section 2-A-O
This wooden prosthetic leg belonged to a WWI Soldier. After his death, it was cast aside into the recesses of an attic. It now resides at the Shoshone Museum of Natural History as a reminder of one man's service and sacrifice. -- T. Jeske
Nazi Dagger
Located in the East Building. Please contact Mr. Olsen for access.
Nazi daggers were issued to military, political and social groups beginning in 1933. Production of these blades came to a permanent halt in 1942. They are also referred to as Third Reich daggers and Word War II daggers. No matter the name, these were a must in the ceremonial dress worn by German officers and high ranking officials in military and politics. There were thousands made, but as the older generation is dying, the blades are becoming increasingly popular to have in a knife collection, especially for those just beginning.
Hay Scythe
5-A-O
This agricultural tool can be used for many crops, but was most likely used for cutting hay because of its long handle.
Fishing net with attached Cork Floats 2-A-O
Fishing net with cork floats which were attached by using organic sisal rope. The net would drop down into the water to catch available fish. The corks would float on top of the water. The mesh size of the net would determine the type of fish caught. The size of the cork would remain the same. If the net had bigger openings then more corks were added. Was created back in 1945. M Caldera
Germans Surrender Newspaper
Building 2- Contact Mr. Olsen to see it!
This front page article was printed in Boise, Idaho on Tuesday morning May 8, 1945. Just a day prior the Germans surrendered, bringing an end to the European Conflict in World War II. This important artifact was a big mark on history is one of the many artifacts in Mr. Olsen's second building! Come check out the rest for more! -G. Pirtle
Darby Handcuffs
6-A-O
These handcuffs are known as the Darby Handcuffs, used in the Civil War. Not only were they used for prisoners in the war, but they were also commonly used for slaves when being transported or punished. The handcuffs are made completely of iron and were a fixed size. This means they couldn't be adjusted like the modern handcuffs today. However, after 1862, the adjustable handcuffs were invented and these were no longer used. - I. Trent
A Time in place in History 2-A-O
Beautiful Indian picture captured, Buffalo skull display with bones. The buffalo meant a lot of different things to most of America's Native People. They were food and clothing, tools and utensils, and most of all a Spirit Being blessing the peoples with everything they needed to survive. In many Plains Indian myths, buffalo gave themselves up willingly as a food source for humans, and therefore have a special position of honor and respect. M Caldera
Saddle
5-A-I
Antique western leather Horse Saddle. Most likely made by hand in the U.S.A.
HEAD POTS
4-B-I
Head pots are simply jars made to look like human heads. These were made by the Native Americans of the Mississippian period; about 800 to 1600 AD. Most of these seem to be based upon deceased males. Indeed, most of the discovered head pots suggest the appearance of death. The exact purpose of these head pots is unknown. Based on the dead appearances, it is often thought that they are effigies, representing the severed heads of enemies. Others believe they may represent ancestors. Some more lifelike ones have been discovered as well, thought of as symbolizing religious, historical, or mythological figures. -D. Tribe
Aluminum strainer and Pestle
6-A-O
This old sieve is used by placing it over a bowl and using the wooden pestle to mash or strain whatever material is put in it. It is considered a vintage product today, with some companies remaking them. These neat tools are still used in many kitchens and are very useful. Need some tomatoes squished and strained for a tasty tomato sauce? This is just the tool! Pretty neat that this museum nabbed one before they became vintage and popular again. This has to be one of the originals. Pretty cool! - I. Trent
Marbled ENAMELWARE Pots
Enameled cookware actually came to the United States after Western Europe around 1850. The beautiful mottled and marbled patterns of these didn't come up until a few years later. It started out with cast iron pots having the smooth enamel inside the pot only, then moved on to utensils and eventually became the beauty of the many pots you can see here. There may even be a few porcelain lined kettles hiding around here somewhere! - I. Trent
Wood-Burning Stove
5-A-O
Finding an effective way to keep warm is a critical issue. For much of history humans used open fires and then fireplaces. These were problematic because either the smoke would get trapped in a room, or the heat or escape through the chimney. It was a major breakthrough when the wood-burning stove was invented. Wood-burning stoves seem to have been invented by the Chinese around 600 BC. From there they spread to Russia, Northern Europe, and eventually the Americas. Wood-burning stoves heat rooms much better because they can be centrally placed, and the heat spreads through the metal and to the adjacent air, instead of just going straight up. -Alex
Duck Decoy
5-B-I
The American Indians are the first known peoples to have made duck decoys. Originally they were made out of straw, carved wood, or skins. When the colonists arrived they saw how effective these decoys were and started copying the Indians. Decoy making developed into an art and in 1918 the first known ever decoy collector recognized it as such. His name was Joel Barber and he described duck decoys as "floating sculptures". He even wrote a book about duck decoys for collectors. It is called Wild Fowl Decoys and besides the original printing in 1934 was republished in 1954, 1989, and 2000.
Animal Trap
1-A-I
Animal trapping or just trapping, is the used of a device to remotely catch an animal. Animals may be trapped for many different purposes, including fur trade, hunting, pest control, food, and management of wildlife. The trapping of furs was common between Dutch and the Native Americans, in the early days of the colonization settlement of North America. Trapping is regularly used for pest control of coyote, raccoon, cougar, beaver, and many more to limit damage of private properties. -C. Boettcher
Spittoons 2-A-O
Spittoons, bowl-shaped vessels into which tobacco chewers spit, were widely used in public in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.Even though cigarettes existed in the United States during the 19th century, they were not nearly as popular as chewing tobacco. In order to accommodate the excess saliva chewers expectorated, spittoons were placed in public buildings ranging from taverns to courtrooms, railroad cars, and used in private homes.Spittoons, also called cuspidors, are still in use in modern times but in limited ways. M caldera
yoke
2-A-O
A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of Oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs, as oxen usually do; some yokes are fitted to individual animals. There are several types of yoke, used in different cultures, and for different types of oxen. A pair of oxen may be called a yoke of oxen, the yoke is usually U-shaped and also transmits force from the animals' shoulders. A swivel between the animals, beneath the center of the yoke, attaches to the pole of a vehicle or to chains used to drag a load. M Caldera
Hay Rake 2-A-O
The earliest hay rakes were nothing more than tree branches, but wooden hand rakes with wooden teeth, similar in design to a garden rake but larger, were prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and still are used in some locations around the world. A hay rake is an agricultural rake used to collect cut hay or straw into windows for later collection. It is also designed to fluff up the hay and turn it over so that it may dry. It is also used in the evening to protect the hay from morning dew. M Caldera
Wooden Washboard
Section 2-A-O
In addition to farming, a pioneer woman cooked, cleaned, raised children, and did the laundry. With soap, water, a wooden washboard, and a whole lot of elbow grease she would scrub the blood, sweat, and tears out of her family's clothes. Don't tell Rosie that the original "All American Working Woman" actually lived and worked on the Little House on the Prairie! --T. Jeske
Ox Skull 2-A-O
An ox (plural oxen), also known as a bullock in Australia and India, is a bovine trained as a draft animal or riding animal. Oxen are commonly castrated adult male cattle: castration makes the animals easier to control. Oxen are used for plowing, for transport like pulling carts,hauling wagons and riding. Oxen are thought to have first been harnessed and put to work around 4000 BC. M Caldera
Butter Churn
2-A-O
A butter churn is a device used to convert cream into butter. This is done through a mechanical process, frequently via a pole inserted through the lid of the churn, or via a crank used to turn a rotating device inside the churn. Evidence for the use of butter dates back as early as 2000 BC,and there is mention of it in biblical works. The butter churn itself may have existed as early as the 6th century AD, as can be seen by what appears to be a churn lid dating from that era.
Carved Whisk
6-A-O
This wooden contraption confused me for the longest time. Turns out, this funny looking thing might be a hand carved whisk. It is most likely one of a kind, carved in thought and belief that they wooden ball inside might help stir whatever contents are needing to be mixed. Whoever made this sure was creative and smart! Whisks have been around for years and the wire whisk was invented around 1841. I don't know about you, but I think this is quite a treasure. It isn't very often you can see something like this. Quite inventive! - I. Trent
Honeycomb Class Cigar Tin
3-C-O
This Cigar Tin was most likely made in America and was made specifically for holding cigars. These Cigar tins were mostly produced during the 1930's. The company that made this brand of Cigar Tin was Cardove. -H. McEwen
Two-Man Saw
1-A-I
Pictured is a two-man saw. Before the advent of powered saws, loggers would use these saws to fell large trees. Two-man saws were operated by two loggers, one on each side. Each operator would hold a handle, and push and pull the saw between them. There are two types of two-man saws: felling saws and bucking saws. Felling saws were used to fell trees, and bucking saws were used to cut logs. -Z. McMurry
Wolverine Silent Automatic Fly Fishing Reel
1-A-O
Pictured is a Wolverine Silent Automatic fly fishing reel. This particular reel may have been manufactured in 1965, by the Kalamazoo Tackle company. A fly fishing reel differs from traditional reels in its simple, uncomplicated construction. The words "Silent Automatic" are visible in the photograph. -Z. McMurry
Horseshoe
1-A-I
Pictured is a horseshoe. Horseshoes are used to keep domesticated horses' hooves from splitting, to provide traction and to provide protection. Horseshoes vary by size and function. Historically, horseshoes were made from iron. Modern horseshoes are most commonly made from steel. Some horseshoes even have a rubber sole to lessen the shock of concrete or pavement upon horses' hooves in urban environments. -Z. McMurry
Horse Collar
1-A-I
Pictured is a horse collar. A horse collar is used in conjunction with a harness to allow a horse or team of horses to pull a wagon or cart. The primary purpose of the horse collar is to painlessly and uniformly distribute a load without injuring the horse. -Z. McMurry
Goose Decoy
1-B-O
Pictured is a Goose Decoy. Decoys are used to lure prey into specified areas. Decoys can be used for hunting, decoration, or to attract species for the purpose of bird watching or photography. Historically, bird decoys were hand carved from wood. Modern decoys can be made from wood, plastic, or metal. -Z. McMurry
Nazi Helmet
1-B-I
Pictured is a World War Two-era Nazi soldier's helmet. Also known as a Stahlhelm (German for steel helmet), this iconic helmet was used by German military forces during late World War One and all throughout World War Two. This particular helmet may be a variant intended for use in the North African theatre, due to its extra vents. -Z. McMurry
Flax (linseed)
Linum usitatissimum
(Pictured below. First picture.)Section 2-A-O
Flaxseed is a predominant source of valuable oil, most appreciated of which is the omega-3 fatty acid. This herbaceous annual also by-products linseed expeller, shives, and bast fibers. Those fibers, in fact, are prized for their strength, luster, durability, and moisture absorbency for the fabrication of linen. Because linen quickly absorbs and releases moisture, linen garments have a cooling effect on the wearer. -- T. Jeske
Flax Hackles
(Pictured above. Second picture. Right-hand side.)Section 2-A-O
Pioneer flax hackles were constructed from nails, or round metal spikes, about 6 in long. There were typically at least three stages of hackles: coarse, medium, and fine. Hackling was preceded by harvesting, retting, braking, and scutching of the flax stems. It was only after completing those sequential, deliberate steps that the flax fibers could be spun into the finest linen yarn. -- T. Jeske
Spinning Wheel & Distaff
(Pictured above. Second picture. Left-hand side)Section 2-A-O
A distaff was a pole used to support the flax fibers that had been prepared for spinning. When spinning the fibers, the spinster would wet her fingers and smooth the errant ends. After spinning, the product was described as "linen." Linen was (is) a spun bast fiber. Historically, the process from planting of the seed to the wearing of the shirt could take over one year or two. -- T. Jeske
Reed Mat
Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for access
This looks to be a small, tightly woven mat made most likely from reeds. Reed mats have been made in Cambodia, India and Thailand for many years. A popular choice of Thai mat is made from a reed known as Kachud. After these reeds are harvested, they are steeped in mud to harden them and keep them from getting too brittle. Then they are set out in the sun to dry, and pounded flat for weaving. Some reeds are dyed for a certain color for patterns or decoration. This one is very small so it probably had a very specific use, seeing as how it also has decorations. Make sure you ask Mr. Olsen about it when you come through. - I. Trent
WWI Bugle Horn & Binocular Set
Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for Access
Back in World War I, both the bugle horn and binoculars were essential tools to a soldier’s day. Bugles became popular during the Civil War as a line of communication among troops. Specific calls are learned and sounded for both scheduled and nonscheduled events to create the soldier’s daily routine. Having no background information is given on these vintage items creates a curiosity about this particular display’s origin and history that can only be learned by Richard Olsen himself. --E. Sharp
schooner model
Located in East Building - Contact Mr. Olsen for Access
This particular craft is a model of the ever-popular ship called a schooner. Its many masts allowed it to face the threatening drafts of the coast. Other additions to this boat made it possible to sail through shallow waters—making it one of the most used ships for trade. In fact, it was so efficient that it became the America’s most important ship in the 18th century. --E. Sharp
Enamelware Colander
1-A-I
Pictured is a colander, most likely from the pioneer era. A colander is used to separate solids from liquids, such as pasta from water. A colander should not be confused with a sieve, as a colander is used for cooking purposes, and a sieve is used for non-cooking purposes. This particular colander is most likely made of enamelware, a popular material for making cookware in older times. -Z. McMurry
Giant Frying pan
1-A-O
A frying pan, or skillet is a flat bottom pan that can be used for searing or frying foods. Before they were called frying pans, they were known as cooking pots and pans with legless, flat bottoms. They became a popular design when cooking stoves became a popular thing. The 19th century was when skillets or frying pan became a necessity in the kitchen. -C. Boettcher
Wood Lamp Post
1-A-O
In the 18th and 19th century, the nights were poorly lit. Without moonlight, all people were able to rely on was personal lanterns. Original lamps were lit with gas. This lamp post was whittled. Whittling is the process of carving or shaping raw wood using a single-blade knife. Believe it or not, you did not have to be too artistic to be able to whittle. -C. Boettcher
Old Stove
1-A-O
A stove is an enclosed space, where fuel is burned to heat in and around the stove. There are many types of stove. Such as this kitchen stove, which is used to cook on. Due to pollution concerns, alterations have been made in order to create clean-burning stoves. Kitchen stoves rely on the direct application of heat. Traditionally they were fueled by wood or gas. -C .Boettcher
Missouri Arrowheads 2-B-O
Native Americans designed many different arrowheads. Native Americans used material local to their area -- stone, bone, and later on, metal, as well as sharpened rocks for skinning or cutting animals. Arrowheads are attached to arrow shafts to be shot from a bow. M Caldera
Saharan Neolithic Collections 2-B-O
“Neolithic” means “New Stone Age,” Early Neolithic tools include backed bladelets (with one side intentionally blunted), some of which are pointed and were probably used for hunting. Grinding stones were used to process wild grass seeds and wild sorghum, which have been preserved at one Nabta Playa site. Later evidence at the same site includes the remains of several rows of stone huts. M Caldera
Turkey Vulture 2-B-I
The turkey vulture is widespread over open country, subtropical forests, shrub-lands, deserts, and foothills. It is also found in pastures, grasslands, and wetlands. It is most commonly found in relatively open areas which provide nearby woods for nesting and it generally avoids heavily forested areas. M Caldera
MOCCASINS
4-B-I
Traditional moccasins were made of deerskin, though color, design, and material varied from tribe to tribe. There were typically sewed together by buckskin or sinews. Moccasins had many used, and different designs to fit each use. For example, ones worn for ceremonies were always more elaborate than ones worn for hunting. Moccasins actually helped inspire several shoe styles still worn today, due to their practicality and comfort. -D. Tribe
New Guinea feather hat
5-A-I
This head gear is found at the Sepik River, the longest river on the New Guinea island. This is headdress is often worn with feathers from the Cassowary bird, the most dangerous bird in the world.
Hay Hooks 2-A-O
A hay hook is slightly different in design from a longshoreman's hook, in that the shaft is typically longer. It is used in hay bucking on farms to secure and move bales of hay, which are otherwise hard and complicated to pick up manually. M Caldera
Kerosene Lantern 2-A-O
A kerosene lantern, also known as a "barn lantern" or "hurricane lantern", is a flat-wick lamp made for portable and outdoor use. They are made of soldered or crimped-together sheet-metal stampings. It was Invented by the Polish a pharmacist in 1853. Kerosene lamps are widely used for lighting in rural areas of Africa and Asia, where electricity is not distributed or is too costly. M Caldera
western Saddle
4-A-I
From traveling to waging war, for hundreds of years, man rode without a saddle. The first saddle is believed to have been invented in 365 AD by the Sarmations. Proud horsemen who used their horses in battle and also sacrificed them to the gods, their saddle creations were brought back to Europe by the Huns.
A. Blackwell-Besse
Glass Bottles
1-B-O
These glass bottles may be from the late 1800’s. They are most likely liquor or medicine bottles. They were not originally purple; as it ages, clear glass will take on a purple hue. Bottles of this age were most likely sealed with corks. -Z. McMurry
Pocketknife
1-B-O
Pictured is a pocketknife. It was most likely made in the early to mid-twentieth century. The handle appears to be made from bone or ivory. -Z. McMurry
Modified Handsaw
1-B-I
Pictured is a modified hand saw. Hand saws are meant to be operated by one person. Cutting is achieved by sliding the serrated edge of the saw back and forth in a reciprocating motion. This particular handsaw has been modified; someone has welded a horseshoe onto the back end, replacing the handle. -Z. McMurry
