Long before modern appliances doomed countless single socks to vanish in spinning limbo, people turned to clever, practical tools to tackle household chores — including one surprisingly simple invention.
One such tool is the wooden peg, which eventually evolved into a two-piece pin designed to hold clothes securely to a line. This was a major upgrade from earlier versions, which often let socks and other garments escape into the breeze — “a serious evil to washerwomen.”
Curious to know more about this humble wooden helper? Keep reading!
Recently, someone shared a picture online of small wooden dowels with two pronged legs, asking for help identifying the mysterious objects.
The post sparked a wave of responses, especially from nostalgic baby boomers who knew exactly what they were: “Old school clothespins. [We] used them for hanging clean wet clothes outside on the [clothes] line to dry in the sun [and] fresh air!”
A wooden clothespin — or clothes peg — is a classic household item used for securing wet laundry on a line to dry. Today’s versions usually consist of two wooden pieces joined at one end by a metal spring that gives them the grip to hold onto clothing.
From Ancient Origins to Everyday Use
The history of the clothespin stretches back to ancient times. People used a variety of materials to fasten garments while drying, including carved wood, bone, and even stone — often adorned with decorative patterns.
What we now recognize as the modern clothespin emerged in the 19th century. Early designs were made from solid wood, typically maple or birch, and consisted of two pieces joined by a small spring or wire.
A Game-Changer for Laundry
The clothespin design familiar to us today was patented by David M. Smith of Vermont in 1853. According to his patent dated October 25 of that year, his clothespins “are hinged together” by a wire, “so that the two longer legs may be moved toward each other and at the same time move the shorter ones apart.”
This clamping mechanism allowed the pins to grip clothing securely without damage, while the spring ensured they stayed fastened even on windy days.
Smith wrote in the patent: “Another advantage and a very important one too, [what] my improved clothes pin possesses over the common pin is that it cannot be detached from the clothes by the wind as is the case with the common pin and which is a serious evil to washerwomen.”
Mass Production and Mainstream Popularity
With the advance of industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the production of wooden clothespins became more automated. Factories began to manufacture standardized pins in large numbers, making them affordable and widely available.
Even throughout the 20th century, with the introduction of plastic alternatives, wooden clothespins remained a household staple thanks to their simplicity, durability, and low cost — especially for those without modern drying machines.
Today, they’re still produced and used around the world, often for crafts as well as laundry. They’re appreciated for their nostalgic charm and environmentally friendly materials.
Though plastic versions are more common in some areas due to their mass-market appeal, the wooden clothespin remains a symbol of traditional home life and sustainable living.
So what’s the greater laundry tragedy: socks vanishing in the wind or disappearing in the dryer? Let us know what you think of this story — and be sure to share it so others can weigh in too!