Heartland Acres has many new exhibits on display for the coming summer season. The museum is noted for collecting and displaying many items dating back to the 1800’s. The Weavers Friend loom will join several other items associated with weaving, cloths making and rug hooking. The loom is currently undergoing a good cleaning and will be assembled for display.
The Weavers Friend Loom was manufactured by the Reed Loom Company which was started in the late 1800’s in Springfield, Ohio, by F. C. Reed. Its masterpiece was The Weaver’s Friend, a 45″ wide, two-shaft loom with an automatic shaft changer. This model was also available in 9, 10, or 12 foot sizes. For those wanting a less expensive loom, the company offered the Ideal, weaving up to 36″ wide without the automatic change device, or the Little Dandy, weaving up to 30″ wide. Both were two shaft looms. Another model was the Cambridge loom with four shafts and six treadles. It wove up to 45″ wide and was recommended for teaching weaving in schools and colleges. After Reed’s death, Paul Linker continued to build the looms until his death in the 1970s. The looms are no longer being manufactured. Learn more at www.weaversfriend.com.
This particular display was donated by Ray Zummak of Jesup, IA and has some historical significance in his extended family. The loom belonged to his step children’s great grandma, Anna Neith Rice. The loom was stored for many years in Ray’s house and after discussion with family members it was decided it was time for the loom to be shared with the public. You’ll be able to see the Weavers Friend loom once again at Heartland Acres Agribition Center in Independence, IA.
