Before dryers became the mysterious culprits behind vanishing socks, doing laundry was a shared experience — one that called for time, patience, and a few clever tools to battle nature’s unpredictability. Among the most essential? A small but mighty piece of wood: the clothespin.
Recently, someone posted a photo on Facebook of tiny wooden pegs with split legs, asking what they were. The internet quickly responded, especially nostalgic boomers who remembered them fondly for a very specific chore.
“Old-school clothespins! We used them to hang wet clothes outside to dry in the sun and fresh air,” one commenter shared.
Also known as clothes pegs, these modest wooden tools actually boast a long and fascinating history. Versions of them existed in ancient times, made from wood, bone, or stone to hold garments in place. Some were even carved with decorative designs — practical and beautiful.
But it wasn’t until 1853 that the clothespin took the form we recognize today. That year, David M. Smith of Vermont patented a new design: two wooden legs connected by a metal spring. It wasn’t just sturdy — it was windproof. In his patent, Smith noted that his invention wouldn’t blow off the line like older pins did, which saved washerwomen from re-washing runaway clothes.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, clothespins were typically handcrafted from birch or maple. As factories expanded, mass production made them more affordable and widely available. Despite advances in laundry tech, the wooden clothespin remained a staple — appreciated not just for its function but also for the simple joy of snapping it onto freshly washed linens.
Today, clothespins are still around. People use them for hanging clothes, but also for crafts, rustic decor, and eco-conscious living. Though plastic pins may be cheaper and more colorful, the classic wooden version endures — durable, biodegradable, and refreshingly low-tech.
And for many, they bring back memories: the smell of sun-dried sheets, time spent with family, and carefree summer days.
So, which is worse — losing a sock to the breeze or the dryer? Either way, the humble clothespin has earned its place in the battle. As one person quipped, “Sure, the wind might steal a sheet — but with a wooden clothespin, at least you stood a chance.”
If this brought a memory to mind or gave you a smile, pass it along. And tell us — have you ever used these timeless pins, or are you a dryer devotee?