Old Soul Tools
So much history lives in old tools. We look at their worn wooden handles, their rust and cracks, and wonder about all of the projects they have been used for: practical home projects, on-the-job projects, or works of art? Hand tools have been used since the beginning of humankind for the creation and improvement of our built environment and to create imaginative artistic works that help us understand ourselves and the world. With the invention of power tools in the late 1890s, and their eventual safety improvements that made them more commonly used around the 1950s, some hand tools have become relics of another time.
Our staff at Ryan Murphy Construction have many tools that are family heirlooms and well-loved antiques. A few staff members share some history and personal meaning of their tools.
Shauna, one of our project managers, tells us the story of her screwdriver that her Grandpa David handed down to her:
“I was lucky to get his old screwdriver. It's an old wooden-handled spiral ratchet [Yankee] screwdriver, so when you extend the tool then push the handle in toward the bit, it turns automatically. I can't imagine building big projects with this, but people did it all the time! It makes you really respect the craftsmanship of old woodworking.”
“He was a hardworking man, a cook in World War II, and the owner of a house-moving company. He was once pinned under a house and his legs were crushed, and the doctors told him he’d never walk again. He recovered fully!”
“He loved having us over and giving us projects to do, like painting this table and chairs. So grateful for him and his passion for building. Obviously it had an impact on me!”
Lara Murphy shares her story about the vintage alphabet stamp kit her friend, Paul, gave her:
“My wonderful friend Paul handmade them all, and personally stamped each one of them with this stamp set. You use it by placing the letter stamp where you want it, then using a hammer to make the impression in the wood. We aren’t sure exactly how old it is or where it’s from, but none of that matters. When he passed away recently this set found its way to me, and I’ll treasure it forever, along with his memory.”
“Paul was an avid collector of old tools and antique items. We met as neighbours when he saw me struggling to fix my fence, and he brought me the proper tool for the job! We became close friends and I got to see his custom dog-bed business grow and become very in-demand. His designs were sold in Harrods in the U.K. and were very luxurious. Here’s my pug, Ruby, living her best life on her custom-made bed.”
Jen, one of our project managers, also has a fabulous story about her hand-me-down hand tool:
“Here is my old soul: a drill press I inherited from my Grandad. This was a drill back in the day! I have vivid memories of seeing this in his garage and being so intrigued by the design of it. Now I appreciate it even more with those wood handles. The actual use of this requires incredible strength and makes me really appreciate what construction looked like in my Grandad’s day, compared to construction today.”
Many of us own antique items that hold a special place in our hearts, especially if they relate to our personal passions and careers. Sometimes, though, we have items passed down to us with no known origin or use. Think you know your antiquated tools? You can have a little fun helping a British museum identify some mystery tools that they’re moving to a new location and need to have catalogued!
Do you have any “old souls” or unique tools? We’d love to see them!
Interested in working together on your project?
Since 2009, we’ve worked closely with hundreds of clients to make their dreams come true — and we’d love to work with you, too! Please get in touch to get the conversation started today.
