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Who's The Boss (2/24/21)

1981:059:003 “The Boss” hand corn husker
1981:059:003 “The Boss” hand corn husker

Early 20th century corn husking by hand was tedious, hard work. Huskers and their steady team of horses arrived in the field early in the morning and did not leave until the field was picked clean and the ears were shuck free. Corn pickers used a variety of devices to assist them with harvesting the ears of corn. Thimbles, pegs, thumb hooks, palm hooks, wrist hooks are the patented devices and many unpatented, homemade huskers were used. This husker is “The Boss” husker. It strapped around the wrist and the hook sat on the palm of the hand. The spike or hook was used to slit the husk and remove the ear from the stalk in one swift movement. The Boss manufacturing Company was one of the largest manufacturers of cloth gloves, mittens and corn husking goods. One could select from over 500 different styles made in over a dozen “Boss” factories.