Long before dryers, people relied on tools like wooden clothespins to hang laundry outdoors. These pins, simple yet effective, evolved from single wooden dowels to spring-loaded two-piece designs that securely gripped clothing—even in the wind.
A recent social media post showing old two-legged wooden pegs sparked nostalgia among users, who recognized them as “old school clothespins.” The modern version was patented in 1853 by David M. Smith, who improved the design to prevent garments from being blown away, calling the old pins “a serious evil to washerwomen.”
Made from wood like maple or birch, clothespins became widely accessible during industrialization and were valued for their durability and practicality. Though plastic alternatives exist today, wooden clothespins remain popular for their eco-friendliness and vintage charm.