Posted by Kathey Follett on Tuesday, 26 February 2002, at 8:48 p.m.:
In cleaning out my parent's house I found an item that I believe my Mother bought at the State Fair of Texas back in the 50's possibly early 60's. It has a label on it that says "Tru-Gyde Wilson Brothers, Springfield Missouri." This item is about 10 1/2 inches long made out of wood and shaped, for lack of a better description like a paddle.
It is split lengthwise with the halves sliding a couple of inches in either direction. There is a sharp pointed thing (like a very thick needle with a very large eye)on one end and an eye hook of top which can be positioned in one of four holes. Hope someone out there can help me solve this mystery. My first thought when I found it was that was used to hook rugs but I've never seen anything like it. Would appreciate any help.