Line of Support

 The precursor of the modern clothespin, (a one-piece wooden peg-like affair without springs), was patented by Jeremie Victor Opdebec in the early 19th century.  Until that time, wet laundry was hung on bushes, limbs, or lines. The modern-day, lever-actioned clothespin was invented by David M. Smith of Vermont, a violinist. While practicing, he would think about everyday problems, one of which involved wet laundry. It was during a practice session, the idea of a coiled, wire fulcrum was born. Solon E. Moore would improve on the idea, and the clothespin of which I am familiar took shape.  Wet laundry hanging in the sun is something not seen often, but when I do, I always think of childhood summer days. My mother never owned a dryer until after my siblings and I were out of the house, so hanging clothes on the line was almost a daily chore. Clothes were always in one of several stages: dirty, which meant they needed laundering; wet, which meant they had been laundered and needed hanging out; drying, which meant they were outside in the sun; dry, which meant SOMEBODY had to go get them. At that point, my all-time, least favorite household chore began: ironing. By the time that was done, the laundry cycle had already started over. Yes....the good old days. Even so, I have a soft spot for clothes pins.