THOMAS CARROLL OF ROCHESTER, N.Y. MAKING DRAW KNIVES

       The use of a draw knife (also known as a draw shave) was universal  in an America where one would re-handle tools rather than just throw them out and buy new ones when they broke. These, combined with shaving horses, were necessary tools for any household where some occupant worked with their hands.  This photo of Thomas Carroll shows the importance of one company's efforts to manufacture and refurbish these tools which are rarely seen or used today, but were a necessity back when individuals were more self-reliant.  The company shop where Mr. Carroll worked as foreman was Mack Tool and Die Company which was located in the "Flats" at the bottom of the Platt Street bridge at water's edge.  Brothers William and Royal Mack took over the D.R.Barton Company that advertised that they made "Augers, axes, bits, cooper's tools, edge tools and wooden planes".

                                                                                                                                                     Photo PROVIDED BY:   GREAT, GREAT,  GRAND DAUGHTER,  jEANNE m. vAN ePPS