Pitchfork, 1850-1860

Forks worked as extensions of farmers' arms, allowing them to lift and move larger quantities of grain, straw or hay than they could do with just their hands. This fork started as a square wooden piece of ash or hickory. Riving (or separating) one end, bending the five- or six- tines (or points) and spreading them apart created a useful tool for moving short grains like barley, loose straw or manure.