it's hard enough digging up information on the history of tool makers. Usually the answer you need is buried in some book, on some shelf and most likely you forgot where you put it. Or at least that is typically my problem. Even more problematic is that most independent researches into the history of tools and trades publish one edition and that is that. The initial print run is sold out and then it's off to Ebay or a tool auction in hopes of finding a copy at an affordable price.
Enter Jack Devitt. Who, you may or may not ask is Jack Devitt? To borrow a headline from Farm Land News, he's Just Plane Jack. Ain't it grand? Someone had the forethought to write up a great bit of background on Jack and post it on the web.
Jack is the author of two important books:
Ohio Toolmakers and Their Tools
Indiana Toolmakers and Their Tools.
The books are priced individually at a very reasonable $25.00 (USD, includes postage and handling) and both are available direct from Jack. His address is:
Jack Devitt
PO Box 116
Ottoville, OH. 45876.
email: devitt@bright.net
I have the Ohio Toolmakers book which I picked up at an auction, fearing it would not be back in print. The Indiana book is now on my list of things to buy.
Jack emailed me tonight to let me know he has just finished a 3rd printing. Yes, that's a 3rd printing. It's hard enough to sell a single print run of a special title, let alone three. That achievement alone tells you how useful these books are to anyone interested in the history of antique tools. You don't have to be a serious historian. You may just want to know when a particular maker was in business, what marks where used and where they worked. These books have just what you need.
I wanted to scan the cover for this post, but alas... I can't find it at the moment. But I promise you, I worked my way through the Ohio book and used it numerous times for reference. I think I know which box it is in, which is to say I really have to get my personal library organized. Storing books on shelves and in printer paper boxes in not a particularly good way of doing things. But...
You can never have too many books.
Send Jack an email and order a copy of each. Doing so will remind Jack of just how much we appreciate the work of the independent author.
Till next
Gary
