Planing Shingles in Kitee
The pärehöylä, or shingle planer, was an essential tool in many rural Finnish communities, used for making wooden shingles. The process was a coordinated effort involving several people, each with a specific role.
The image shows the planer in action. A group of people push the rod, causing it to strip a shingle from the log. A man catches the shingle and throws it into a nearby pile. Meanwhile, the boy gathers the shingles and stacks them neatly, creating an organized pile visible in the background. A little boy prepares the logs by cleaning them with a small hatchet, ensuring they are ready for the planer.
Based on my reading of Finnish history, I’m guessing that the men have covered their faces in tar to protect against mosquitos, but feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.
Image: Valtonen in the middle behind the planer, Jumppanen on the extreme right.
Original Photograph
Click image to enlarge
Restored Photograph
Click image to enlarge
Photo Information
Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: Juhana Laine
Year: 1890
Link to original photo here
Copyright 2024 The Photo Record. All rights reserved. All digitally restored photographs and contents of this article may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the owner.
