H72.208.1

• great depression

Longshoreman's hook. Description: iron hook set in wooden handle. History: This hook was used by donor who has worked as a longshoreman in the Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, Crockett and other parts) for the last 27 years. Donor is a member of the ILWU Union (International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union). "The longshoreman's hook--an extension of a man's arm. The first tool in the industry, it is still in use. This is how mechanization began." "Much of longshoring is still back-breaking labor." See page 13 in Men & Machines, by Otto hHgel and Louis Goldblatt, ILWU, San Francisco, 1963. (Photos and Text) From the History Information Station: Object: Bale hook, with a slightly burned handle. History: Selden Osborn was a longshoreman for 27 years in several ports around the Bay Area. This hook was one of his primary tools. The longshoreman considers his hook an extension of his arm. It was one of the first "tools" in the industry, and is still widely used to lift and move heavy objects. Gift of Selden Osborn