There is frequent mention of the internationally famous Paul Endacott collection of North American Indian items but there is so much more to see .....
“Pugh, Pugh Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grubb ….” Those of you of a certain age will probably have a vague clue what these names refer to but are probably wondering what on earth this has to do with Ashburton Museum. No dear readers, we are not twinned with Trumpton but we are very privileged to have on display 2 exquisite, beautifully preserved original Ashburton firemen’s helmets.
We will never know whether Father and Willy used this mode of transport to go picking 'erts', lovely as it is - however the lucky owners of such transport must have had great determination to try their luck on this original 1890 'bone shaker', especially with these hills and not very sturdy-looking brakes (no I am not part of the 'elf and safety contingent but oh, think of your poor bottom - ouch!). Mind you it is photogenic though and looks even better in the flesh.
That said, even after the Penny Farthing was developed from about 1870, the boneshaker continued to be popular, particularly in rural areas, as its simple wooden and steel frame made it less expensive and easier to both manufacture and maintain. There are very few original boneshakers in existence today as many were melted down for scrap metal during the First World War.