Old wooden tool found in 19th Century Michigan Barn

I found this in our barn in Schoolcraft, Michigan about 20 years ago. The barn did not survive but the tool has. It measures about 15" long. The half circle cut outs vary from 1 1/2" to 1 3/4". I believe it is some type of hardwood and I can't tell if it had a finish or the coloring is just from handling. It has a hole on each end, maybe or a strap? I would really like to know what this is and how old it is. Our farm was built in 1875 and the property was settled around 1830.

 

If it weren't for the cutouts it looks like the shape of a laundry paddle. Looks like it is made of oak.

 

That's what I thought...a wash paddle retrofitted for some specific purpose.

 

A hole on top tells me that it maybe was used to insert a string to secure whatever was wrapped around the tool. Rope or a yarn. No idea

 

if it was found in BC,,,,it would be a good fish wacker..!!!!

 

They had to sit still, then wack.

 

what kind o' farm ?

 

Not a farm anymore, just the house and a couple of acres. Was an 80 acre farm with 3 barns at one time. I think back in the day they grew corn and had cows.

 

I'm thinking this club may be OOAK.......handmade for by the owner.

 

Something for corn?

 

First thought I had was removing corn from the cob. But I have no idea!

 

OH yeah - never thought of that - Pappy lost his teeth spitting tobacco juice out in the fields and Momma wanted to make some hogs head cheese but wanted it chunky - Don't laugh, I'm Hungarian and love making Pickled Pigs Feet, and Hot Souse Loaf - I guess I'm a dying breed, LOL! I can't even pass my recipes to my daughter

 

Not the first one I think I've seen on here, but it was some time ago.....and I thought I remembered it had something to do with EARLY Frat Hazing.....BUT then again I could be a million miles off............!

 

Since it was found on a farm, dating back to the mid 19th century, with varying size cutouts, I'm putting a guess towards it being a type of jig for woodworking. Since everything back then was hand hewn, this could have been a gauge for various size wooden dowels commonly used during that period, or even just on that farm.

 

the oils on the handle show it was often used...

 

I wonder if it might have been used in preparing flax to make linen - the broad edge to break down the fiber, and the scalloped edge to sort out regular bunches of the straw to work.

Here's a video on making linen, starting with growing the flax (you can skip ahead to about the 10 minute mark)

 

Moreotherstuff,
That was exactly what I was thinking. Something to do with grassy stalks

 

An issue is size and weight. How tiring would it be to use that for a prolonged time?

 

You're thinking of a fraternity paddle, they were still popular as decorative novelties when I was at university in the 1980s, LOL.