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DAILY CONSTITUTIONALIST [AUGUSTA, GA], April 26, 1864, p. 4, c. 2
Broom Corn and Brooms.—As some planters have grown broom corn, it may not prove amiss to give a few hints about how to make brooms. The best way is to pull to pieces an old broom; but, as everybody may not be able to do this, I will give the most important steps. Procure some strong twine, or string. Bore a hole in the end of the handle, and make one end of this twine or string fast either in this hole or any other way; fasten the other end of any convenient place or object, then holding the handle in the hand, put the brush closely around the handle, turning the handle and fastening each straw tightly with the twine. When the straw has been thus put all around, wind the twine tightly two or three times around it, cut off the ends or buts [sic] a little above the ring of twine, then wind the twine obliquely and tightly around the handle, until far enough to put on the second and last row of straw; put that on like the first or lower row, wind the twine tightly three or four times around and fasten the end either by a tack driven through a not [sic] in the twine or by a neat staple. Then press the broom a few inches below the end of the handle between two sticks or any other contrivance, pass a couple of bands of twine around it, and fasten them in places by stitching them through the broom, and the broom will be finished. Fastening the further end of the twine to some object and drawing the twine tightly by holding only by the handle will be found to save the hands from blistering, besides enabling the twine to be drawn much more tightly.—Southern Cultivator.
Vicki Betts
Broom Corn and Brooms.—As some planters have grown broom corn, it may not prove amiss to give a few hints about how to make brooms. The best way is to pull to pieces an old broom; but, as everybody may not be able to do this, I will give the most important steps. Procure some strong twine, or string. Bore a hole in the end of the handle, and make one end of this twine or string fast either in this hole or any other way; fasten the other end of any convenient place or object, then holding the handle in the hand, put the brush closely around the handle, turning the handle and fastening each straw tightly with the twine. When the straw has been thus put all around, wind the twine tightly two or three times around it, cut off the ends or buts [sic] a little above the ring of twine, then wind the twine obliquely and tightly around the handle, until far enough to put on the second and last row of straw; put that on like the first or lower row, wind the twine tightly three or four times around and fasten the end either by a tack driven through a not [sic] in the twine or by a neat staple. Then press the broom a few inches below the end of the handle between two sticks or any other contrivance, pass a couple of bands of twine around it, and fasten them in places by stitching them through the broom, and the broom will be finished. Fastening the further end of the twine to some object and drawing the twine tightly by holding only by the handle will be found to save the hands from blistering, besides enabling the twine to be drawn much more tightly.—Southern Cultivator.
Vicki Betts