Name/Title
Fork, High Speed DeliveryDescription
High-speed delivery fork. Device is made in two parts: first part is an open loop of bent wood, ends stuck in holes in handle are approximately 1.75" wide and the loop at widest is approximately 12.75". Second part is the handle, also made of wood, upper part of handle is block of wood 1.75" x .875" and lower part of handle has been turned for a hand grip. At top of handle is a metal band held in place by four nails. There are also five nails used to secure the end of the loop into the handle. Wood is a dark brown, does not appear to have a finish.
Device was invented by C. G. Shephard of Shelbyville, Indiana and made by the High Speed Delivery Fork Company also of Shelbyville, Indiana. The fork was used by the railroads to deliver messages to trains. The man at the station would secure the message in a "C" shaped device and hold it in front of him as a train approached, trainman would lean from car holding this device and snag message. Business was opposite Porter Pool by C. G. Shephard. Later operated by James Williams; moved to Indianapolis in late 1980's.Collection
Peck, CharlineAcquisition
Accession
1987.009Source or Donor
Charline PeckAcquisition Method
DonationMade/Created
Place
City
ShelbyvilleTownship
Addison TownshipCounty
Shelby CountyState/Province
IndianaCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaNotes
Made: by the High Speed Delivery Fork Company, Shelbyville, IndianaCreate Date
December 20, 2001Update Date
April 5, 2024