Carpenter's Pencil

Carpenter's Pencil

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Description
This pencil was grouped with a number of pencils found in the pocket of a tool belt used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Carpenter pencils have an two wide flat sides to keep them from rolling. The graphite core is generally wide and flat, making it easy to mark course materials when using the flat side while using the thinner side for precision marks.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Pencil
Associated Place
United States: Louisiana, New Orleans
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
graphite (graphite material)
Measurements
overall: 6 1/8 in x 1/2 in x 1/4 in; 15.5575 cm x 1.27 cm x.635 cm
ID Number
2005.0276.33
catalog number
2005.0276.33
accession number
2005.0276
Credit Line
Gift of Jillian Gross
America Builds on the National Mall
Hurricane Katrina
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Work and Industry: Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Clothing & Accessories
Cultures & Communities
Family & Social Life
Engineering, Building, and Architecture
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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