Planet, Jr. No. 2 Edger is the precursor to the weed whacker, also known as a weed eater or trimmer.
Provenance
The edger was donated to the Museum by Almon and Jean Gillette in 2003.
Background Information
The No. 2 Edger was patented in the early 1900s by Samuel Leeds Allen owner of the S.L. Allen Co. He established the business in 1860 in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. The edger has a sharp wheel (like a pizza slicer) with a three-foot wooden handle. It cuts through soil and sod in order to give the lawn a manicured look by delineating an edge between the grass and the sidewalk.
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| Samuel Leeds Allen |
Samuel Leeds Allen held over 300 patents for mostly farming implements. However, his most famous patent was for the Flexible Flyer sled in 1889. Leeds invented the sled to provide work for his skilled employees during the winter.
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