Franz & Pope Sock Knitting Machine

Franz & Pope Sock Knitting Machine

Hawai’i
Kamehameha School for Girls
Knitting
Ida May Pope
Technology
Education

This is a colour image of a sock knitting machine used by the girls at the Kamehameha School. It was co-patented by Ida May Pope’s father, William Pope, alongside William Franz. The existence of such device in a school, and its creation for the purpose of easing the task of knitting suggests the importance stressed on household tasks in women’s education. Therefore, this also connects to the theme of Western ideals projected on Hawaiian women. Also, it signifies the move from Hawaiian tradition of minimal clothing to the increase in the use and production of Western clothing. Furthermore, this indicates the technological innovation happening in Hawaii in the 19th century. The suggest Miss Pope’s role in facilitating the development of Hawai’i not only through her teaching and training but technologically as well. Hence, this object signifies the theme of transformation in Hawaii both culturally and technologically in the 19th century.

William Franz and William Pope in 1872 [Wehrle, Louise, Fingers of Steel: Technological Innovation in the United States Knitting Industry 1850-1914, (London 1995) pg. 118]

Images of Old Hawai’i

http://imagesofoldhawaii.com/ida-may-pope/#jp-carousel-6516

Invented in 1872, the date of the image being taken is unpecified

Ameerah Abood

This last known person to have rights to this object is listed below, however the item was sold as stated on the site below.
http://embro.adsinontario.com/hobbies-collectors/franz-pope-sock-knitting-machine_1573322.html

N/A

Material Object

19th century Hawai'i