Weather Stick

From the days of the Abenaki Indians, even before there was such a thing as New England, weather forecasting was a science.

They invented what is now called the weather stick, a slender piece of balsam fir wood, about 15-16" long, that was affixed to an vertical surface.

If the stick bent upward, fair weather was in store; downward meant inclement weather was near.

In Vermont they call it the Vermont weather stick. They'd sell you one here if they weren't sold out.

Not to worry, though.

In Maine, they call it... surprise, the Maine weather stick, and they'll sell you one for $9.99 here.

Seemed a little steep to us here at bookofjoe for a balsam fir twig.

I told my crack research team, find a better deal for my readers.

And after many hours in virtual space, they did.

How about that very same Maine weather stick for a nice $4.95 right here?

Thought you'd like that better.

A bookofjoe 2004 Design Award Winner.

Yes, I realize that - in a sense - the only part does move; however, this is a different sense of having "moving parts" than that usually applied here, and so qualifies for consideration and an award.

[via redferret]