Gridiron

From Henry Whitfield State Museum

19th century (Date manufactured/created)

Wrought iron

Gridirons were broilers that were placed over a pile of coals in the fireplace. When football was invented in the 19th century, the playing field was nicknamed a gridiron because it resembled this type of early ironware. This gridiron was probably made in Guilford and belonged to the Burton Bishop family, who lived in the Westside section of Guilford.

Accession/ID Number HW1945.014