Picture Tolland:What Is A Firkin?

TOLLAND, CT — The latest installment of the Picture Tolland series can be summed up in one word — firkin.

What the heck is a firkin?

It was one of the safest and most efficient way to carry things way back when.

Firkins, the Tolland Historical Society tells us, were made with split wood like a small barrel without the bow in it. Firkins would have a wooden lid to safely contain the contents.

Many were found in pantries, or were used to go to the general store.

Both the Benton and Jail museums in town have examples.

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Picture Tolland is a periodic series showcasing images of the town, past and present.