Gutter Tools

Gutter tool, maker unknown

The gutter tool is for shaping concrete gutters for streets, sidewalks, driveways, and floors in factories, institutions, and farm structures. The traditional gutter tool is the size of an edger or groover, with a dished bottom which rises to a lip on 3 sides and square on one end. They were cast iron or bronze, with wooden handles.

The gutter tool was developed when the use of concrete increased dramatically in the late 1800s and early 1900s, replacing brick, gravel, or dirt surfaces. The first concrete street in the United States was laid in 1891, the 100 block of Main St. in Bellefontaine, Ohio. In 1893 the 100 block of East Court Ave., a block away, was paved, and this original pavement is preserved.

Portland cement, 19272% increase 1890-1909

Building Age, Vol. 32, May 1910

Gutter tool, 1904

Gutter tool and other cement tools, 1910