| R.D. "Shorty" York, who owned York Body and Fender Works
in San Angelo, invented the popular sheller after watching a squirrel peel
a pecan. York got a patent for the sheller in 1945, and the device went
on the market in November 1953, with C.L. Harless as president of the firm.
The company was owned by Marlin Hahn since 1983 until recently. It is now
owned by Todd Cauthorn.
York got his idea for the aluminum sheller with blades from a pair of
pliers. The instrument operates by means of a pliers-type handle, with
sharp teeth to bite off the ends and sides of the nut, producing perfect
halves.
A shield to direct the falling hulls into a container was an addition
demanded by the inventor's wife who grew weary of picking up nut shells
from the living room rug. By removing the shield you have a great tool
for lobster and crab legs.
Improvements have been made over the years, including replacement teeth,
and handles shaped to fit your hands. These days plastic sleeves are fitted
on the aluminum handles to keep users' hands from getting black. And the
aluminum shield has been replaced by high-impact plastic.
The shellers and/or replacement blades are carried in various stores
such as grocery stores, ACE Hardware, True Value Hardware, variety and
gift shops, and nursery and garden shops. Or order direct from Texan Nut
Sheller Co., Inc., 8127 Highway 87, San Angelo, Texas 76901 or phone 1-800-844-2760
for more information. |
