These toothbrush heads and handles and toiletry brush handle were recovered from excavations at historic Fort Hays in Ellis County. Three of the artifacts, all toothbrushes, have holes drilled in the heads for stiff bristles (often hog bristles). The fourth artifact has holes on one end and in the middle in addition to a cut pattern on the other end. Toothbrushes and toiletry items were made of bone (as these are), wood or ivory. Fort Hays was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and is a State Historic Site.
Kansas Memory
Kansas Historical Society
Toothbrushes and a Toiletry Brush from Fort Hays, 14EL301 - 2