Edwin Elmer, a native of Ashfield, Massachusetts, was the inventor of this double-acting butter churn, manufactured in five different sizes with a capacity of 4-12 gallons. The term “double-acting” refers to its dual functionality that allowed the user to churn at slow or fast speeds. Made of “strong, lasting material- that can be easily seen and cleaned,” the churn could be “taken on trial,” and satisfaction was guaranteed. They sold for $6 to $11.50, depending on size. The churn was patented and manufactured by members of the Elmer family in 1880. Several still exist, and one can be seen at The Museum of Our Industrial Heritage in Greenfield, Massachusetts.