I have been reading about Maple sugaring on the Cooley Farm back in the 30s. Harry says this, "I have had to empty my filters several times from the sugar sand which seems to be more abundant than usual. I take this to be a sign that it will be a good sugar season. Inside each heavy felt filter bag I have put a handmade bag of heavy cotton flannel, which catches much of the sand and can be emptied and rinsed without disturbing the big filters." This should give you a hint on one of the mystery items displayed. I wonder if one of these actual items survived from the 30s?!
I knew I was right about that mystery object!