History of the House
Áshús was built between 1883 and 1886 in Ás, Hegranes, by Sigurlaug Gunnarsdóttir (1828–1905) and Ólafur Sigurðsson (1822–1908). The couple often hosted educational courses at their home for both girls and boys, and in 1877, they ran the Skagafjörður Women’s School from their home during its first year of operation.
The house was originally intended to accommodate the school permanently, though that plan never came to fruition. It remained a family home until 1977, housing four generations of the same family. In 1991, the entire house was moved by truck to Glaumbær, where it now stands.
The Innovators of Ás
Between 1870 and 1900, the household at Ás became known for introducing a variety of agricultural and domestic innovations, many of which had never been seen in Skagafjörður before. Some tools and machines were imported, while others were adapted or invented on-site.
Among the firsts credited to Ás:
- The first treadle sewing machine (1870)
- The first knitting machine (1874)
- The first cast-iron stove
- The first spinning wheel (1882)
Ás housed a rapid-shuttle loom and various new machines used for weaving and wool processing. There was also a windmill for grinding grain and a foot-powered sharpening stone for honing scythes and other blades. Additionally, Sigurður Ólafsson invented a hand tool for cutting teeth into wool combs, which saved many days of labor.
Many people came to Ás to learn how to use these machines and to receive practical instruction, such as:
- Using harnesses instead of riding tack for draft work
- Replacing leather sled ropes with wooden yokes on ice sleds
- Attaching a wire rake to scythes, allowing the grass to be raked as it was cut
And much more could be mentioned.
