Why is it called a possum board?

Jon W Harris
Jon W Harris
@jon-w-harris
2 years ago
5 posts

The “possum board” is sometimes an enhancement to the volume of a possum fiddle.

Bill Robison
Bill Robison
@bill-robison
3 years ago
36 posts

Another thought on the possum board, Mother possums carry their young on their back as the board carries the dulcimer

NateBuildsToys
NateBuildsToys
@nate
3 years ago
238 posts

That a really neat piece of culture I wasn't aware of thanks for filling me in

Richard Streib
Richard Streib
@richard-streib
3 years ago
231 posts

Like Dan said the name comes from a board used to stretch animal skins for sale. Different sizes for muskrats, mink, racoon, possum, beaver, rabbits. Dad used them in the winter when trapping muskrats and mink to supplement farm income.

Ken Hulme
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
3 years ago
2,111 posts

It's a Possum Board for your dulcimer only if it is a separate piece upon which the dulcimer sits upon.

Dan
Dan
@dan
3 years ago
180 posts

The "false bottom" or Galax bottom" is what we call the bottom attached to the instrument.

"Possum board" is one of the names for a tapered thin board used in the stretching and drying of animal hides in some regions of Appalachia. Hides were skinned out complete for more money than the belly cut hides nailed to the side of an out building. There are those from outside Appalachia who believe we call them Possum Boards to be cute....

NateBuildsToys
NateBuildsToys
@nate
3 years ago
238 posts

Just wondering if anyone knows. It is a pretty weird name. 

Also, is a false bottom considered a possum board, or does the term only apply to the accessory which is not attached to the dulcimer?