FAIRHOPE, Ala. — In April, an old tool and a Clay City tile were discovered underneath the sidewalk in front of Betty Haynie Antiques & Fine Arts shop on north Section Street during work by the city’s public works department.

“We are not positive what the tool is, or what it was used for,” said Alex Robinson, the city’s special-events coordinator. “One person guessed it was some type of measuring device, and another that it was a clamp of some sort.”

Clay City tiles were manufactured locally, and are an important part of the city’s history, with an exhibit in the museum dedicated to them, according to city staff.

Robinson said the the tool and tile were brought to the Fairhope Museum of History by city employee Mike Lawley.

“The antique shop was once Ruffles Appliance Co.,” Robinson said. “Could the tool have been used in the appliance store?”

The museum is seeking the public’s help to discover the intended use of the tool.

“Museum Director Donnie Barrett would like to know what part this tool played in Fairhope’s history,” she said.

If you have any idea what the tool is or what it was used for, please call the Fairhope Museum of History at 929-1471, or visit the museum at 24 N. Section St.