Interesting long handled tool-Whatsit?

The handle on this is 9 feet long, and hand made using a tree branch. Usually with a long handle implement like this, it might be used for something like pruning trees or picking fruit. The only thing we can come up with is that it might have been used for changing letters on a sign or marquee? If anyone has seen one before and knows what it is, please let me know. I still love it though because it is a primitive tool, made of wood and rusty metal!