Lawn Mower, 1875-1885
THF174799 / Lawn Mower, 1875-1885
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Artifact Overview
In the years following the American Civil War, improved transit allowed suburbs to grow around cities. Well-kept lawns were a key feature of a suburban home, and the lawn mower was an essential tool. This mower, patented in 1870, was designed for trimming around shrubs and ornamental structures. The operator powered the vibrating sickle bar with a crank wheel (missing from this example).
Artifact Details
Artifact
Lawn mower
Date Made
1875-1885
Creators
Creator Notes
Patented by Augustus J. Ohmer, Hamilton, Ohio.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
30.766.43
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cast iron
Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Color
Brown
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 55 in
Width: 20 in
Length: 8 in
Inscriptions
on handle:
A.J. OHMER / PAT DEC.20.70.
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetA Look at Lawn Mowers through The Henry Ford's Collections
- 20 Artifacts
Since the expansion of suburban neighborhoods after the Civil War, Americans have been obsessed with maintaining the “perfect” lawn. An entire industry evolved in response to consumer demand, introducing innovative lawn care products – and new ways to market them. This group of lawn mowers and related artifacts document decades of technological improvements and changing American ideals.