Windmill, circa 1885

THF211318 / Windmill, circa 1885
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Artifact Overview

Since the early 1600s, Americans have built windmills to grind grain, pump water, drive machinery and generate power. The European-style windmill seen in this photograph was probably located along the Massachusetts seashore. Wind power drove the grain grinding machinery inside. Mill owners could position the mill's sails to catch the ocean breeze by moving the tail pole to turn the rotating cap.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Boudoir photograph

Date Made

circa 1885

Subject Date

circa 1885

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

91.0.59.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Albumen process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 9.875 in
Width: 7.875 in

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    This engraving of Newport, Rhode Island, was published in London in 1831. The engraving features a picturesque view of the town, the shore, and a windmill. Newport was an early whaling town and played a pivotal role in the "Triangle Trade" of slaves, sugar, and rum. By the mid-19th century Newport was becoming a resort town for the wealthiest Americans.