Harpoon-Type Horse Hay Fork, circa 1895

01

Artifact Overview

Moving bulky, loose hay in the 19th and early 20th centuries was hard, but necessary, work. Farmers stored some hay in barns after harvesting to continue the drying and curing process. Hay lifting forks -- usually operated with ropes, pulleys and lever releases -- could move large quantities of hay from wagons into haymows or lofts. These devices saved time and energy.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hay-lifting fork

Date Made

circa 1895

Creator Notes

Patented design by Joseph S. Durning, Emsworth, Pennsylvania and manufactured by Eagle Manufacturing Co., Appleton, Wisconsin

Location

at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery

Object ID

00.3.16531

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)

Dimensions

Width: 5.5 in
Length: 29.5 in