Postcard with a Farmer Guiding Oxen, circa 1910

Summary

Oxen were the main source of power on many farms before the development of portable steam and internal combustion engines. Under yoke, as shown here, they could haul a wide range of heavy objects: logs and boulders; vehicles, like wagons; or agricultural equipment, like plows. Using specially designed treadmills, oxen could also power stationary machinery in barns or farmyards.

Oxen were the main source of power on many farms before the development of portable steam and internal combustion engines. Under yoke, as shown here, they could haul a wide range of heavy objects: logs and boulders; vehicles, like wagons; or agricultural equipment, like plows. Using specially designed treadmills, oxen could also power stationary machinery in barns or farmyards.

Artifact

Postcard

Date Made

circa 1910

Place of Creation

Germany 

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

89.0.543.83

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 in

Width: 5.375 in

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More