Treadmill Operated by Oxen on the Perkins Farm, Bethany, Connecticut, circa 1880
Add to SetSummary
Oxen were the main source of power on many American farms before the development of portable steam and internal combustion engines. Under yoke, they could haul a wide range of heavy objects: logs and boulders; vehicles, like wagons; or agricultural equipment, like plows. Using specially designed treadmills, as shown here, oxen could also power stationary machinery in barns or farmyards.
Oxen were the main source of power on many American farms before the development of portable steam and internal combustion engines. Under yoke, they could haul a wide range of heavy objects: logs and boulders; vehicles, like wagons; or agricultural equipment, like plows. Using specially designed treadmills, as shown here, oxen could also power stationary machinery in barns or farmyards.
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
circa 1880
Creators
Unknown
Creator Notes
Reminiscence of Edward L. Bryant (1898-1984) typewritten on back of photograph.
Keywords
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
84.1.1660.P.B.35298
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 8.125 in
Width: 10 in