Tread Power, circa 1885
Add to SetSummary
As farmers mechanized barn and farmyard work in the nineteenth century, they began to use stationary power sources. Some invested in animal treadmills, which used the same "endless belt" concept as modern exercise treadmills to convert animals' movement into power for a range of agricultural machinery. This version, designed for dogs, goats, or sheep, could run small machines like butter churns or cream separators.
As farmers mechanized barn and farmyard work in the nineteenth century, they began to use stationary power sources. Some invested in animal treadmills, which used the same "endless belt" concept as modern exercise treadmills to convert animals' movement into power for a range of agricultural machinery. This version, designed for dogs, goats, or sheep, could run small machines like butter churns or cream separators.
Artifact
Treadmill
Date Made
circa 1885
Collection Title
On Exhibit
at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery
Object ID
71.1.174
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of David M. Gwinn.
Material
Wood (Plant Material)
Dimensions
Height: 48 in
Width: 16.5 in
Length: 61 in
Inscriptions
ENTERPRISE MFG. CO. / TROY PENNA / PAT'S FEB. 25, 1871/June 28, 1881 / ADJUSTABLE TRACK
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