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Post by BuckSkin on Oct 6, 2021 8:22:34 GMT
This pony is pulling the sweep that is turning the ancient Arrastra-style corn grinder. The corn is ground between two mill stones, one stationary and the other turning against it. Small spoke-like grooves are cut in the stationary stone so that the ground grain will migrate along the surface to spill into the chute. The coarseness of the meal is governed by how close the turning stone is adjusted to the stationary stone. When the pony steps it up a bit more lively, it is amazing how much ground grain pours out of this predecessor to the modern mill. My young assistant volunteered to ride the lazy pony in case it wanted to slack off and slow down the milling process.    |
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Post by hmca on Oct 6, 2021 16:55:48 GMT
Another interesting post, Buckskin. Is this something that you use regularly or is it part of some historical village in your area that people can visit? It seems like there might be a vintage wagon in the other enclosure.
Your assistant looks like she takes her job quite seriously.
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Post by BuckSkin on Oct 6, 2021 18:06:21 GMT
Another interesting post, Buckskin. Is this something that you use regularly or is it part of some historical village in your area that people can visit? It seems like there might be a vintage wagon in the other enclosure. Your assistant looks like she takes her job quite seriously. This, and many more such items far to numerous to mention, is part of the vast private collection of the family that owns the farm. It is located in the county adjoining ours. It is far more interesting than some politically correct controlled tourist attraction. This family has spent countless hours and untelling how much money, accumulating vintage equipment and building various cabins, barns, a blacksmith shop, and even a church. Once a year, in the fall, they have a big old-time molasses-making get-together, complete with dinner on the grounds, and more fun activities and things to see and do than the State Fair. As I get them ready, I have several more photos from the same place to post. I have more photos of this grinder that better show the machine; I will try and get them up soon. Yes, my assistant does take her various jobs seriously; I had to fire the last two for not taking things serious enough. When she first got mounted, the pony shook vigorously like a wet dog, but he didn't shake her loose. |
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Post by hmca on Oct 6, 2021 19:47:58 GMT
So now it's even more interesting! Look forward to seeing how this thread progresses.....when you have time.
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Post by BuckSkin on Oct 6, 2021 21:50:45 GMT
Here are some views of the machine itself. Close examination shows that tenons, pegs, and wedges were used wherever possible for structural integrity and also to save precious metal for other tasks. Notice the width and thickness of the two bottom/side pieces; it would be hard today to find a tree big enough to saw out pieces of those dimensions. I am not stretching the imagination a bit to say that this could most likely predate the Mayflower. Also, notice the ingenious sack holder; it is very simple, yet a very intelligent design indeed. These photos were taken two years earlier, 21-September-2019; please excuse the poor quality; the building is in a grove of very old trees; it was dark as a dungeon inside and the sun was beating down mercilessly through the limbs and leaves on the outside --- where I was standing. While the pony in the photos above is fairly calm, the little black mule in these photos is more akin to a black hornet.      |
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Post by hmca on Oct 6, 2021 22:41:54 GMT
These photos were taken two years earlier, 21-September-2019; please excuse the poor quality; I think that sometimes the story is more important than the quality....and these pictures plus your commentary tell a great story. Those side pieces really are quite massive. TFS |
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Post by whippet on Oct 7, 2021 14:24:24 GMT
I heartily agree with Helen.
The family who own the property, must be so dedicated, it is amazing what they have achieved.
I would absolutely love to visit there.
I too, look forward to a continuation of your story.
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Post by BuckSkin on Mar 17, 2022 8:24:49 GMT
Crusher No.2 Horse-powered Cane Mill
You have to keep your head down, else that big tombstone will come around and rattle your noggin.
The juice they are squeezing from the cane will be boiled down into sorghum molasses.
The log building is the blacksmith shop.
The church in the distance is a new addition since last year.
10th Annual Lawhorn Family Molasses Festival
984 Bryant Ridge Road
Liberty, Casey County, Kentucky
Elevation - 1052'
18-September-2021
This place needs to be seen to be appreciated.
Every year, on the same weekend in September, they have a big molasses-making get-together with dinner on the ground; I don't know anywhere one could go to see and do more. 
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Post by cats4jan on Mar 17, 2022 12:23:01 GMT
That would be quite an interesting place to visit
As I age, my interest in the past increases. Thanks for sharing these photos
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Post by hmca on Mar 17, 2022 13:55:40 GMT
GREAT picture, Buckskin. Such an interesting location and capture of the interaction between the man and the little boy.
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Post by jackscrap on Mar 17, 2022 21:39:41 GMT
Love all these glimpses into the rural life .
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Post by BuckSkin on Mar 17, 2022 22:23:33 GMT
This friendly old dog is a regular attendee to the Molasses Festival. When not chasing rabbits and treeing cats, he/she resides and takes supper with retired Casey County Horticulture teacher, Mr. Charles David Smithers; anyway, they came and left in the same truck. Saturday_18-September-2021  Saturday_21-September-2019 - Man and Beast  |
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Post by hmca on Mar 18, 2022 0:16:54 GMT
Like the picture of the man with his dog....some nice images in this series, Buckskin. And I agree with Jacki.....
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Post by BuckSkin on Mar 18, 2022 3:51:40 GMT
The church is a new addition for 2021; you can bet there will be something else new for 2022. 18-September-2021  |
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Post by BuckSkin on Mar 18, 2022 5:12:01 GMT
Weaver Organ and Piano Company, York, Pennsylvania This is in the church-house. This example, while not an exact match, is very close to the Weaver Victorian Parlor Organ. This thing has to have air to sound off; I am not sure whether the fat-legged lady playing it has to pump with her feet, or if some young criminal-in-training is behind the scene working a bellows. The interior walls, most of the woodwork, and I think also the outside walls, are home-grown Yellow Poplar, probably sawed right on the spot with a portable band-saw-mill. 18-September-2021 
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