Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
International Harvester Potato Harvester |
Object Name |
Harvester, Potato |
Description |
Horse-drawn International Harvester potato harvester is solid iron with wood handles and is red and black. Center spade digs up the potatoes onto the six-rod, flare-sided "fork piece behind it which shakes off the dirt. Potatoes are then dropped in back and the farmer, who is holding the wooden handles and walking behind the plow, has to be careful not to step on the potatoes! Cross piece at front has two rods that drop down and end in wheels--these are adjustable in width to conform to the row size. Metal multi-loop harness in front. |
Date |
1900-1930 |
Creator |
International Harvester |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
RF2003.065 |
Dimensions |
H-41 W-32 D-56 inches |
Collection |
3D - Agricultural Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
various part numbers (ie. "4025" & "4846") embossed throughout |
Provenance |
Part of the Runnymede Farm Collection; collected from Ray Perusina, Morgan Hill. |
Notes |
Potatoes became a prominent local crop throughout the county in the early days following the 1849 Gold Rush. While severe blight crippled production in North County in the 1870s, potato growing continued on the Coastside. A new, blight-resistant potato was introduced in San Mateo County after 1900. This single-row, horse-drawn potato harvester has a center spade, or share. The share digs up the potatoes onto the six-rod, flare-sided "fork" piece behind it which shakes off the dirt. Potatoes are then dropped in back. The farmer, walking behind the harvester, must be careful not to step or trip on the potatoes! |
Search Terms |
Agriculture Agriculture Technology Farming Farming Technology Harvesters Runnymede Farm Collection |
Subjects |
Agricultural machinery & implements Agriculture Farming Harvesting Harvesting machinery Potatoes |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Runnymede Farm |