19th Century Farm Scene

19th Century Farm Scene

Large cabinet card photograph of five men outside a barn storing loose and baled hay. Two men are standing on a hay press with loose hay, holding farm implements. These men are probably putting hay into the press to create the bales of hay as seen to the left. Hay presses became popular in the late 19th century around the 1870s. This type of hay press was invented around 1880/1881. The hay was most likely baled in midwinter and transported by canal or rail to New York City for sale during the winter months, where there was an abundance of livestock.

A third man stands in front of the wagon, and a fourth to the right of the wagon. A team of horses are to the right of the fourth man and appear to be attached to some type of equipment, possibly assisting with the mechinism of the hay press. Standing behind an Albany Sleigh or Cutter is a fifth person. The sleigh has a "barrel-chested" front and curved runners, and the style became popular in the 1840s. In the mid-19th Century this was a very fancy type of sleigh, and very desired. The "bobs" to two farm bobsleds are turned upside down in front of the sleigh. These were used for hauling heavy items in winter, in this case pressed hay. Snow and shovels are in view in the image.

Remarks: Reverse: LANDSCAPE PICTURES OF HOUSES. / FAMILY GROUPS TAKEN. / W.H.BELL, / VIRGIL,/ INSTANEOUS PROCESS, CORTLAND CO, NY.
Written in pencil is "WESTFALL FARM."

Bell, W.H.

Museum Purchase

Plowline: Images of Rural New York. A project of The Farmers' Museum supported by the Gipson Family.

ca. 1880 - 1890

The Farmers' Museum, Cooperstown, NY

Card, Cabinet

F0003.2011

Cortland County, New York

With board: H 8" x W 10"