Sickle Mowers
During the 1840s-1850s, workers harvested grass hay by hand and loaded it onto wagons to be stored for winter feed.
By 1870, field hands
switched to sickle mowers,
like these displayed here,
to harvest their hay. Initially
drawn by horses, these
mowers were later pulled
by trucks and tractors.
The lowlands on the island provided the best watered areas where grasses
could grow tall. After cutting, workers employed rakes such as these to turn
the rows of cut hay over to allow it to dry faster. If the hay was rained on it
could be ruined, so the faster the hay dried the better.
Erected by Utah State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 40° 55.602′ N, 112° 9.996′ W. Marker is near Syracuse, Utah, in Davis County. Marker can be reached from Antelope Island Road. The marker is located at the Fielding Garr Ranch Historic Site, Antelope Island State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Syracuse UT 84075, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Combines (within shouting distance of this marker); Rippers (within shouting distance of this marker); Bailers (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse-Drawn Wagons
this page online
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
