Riggins in Idaho County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Hay Rakes
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 3, 2024
1. Hay Rakes Marker
Inscription.
Hay Rakes. . Displayed are two types of hay rakes, a side delivery rake and a dump rake. After the field had been mowed, rakes such as these were used to rake the hay into windrows where it was allowed to dry before being collected. The dump rake, the older of the two types, pulled by one or two horses would make a pass across the field when it was full of hay. The rake would be tripped and the load of hay would be dumped, henceforth the name dump rake. Each time the rake was full the hay would be dumped beside the previous load creating a windrow of hay. The side delivery rake would automatically rake the hay into a windrow with each pass across the field. According to old timers familiar with their operation, a team of horses could rake much faster with a dump rake however, the side delivery version is supposed to have done a better job of raking. Estimates range from 25 acres per day for the dump rake to only 15 acres for the side delivery rake.
Displayed are two types of hay rakes, a side delivery rake and a dump rake. After the field
had been mowed, rakes such as these were used to rake the hay into windrows where it was
allowed to dry before being collected. The dump rake, the older of the two types, pulled by one or two horses would make a pass across the field when it was full of hay. The rake would be tripped and the load of hay would be dumped, henceforth the name dump rake. Each time the
rake was full the hay would be dumped beside the previous load creating a windrow of hay. The side delivery rake would automatically rake the hay into a windrow with each pass across the field. According to old timers familiar with their operation, a team of horses could rake much faster with a dump rake however, the side delivery version is supposed to have done a better job of raking. Estimates range from 25 acres per day for the dump rake to only 15 acres for the side delivery rake.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture.
Location. 45° 34.082′ N, 116° 29.887′ W. Marker is in Riggins,
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Idaho, in Idaho County. It is on Snake River Trail. Marker located between the historic Kirkwood ranch houses and the Snake River. There is no direct road access. Must be accessed on foot via the Snake River Trail, 6 miles from Pittsburg Landing or via boat on the Snake River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Kirkwood Ranch, Riggins ID 83549, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho Idahos Panhandle. It is also in the American Mountain West, specifically in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buck Rake (here, next to this marker); John Deere Steel Wheeled Truck (here, next to this marker); Harrows (a few steps from this marker); Sterling Cabin (a few steps from this marker); McCormick Sickle Bar Mower (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Fork (within shouting distance of this marker); Plows (within shouting
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 6, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
