LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
FOUND IN THE HAYLOFT: WHAT IS IT?
Fellow Collectors: What is it? A friend called me and told me that he had this machine. He had taken it out of a hayloft on a swing out table. It has "Deereing Harvester Co., Chicago, Ill." cast in the upper side. It has a throw out clutch. I have no idea what it could be.
Clyde Berkshire, PO Box 237, Royal Center, IN 46978; (219) 643-3115 (phone); (219) 643-4015 (FAX)
LOOKING FOR LEADS
I am looking for information on either or both of these items. What is the piece with the wheel? The second picture (above) is of an old diswasher. It has no date or name on it. Any information would be appreciated.
ENOUGH WITH THE VISIONS: READER LOOKING FOR THE REAL THING
The article "Visions of Sugar Plums" in the December 1998 issue of Farm Collector brings to mind one question. What is a sugar plum? A fruit? A candy? Something you make, cook or bake? What's the recipe? I haven't been able to find an answer anywhere. Can you or your readers give me any assistance?
Ivan L. Pfalser, RR 1 Box 164, Caney, Kan., 67333
As near as we can tell, a sugar plum is a small, round candy of boiled, flavored sugar. If you find a recipe, let us know how it turns out! -editor
WISCONSIN FAMILY INTERESTED IN INFORMATION ON BUTTERFAT TESTER
Remember when cheese factories dotted the landscape of rural Wisconsin? They were, of necessity, located within hauling distance of local farms.
In the late 1920s and early '30's, our state was on its way to becoming a leader in the dairy industry. Former lumbermen had already established small farms on the cut-over forest land. The relatively cool climate and soil conditions proved favorable for raising forage crops to support small herds of dairy cows. The milk, in turn, was sold for a much-needed cash income.
In 1890, University of Wisconsin Professor Stephen M. Babcock invented a tester which measured the amount of butterfat in milk. Farmers made daily deliveries of fresh milk in metal cans to the factory, where it was weighed and tested for butterfat. The producer was paid accordingly. I remember how eagerly my parents awaited those small, bi-monthly checks enclosed in white envelopes, or "statements" containing all pertinent information. Sometimes there was only a few dollars left after deductions for purchased cheese and butter were made.