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- Charged by the Wind
FIRST TIMER'S LUCK: A PUMP WITH FAMILY TIES
When Bob Beardslee, Red Cloud, Neb., set out to find an old pump to use as a yard ornament, little did he know of the bonanza he would get. What he found was a hand pump that was not only in good shape, but also had direct family ties: His family name and home address were embossed in cast iron on the side of the pump.
The Beardslee referred to on the pump was Bob's uncle, George Beardslee, a partner in the firm of Wolfe and Beardslee, an agricultural implement business that ceased to exist long before Bob was born.
Delving into family history turned up the information that George Beardslee was a pioneer teamster on a trail that hauled freight from the railhead at Juniata, Neb., to Kansas through Red Cloud, Neb., before rail service was available there.
Bob surmised that a dealer in windmills and pumps could get the firm's name and address cast in iron upon purchase of a certain number of pumps, or for payment of a fee. Perhaps other readers have additional information.
Bob likes to look at other pumps just as a matter of interest, but he is not interested in collecting them because he found his treasure the first time out.
-submitted by fames McDowell, PO Box 331, Red Cloud, NE, 68970; phone (402) 746-3614
ANY IDEAS ON LARD KETTLE VALUES?
I have a lard kettle like the one shown on page 42 of the April Farm Collector magazine. I bought mine at a farm sale in Nebraska in 1986. We've had it in the yard ever since, and planted flowers in it in the spring. We are interested in learning more about the value of the kettle. Thanks for your help.
-David Bender, Box 355, Humphrey, NE 68642
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SEAMAN TILLERS?
I recently came across a brochure for the Seaman Tiller, manufactured by Seaman Motors, Milwaukee, Wis., and would like to learn more about these tillers. (My brochure is not for sale, and I am not interested in buying a tiller.)