Enclosed is a photo of a grinder that I have. I do not know what it was used for, but maybe one of your readers could identify its use and age. On the lower plate, the casting reads ‘J.A. Berrill and Son.’ There are no other names or part numbers on it. When the crank is turned, the lower drum rotates. There are serrated teeth on the rotating drum, which match the teeth on the stationary hopper top. Tension against the teeth can be adjusted by turning the wing nut on the lower plate. Robert Kubisch 2111 Gilbride Rd., Martinsville, NJ 08836-2234
DREAMS OF A RESTORED WINDMILL
I am sending a picture of my 1933 Aermotor windmill, which I have restored, fulfilling a dream I’ve had for a long time. One of my treasured childhood memories is stopping by the old cement watering tank at our windmill on hunting trips. My English Setter bird dogs would stand on their back feet and drink water from the iron spout.
My cousin in northeast Illinois had this dismantled Aermotor in his garage for 14 years. When he asked me if I wanted it, I jumped at the chance! My daughter and I hauled it home in nothing longer than ten-foot pieces. A coffee can full of bolts and strange-looking things came with it.
This mill was once used to pump water for a small dairy farm in Livingston County, Ill. Watching it whirl in my front yard makes me appreciate the power of the wind. I plan to install a pump and fish pond very soon! Royal Lighty, Crawfordsville, Ind.
SEARCHING FOR GLASS
Where can I get glass for old drip engine oilers? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has any information.
Ralph Ament, 5318 K Ave., Cherokee, Iowa 51012
INDIANA FARM-TO-MARKET ROADS
I read the story in the January 2000 issue about the half-pavement road in Illinois. My dad helped to pour one such road in the early 1920s in Noble County, Ind. The half-pavement (or sidewalk, as it was sometimes called) ran from Albion, east to State Road 3, and west of town to State Road 33. We also have a red-brick road running from Goshen, Ind., through Ligonier, and on to Cromwell.
John Rosenogle, Wawaka, Ind.
OLD PLUG SPARKS INTEREST
I have a spark plug you might be interested in. It is very old, and must weigh close to a pound. The large brass nut on the top has the word ‘Bethlehem’ stamped all around the top. On the bottom hex, ‘Bethlehem Primer’ is stamped on one side, and ‘Silvex Company PA:’ on the other. The primer is very large.
Don Capp, Marshall, Minn.
RESTORATION DRAWS FAMILY TOGETHER
This past summer, my father, Steve Metro, found this 1942 Model BN Farmall. It sat in a barn for over 15 years. We bought it, trailered it home, put some gas in it and blew the dust off. With a new battery, it started right up, so we thought we would fix her up. This kept us going the whole summer of ’99, and it was really fun! The time I spent with my father doing this was very special; I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am sending a picture of the tractor when we bought it, and after the restoration was finished. We have just received our first copy of your magazine and we enjoyed it very much!.
Scott Metro Johnsonburg, PA.
