The return apron manure spreader promoted in this poster depicts a highly genteel version of what is generally accepted to be a foul process. Appleton Mfg. Co., Batavia, Ill., was among the early entrants in the spreader industry.
The Model 23 spreader shown in this piece was also included in a general catalog published by Appleton in 1913. The spreader weighed 1,900 pounds and measured 9 feet 8 inches by 4 feet 6 inches. It was a noteworthy year for Appleton: The company first promoted its own line of gasoline engines in 1913. Since the poster does not mention the company’s gasoline engine line, it is assumed that the piece was printed prior to 1913.
Appleton had a long and successful history in Batavia, where the company produced farm implements, stationary gas engines, windmills and dragsaws. FC
Grateful acknowledgement is given to Kyle Hohmann, who contributed this image from his collection of equipment and advertising materials produced by Batavia-area companies. Contact him at (630) 406-8680; e-mail: plowboy5@hotmail.com.
To submit a vintage advertisement for publication, send it to: Iron Age Ads, Farm Collector, 1503 S.W. 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609; or submit high-quality digital images by e-mail: editor@farmcollector.com.