Silo Filling at Harwood Farm
Filling silo at the Ralph Harwood Farm at 285 W. Textile Road, Pittsfield Township. Men unknown, but probably neighbors. Harvesting, whether wheat, oats or corn, was always a cooperative effort.; The only paid person would have been the owner of the required machinery, i.e., the threshing machine or silo (corn grinding) filling mechanisms. Farm wives, daughters, and, if fortunate, hired "girls" cooked and baked for 20-30 men, very hungry! Equipment for washing their hands and faces had to be provided, generally outdoors in the shade. Generally very nice men, appreciative, and thanked the "ladies". Always exciting days when you awakened to the sound of the machinery coming into the driveway and the neighboring farmers arrived, each bearing his own fork, or other necessary accessory. Throughout the morning there was hustling in the kitchen, accompanied with delicious aromas - pies, peeling zillions of potatoes and baked beans. Fresh lemonade and cookies for afternoons. Threshing rules: Never alcoholic beverages! Too dangerous around machines. If so, sent home! Smoking only at lunchtime.
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