Photograph
Men Cutting Grain with Cradles
| Men cutting grain with cradles while other men gather it into bundles by hand. The scene is a re-enactment filmed in 1929 for the Fox-Hearst film "Romance of the Reaper." The film was produced by International Harvester to celebrate the Reaper Centennial. |
| Image ID: | 23435 |
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| Creation Date: | 1929 |
| Creator Name: | International Harvester Company |
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| Collection Name: | International Harvester Company corporate archives central file (documented series), 1819-1998 |
| Genre: | Photograph |
| Original Format Type: | photographic print, b&w |
| Original Format Number: | MCC MSS 7Z, Album 356, pg. 3 |
| Original Dimensions: | 9.5 x 7.5 inches |
| This image was originally shot as a production still for the Fox Hearst film "Romance of the Reaper". The photo was later distributed by International Harvester as a public relations image. A press release that accompanied the image in later years reads: "Before McCormick's invention of the reaper in 1831 the cradle was the most efficient means of cutting grain. The cradle consisted of a broad scythe with a light frame of four wooden fingers attached to it, and corresponding curvature and length to the blade. The advantage of this implement was that by a dexterous turn to the left the operator could throw the cut grain into a swath, ready to be raked and bound into sheaves. This implement was introduced in America about 1776, according to Professor Brewer of Yale, and was the common instrument of grain harvesting as late as 1840. In cradling grain, two acres was considered a day's work. One man was required to bind the grain into sheaves as it was cut by the cradler. This crew of six men could cut and bind about six acres per day." |
| Field crops |
| Harvesting |
| Hats |
| Implements, utensils, etc. |
| Men |
| Outdoor photography |
| Agricultural laborers |
| Clothing and dress |
| Costume |
| This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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