At Northeast Anne Street, on a vacant lot on the north side of Main Street, the Big Bend Historical Society has put on display a collection of farm implements that have been donated to the society over the years. In the collection are a grain drill, binder, three bottom plough, hay loader, tumblebug, subsoiler and a combine.
This subsoiler seems to me to be a good idea, especially when used in fairly dry areas with heavy, clay soil. In fact, the
World' Largest Farm Tractor, a 900 horsepower Big Bud, was built specifically for pulling a subsoiler, an 80 foot, 35,000 pound cultivator capable of ripping 36 inches deep at the rate of 20 acres per hour when pulled by the Big Bud. That was back in the 1970s and the tractor is now in an Iowa museum, according to the last we've heard.
1935 Van Sickle Sub Soiler
Sub soilers were used to loosen the soil to a depth of two feet, so that rain and other moisture would not run off but soak into the soil.
From the sign at the machine
When in Wilbur be sure to stop at the Big Bend Historical Society Museum, 7 blocks west and a block north.
The Big Bend Historical Society Museum provides a glimpse into the past with their ever growing collection of antiques and memorabilia. From the Children’s Room; containing antique toys, to the bullet that killed
Wild Goose Bill; there’s something for everyone!
The museum is open June through August, Saturdays, from 11:00-2:00pm. You may request an appointment by calling Wilbur Town Hall at (509)647-5821.
From the Town of Wilbur