Boy, things sure aren’t what they used to be. This picture was taken in 1915 of an eight year old boy driving a hay rake. Eight years old?! Looks pretty dangerous to me but that’s how things were back then. This photo comes to us courtesy of Shorpy, a website that features old timey photos. Click on the image for the larger version.
Oh to get my kid to do chores like that…
I agree that it looks a bit dangerous, but I bet that kid knows what he’s doing and has worlds of confidence and self-esteem. He’s not only doing what the ‘big people’ do, but he’s helping to provide for his family, he’s getting lots of fresh air and exercise, and is able to use his brain and focus on his inner thoughts without being influenced or distracted by electronic images from TV and video games.
My hubby and I were just commenting today how ‘soft’ our own 11 yr old twin sons are. If they had lived back in the day this photo was taken, things would be oh so different.
Hi Bill,
Great photo find! At eight I was just barely riding bikes. I didn’t start riding (or working with) horses until I was about 18.
Anyways, I wanted to let you know I really like your site and “Nickered” it at NickerIt.com — a new equestrian social bookmarking site.
All the best,
Scott
Loved that photo….reminded me of an old photo of my father sitting on a Shetland pony. I just found out my mom (87) used to ride horses….what a surprise. I am getting my first horse this spring. In the meantime we are preparing her shelter (have a barn for hay) and repairing fencing. Any advice? Sincerely, Kate
My mom and grandma both worked in the hayfield on the ranch and used a similar machine, but pulled by a tractor, not a horse. They tell me they called it the scatter rake. Now giant tractors make giant round bales.
Great photo! Thanks for the link – I enjoyed it.
wow!! things sure are differant
Actually, this photo makes farm chores look sort of fun, but it really does seem dangerous!
Intriguing to see how things used to be done.
Nice horsey blog, by the way! Hope you will stop in and see mine too: THE MANE POINT, a haven for horse lovers.
Blessings,
Linda
http://themanepoint.blogspot.com