This drawing of a specialized farming tool from the early 1900s comes from an advertisement or catalogue put forth by a Hanover firm. Background posts: Who will lead York County in the future?, Going to market a longtime York County pastime and York County farm vs. factory tension relieved in overnight raid.
One hundred years ago, local farmers cared when their horses complained about sore necks.
And they dealt with that problem by treating tongues.
Really... .
A market developed for the likes of the Acme Tongue Carrier, advertised to "Relieve Your Horses From Sore Necks."
The tongues in question referred to the piece of wood protruding from the front axles of wagons that horses pulled on.
Apparently, the weight of that tongue and the wagon could place undue strain on the necks of horses.
And it was billed to save wear and tear on binders, mowers and corn harvesters.
The tongue rode on two springs, thereby relieving the "jar on machines."
And it was adjustable to cut any height of stubble.
The Codorus Valley Area Historical Society featured the Hanover-made farm implement accessory in its "Codorus Valley Chronicles" in September.
It's a reminder that as specialized as the world is now, rural Americans were experimenting with niche gadgets to ease workload decades ago.
The society asked in The Chronicles: "Is there one still in existence today?"
Anyone have an answer?
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