This Hay Press is a "Native Son" of California
June 24, 1933
Newspaper clipping
Publisher unknown

Private Collection
Harvard, IL

From the Julsen Collection

"Artist E. A. Burbank of Imola, California, has sketched beautifuIly the old wooden hay press which may be seen at Sutter Fort, Sacramento. The press was made in 1868 by A. J. Weldon on his ranch near Quincy, Plumas county. History records that Sam Darithy and a Mr. Dahlberg helped him. The press was a great success. Bales of hay weighing 100 to 165 pounds were made, the power being applied by hitching a horse or mule to the end of the sweep. The hay was mostly marketed at the mines at Virginia City, being transported by a bale hung on each side of an animal. In 1877 the press was sold to George Penman near Spring Garden, Plumes county, and was later moved to Mohawk Valley and used there. A few years ago it was sent to Sutter Fort. The wood in the press has stood up amazingly well, especially the wooden worm."

See also Oil