A Field Trial South of Sandwich in 1883

                                                             Thanks  to Gary Moss for the above  picture of the Reliance binder

                                                                                           

The following article from the Sandwich Argus in 1883 tells us about a Sandwich farmer that was  testing 2 different binders to see which one would  better suit his needs. Julius Hummel, of Sandwich, owned a large business that sold farm implements, musical instruments, carriages,  Sandwich sewing machines, plus much more.  Mr.  Hummel supplied both binders for this test.  

Mr. A. Otto, living on a farm one mile south of Sandwich was interested in purchasing a self binder. He wanted to see the Sandwich Reliance binder and the Dennett binder at work, agreeing to purchase the machine that did the best work regardless of the price. The Reliance was priced at $80 more than the Dennett machine. So, on Saturday afternoon last, both machines were on hand. Mr. Otto drove both machines with his own team. The oats were heavy and badly lodged in places. He used the Dennett machine for two rounds, but it choked up badly numerous times. The Reliance made it's two rounds without a choke. On the second round a reel slat broke and and a bolt was loose so that the binder rebounded a few bundles, but was soon fixed and it worked like a charm. Mr. Otto was then asked if he was satisfied to make a choice. He said that he was, and he commented that with all the work done, draft and all points considered, he would take the Reliance. Then up went up three cheers for the victor! The Sandwich Reliance fears no competition or grain that grows, say nothing of those that bark at her.  I sold three machines in this week, August Otto, Andrew Gilchrist, and C. H. Christian.

J. M. Hummel

    

2 Hay Loader Patents - Hartman and Otto

 Charles Hartman of Sandwich was an employee of Sandwich Manufacturing Company for many years.  In 1919 he applied for a patent for improvements to a hay loader. His patent mentions a machine that was  originally patented by August Otto Jr in 1914, and we will provide a link to that patent also.  This picture was taken many years later,  Mr. Hartman is in the front row, sitting on the barrel. 

Below is a link to each patent, containing all the verbiage and illustrations

Hartman Patent

Otto Patent

Early Engines

I received these pictures a few days ago from a long time friend. These early engines are in excellent original condition  and I thought I’d share them with you.  The lettering and pin striping is exceptional. Fine examples!  

 

Front Page News

 It's nice to see a Sandwich sheller on the front page, even though there is no accompanying story anywhere in this newspaper.  

By the 1890's corn was taking over in many states as the primary grain grown in many Northwestern states, replacing the ever precarious wheat crops.  During this transition, Sandwich Manufacturing was carefully following the changing and growing requirements of the various corn producing states. As fast as new regions became ready, Sandwich was  ready with machinery fully suited to the needs and requirements of these farmers. They had branch houses in key locations in many states, stocked and ready to supply the growing demand for reliable equipment. By the 1890's, Sandwich had been making the celebrated Sandwich - Adams shellers with unparalleled success.  

2 Letterheads from 1878

 Here are two fine examples of Letterheads from Sandwich Manufacturing Company. From the collection of Chris Phillips, thanks for allowing me to share these!

g us to share these two items!

Picture Day at Sandwich Manufacturing Co.

  I'm not sure what the occasion was for this picture, but it's certainly worthy of display.

photo courtesy of the Sandwich Historical Society

Here is a picture of  the office building today

Sandwich Manufacturing in 1885

Map of the  Northwest portion of Sandwich showing the Sandwich Manufacturing Company as it appeared in 1885.  It would continue to grow, and a 1913 newspaper article tells us it  covered  14 acres on this site, and also a five acre lumber storage yard on the East side of town