Blowing in the Wind

Near Clinton, Iowa is this industrial plant on the southwest side of town. I don't know if it is a power plant or manufacturing facility. At this time of year, grey clouds, stiff winds and leafless trees reinforce winter's grip on the Midwest. Spring comes on March 20. We shall see.

Horse Drawn Mower Now Garden Art

I found this McCormick-Deering in a flower garden at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in DeWitt, Iowa.

These implements were designed as horse drawn mowers of hay or other grassy crops. At the base of the seat is a plate that displays MB 1475, perhaps the model number designation. This model was most likely built from 1914 to 1934.

Many times these types of mowers are found in similar garden settings or as outdoor decor for rural homes or barns. The perforated seats, as well as those metal seats found on tractors are highly collectable items in midwestern markets. Seats are treated as-is or painted with barn scenes and generally hung as wall art.