Californian hay lift

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[065]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 150 x 200 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white view of recently harvested land with central stack of hay. Men stand on stack, and there is a an overshot stacker in use. The title of the image is 'Californian hay lift'.HistoryThe hay lift was also known as the 'overshot stacker' or 'hay stacker'. Hay was placed on the fork of the lift by a 'buck rake', horses then pulled on the cables and the hay was lifted overhead and dropped on the stack. The shape and style of stack varied with conditions. In California, stacks were usually square and flat topped which suited areas of low rainfall.SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.