Reaping and binding wheat at Hermitage State Farm

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[074]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 96 x 140 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

reaping machines

DescriptionA black and white image of a large wheat field in the process of being harvested by a horse drawn harvester. The title of the image is 'Reaping & binding wheat at Hermitage State Farm'. HistoryThe Hermitage State Farm was a government initiative founded in 1897, 6 kilometres east of Warwick on the Darling Downs in Queensland. It was one of a number of experimental farms established to both assist early settlers in agricultural techniques and to experiment with crop varieties and farming methods that would help commercial production. The Hermitage farm started with an initial 170 hectares and trialled both livestock and crops including wheat, grasses and fruit. 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.