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Shoe lasts are the mold upon which a shoe is constructed. This last is made of cast iron and the foot piece is removable and can be lifted off and turned to make the opposite shoe.

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This image by Charles Graham and a short article appeared in the magazine Harper’s Weekly on January 16, 1886. The article titled “Banking Up for Winter” talks about the frigid weather that frequents the northern plains.

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June is National Dairy Month. Time to enjoy your favorite dairy treat! Prior to electricity arriving on farms, the twice daily chore of milking was done by hand. Most milking stools are three legged so that the person milking the cow could lean forward and not fall over, plus 3 legs are more stable on uneven ground than 4 legs. Often farmers would create their own milking stool from found materials such as tractor seats, milk can lids, table legs, porch pillars, tree branches, or planks. With the advent of dairy sanitation regulations farmers were able to earn Grade A rating, thus receiving higher payments for their milk and cream. With the new sanitation rules, wooden milking stools became a thing of the past. Metal milking stools became available and were easier to keep clean. Mechanical milking devices came with electricity and hand milking too became a relic of history.    

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This Snow knocker hammer has a wooden handle and an iron head with a flat face on one side and a long 5 1/4 inches spike on the other and was homemade. Hammers like this one are used to clean ice out of horse hooves. As horses walk through snow, some of it sticks under their hoof and gets compressed into ice every time they take a step. Removing the ice mass helps the horses balance and prevents injury. The sharp tip was used to pick under the ice mass and the flat hammer head was hit with another hammer to chisel the ice out. This was often done before bringing a horse into a stable or other indoor area to prevent injuries to the horse from tripping or slipping on a slippery surface. Removing the ice build up also keeps the horse from slipping when going up a hill.

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Arm bands are worn by the Little International Exposition participants when showing ��ֱ����s. The judges use the numbers to track and identify the participants for awarding points.

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Uranium glass caster sets added to dining tables, as holders of condiments.

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This handheld typewriter got the job done on projects big and small (as long as you had enough patience).

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The fun and sport of plowing snow! Harper’s Weekly published this picture in its Jan. 16, 1897, issue.

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The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Columbus landing in the new world. The international exposition promoted the achievements of the nations. Forty-six nations were represented at the Exposition. Introducing people to many modern marvels, the World’s Columbian Exposition was the ‘fair that changed America.” Fair attendees were introduced to elevators, zippers, the Ferris wheel, a mechanical dishwasher, chili, hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, and brownies. The fair popularized the use of electricity, electrical lighting, and electrical devices.

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Separating cows from calves is called weaning. Even though weaning is a stressful event, it helps the calf mature and gets them ready for a grain-based diet while allowing the cow to rest and regain energy for the new calf she may already be carrying.

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A fun spin on the classic game of checkers! John Schulz of Brookings came up with this novel Idea to combine Checkers with rolling the dice.

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WWII had an effect on the entire country from the troops that left to go overseas to the way food was produced. The SD State Fair was no exception. The 1944 South ��ֱ���� State Victory Fair reminded people to do their part for Victory.

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Darning is a sewing technique for making smooth repairs in fabric or knitting where patching would be impractical, such as in the heel or toe of a sock. Darning eggs, like the one pictured, helped hold the shape of the fabric for the repair process.

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School students today use computers, paper, and pens or pencils to complete their schoolwork. However, in the Mid-19th century school life was much more different.

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In late spring on the open range, ewes give birth outside when the weather is warmer with very little assistance. Depending on the terrain of the ranch, a shepherd will move the flock to a winter pasture that has a lot of natural coverage such as sagebrush or rocky out coves.

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