The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THRASHING TIME

FARMERS WOULD JOIN IN A GROUP WHERE ONE OWNED A THRASHING MACHINE.
THEY WOULD GO FROM FARMER TO FARMER TO THRASH HIS GRAIN.
THIS WOULD TAKE TWO TO THREE WEEKS.
AT WHATEVER FARMER'S HOME THEY WERE WORKING AT MEAL TIME THEY WERE
FED. ON BENCHES OUTDOORS WERE PLACED BASINS, CLEAN TOWELS, SOAP
AND PAILS OF CLEAN WATER. THE MEN CAME IN FROM THE FIELD, WASHED
AND CAME IN TO EAT. THE TABLE WAS SET FOR ABOUT TWELVE AND WAS
LOADED WITH FOOD. THE TABLE WAS CLEARED AND SET AGAIN. THERE WERE
ABOUT 21 TO 25 MEN TO FEED.

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Keyword(s): THRASHING FARMING

Date learned: 07-00-1964