The Model Baler with Horses
The legend of the Model Baler and Horses starts back when Mike Knepper purchases the blueprints to make hay baler models. That would be used for teaching demonstrations or taken to shows. Using the blueprints, Michael Jay Miller completed 90 % of the build on 3 balers with Jay Hemminger supplying the metal as his contribution. During the process, however, it was discovered the blueprints were incomplete! Thankfully, they were able to figure out that a pump jack was needed to complete the baler.
Over 100 man-hours were invested into completing each project.
The balers were built using the blueprints supplied and every part was made from scratch.
The Hemminger baler was completed by Ed Sipe and Larry Hemminger. They received the 90% completed baler from Michael Jay Miller. Ed overcame problems during the project and continued to work towards its completion!
In present day, The Hemminger Baler is a reddish color with the International Harvester logo added to its side.
The Hemminger Baler also has a unique feature not many people include with their demonstrations . . .
Add horses, for completeness sake!
While building The Hemminger Baler, Ed and Larry decided to add horses and a tumble shaft. This addition makes a more complete demonstration to how balers would have been used under horse power. The horses were cut out by Larry and Ed and were then hand painted by the Amish of Lancaster, PA. These horses then were added as a part of the demonstration of a baler in action!
All these men gave their time and talent to make and educational tool to explain farming for the next generation! They decided to share it with the people of Somerset County, Pennsylvania at different events including: Chickentown Gas and Steam Show, Maple City Tractor Show, Stoystown Lions Tractor Festival, and New Centerville Farmers and Thershermens Jubilee! If you visit these events, stop by and say hello to Larry, Ronnie, Dave, and Terry!