Allis-Chalmers

Snap-Coupler Hitch System

In the 1940s and 1950s farm equipment manufacturers began designing brand specific hitching systems that allowed implements to be mounted directly to the tractor for transporting.  Allis-Chalmers developed a hitching mechanism it trademarked Snap-Coupler. The system was as simple as backing the tractor up to the tongue of the implement until the large hook mounted… Continue reading Snap-Coupler Hitch System

Civil Defense, Projects

Take Cover Neenah! My First History Exhibit Project

As May approaches the opening day of Take Cover Neenah! exhibit at the Neenah Historical Society gets closer! It has been a great opportunity to work with fellow historians to assemble an amazing exhibit about Cold War history in the United State and in Neenah, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Humanities Council awarded a grant to the historical society to help fund the… Continue reading Take Cover Neenah! My First History Exhibit Project

Allis-Chalmers

Pride of Machinery Hall

The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition was a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World, and the achievement of a city. Countries all over the world, businesses across the United States, and inventions were among the featured showcases at the exposition. Among the showcased industrial firms was the Edward P. Allis Company of Milwaukee,… Continue reading Pride of Machinery Hall

Allis-Chalmers

Roto-Baler Serial Numbers & Production

For those of you who own a Roto-Baler, do you want to know what year your machine was made? First, you need to locate the serial number on your baler. If you have a manual for the machine, it tells you where to find the number. For those of you who don't have the manual,… Continue reading Roto-Baler Serial Numbers & Production

Allis-Chalmers

Roto-Baler Safety

The Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler is arguably one of the most complex farm machines ever devised. The machine was ahead of its time, and the company advertised it as the "turning point in hay history." Although the Roto-Baler was a revolutionary farm machine in its day, there were and still are dangers in operating this baler. I… Continue reading Roto-Baler Safety

Allis-Chalmers

How To Run Your Roto-Baler

If you would have bought an Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler back in the day, you would need something to understand how the machine worked. The buyer would have received his operator’s manual, but I am not sure of the circumstances a buyer would have received this small booklet. This booklet has some information about the Roto-Baler setup… Continue reading How To Run Your Roto-Baler

Civil Defense, History

Mapping Wisconsin Shelters

I have been working on a history project that I hope will get some of my fellow Wisconsinites involved in. I started a page on Facebook that is geared towards the Wisconsin experience of the Cold War. There are publications and scholarly works done on the Cold War, but I would like to hear the first-hand stories… Continue reading Mapping Wisconsin Shelters