Object Record
Images
Metadata
Collection |
Waterloo Region Museum |
Object ID |
1946.004.001 |
Object Name |
Treadmill, Animal |
Description |
This is a wooden treadmill which runs on metal wheels. Fence-like slat railings enclose the dog which would walk on the tracks of the treadmill. Lower end is open, upper end and sides are fenced off. There is a large metal flywheel at one end which turns as the mill goes. It is stained brown, with remnants of dark green pinstriping. Remnants of stencilled lettering are on a side rail below the walking surface of the track: ADJUSTING TRACK. The card says this kind of dog-powered treadle would have been attached to a butter churn, fanning mill, etc. |
Date |
c. 1881 |
Dimensions |
H-114 W-63 L-168 cm |
History |
Rita Stolz-Witmer gave further information. Mrs. Stolz, then Rita Kurt, can remember her mother preparing the butter churn, which was a barrel type with a pulley. She filled the churn with cream and fastened the lid securely. She then called the collie dog and placed him into the treadle. A dog collar kept him on the treadle and occasionally he was offered food or drink during the churning process. A belt and pulley were used to operate the device. Butter churning was done weekly for family use and surplus sold at the local market. |
People |
Kurt, Albert C. Stolz-Witmer (Kurt), Rita Kurt, Rita |