The name Topeka is a Kansa-Osage sentence that means "place where we dug potatoes", or "a good place to dig potatoes", according to: Kids.Kiddle.Co
I’ve heard the fact for years that Topeka translates as “a good place to dig potatoes”, but I learned only today that the mechanical potato harvester was invented by Kansan B.H. Pugh. On December 8, 1908 Mr. Pugh submitted plans to the United States Patent Office, patent 905.921 for his potato harvester. https://patents.google.com/patent/US905921
Here follows Mr. Pugh's description of the machine:
“A machine for the purpose described, comprising a wheel-supported frame, a transverse conveyor carried by the frame and arranged to convey vines and potatoes upward and rearward, an endless longitudinally disposed vine conveyor arranged to receive potatoes and vines from the apron; the said vine conveyor surrounding the transverse conveyor and having interstices sufficiently large to permit potatoes to freely drop through it, a cross-bar fixed with respect to the frame and arranged under and adjacent to the upper stretch of the vine conveyor at a point near the forward end of said stretch, and transverse series of longitudinally disposed tangs fixed to and extending rearward from said bar and forming a grate arranged close to the underside of the upper stretch of the vine conveyor and having their rear portions inclined downward and rearward, and forming a chute for facilitating the passage of potatoes to the transverse conveyor.
In testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses: BURTON H. PUGH
Witnesses:HARRY J. BOWEN W.H. TAYLOR”
Now that is a description in detail. Ikea pales in comparison.
The pictures of this fantastical machine are mind-boggling, at least for me. What incredible planning and creative effort Mr. Pugh invested in his potato harvester!
In honor of Mr. Pugh, we are enjoying homemade potato salad. The potatoes were supplied by a subscription to the M. Young Family Farm and Truck Garden. Not sure how Youngs dig their potatoes, but the potatoes are certainly delicious!
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