In the mid 1930s a number of the local newspapers, especially in the north-east, reported the erection of new threshing mills on a number of farms as farmers up dated their machinery or moved from using the travelling threshing mill to their own ones.
The erection of this plant was a significant occasion. It marked the introduction of new technology, a substantial investment into the farm and its activities as well as a change in the management of the processing of the grain crop. Farms generally marked this occasion with a social event in which neighbours and others were invited to partake in food and drink, and a congenial evening of activities. They also got to see the new mill at work. The feeding of the first sheaf into the mill was at some farms seen to be an important event. That task was sometimes given to a special member on the farm; it could be a long-standing farm servant or a past tenant.
The accounts in the newspapers provide varying amounts of information about the new mills. Sometimes they record the names of the maker of the mill and the mode of power for the mill (water, engine or tractor).
The following are short accounts from newspapers that record the introduction of new threshing mills onto farms in the east of Scotland:
“Arbroath farm new plant
Mr Gordon Glennie, Mains of Letham Arbroath, has had installed by Messrs Craig, Idvies, a new threshing mill, high speed drum screen, and chaff blast.
The first sheaf was put into the new mill by Mrs Glennie in presence of a number of friends. The new plant is driven by oil engine.” (from Dundee courier, 11 November 1935)
“Knock installation
Messrs Wright Bros., millwrights, Boyne Mills, Portsoy, have installed at the farm of Mains of Raemore, Knock, Rothiemay, occupied by Mr William Adam, farmer, a new threshing mill, with semi high speed drum, driven by a six-horse power Lister Diesel engine. This mill was on view and seen working at the Highland and Agricultural Show at Aberdeen in June.” (from Aberdeen press and journal, 8 November 1935)
“Opening ceremony
Mr John Cunningham, Powguild Farm, has had installed by Messrs R. G. Garvie & Sons, Aberdeen, a new threshing mill, high speed drum screen, straw and grain conveyors. The plant is electrically driven, and in presence of a number of friends. Mr David fair, who was tenant of the farm 50 years ago, put through the first load. After this “ceremony” had been duly performed, the party were entertained in the farm house by Mr and Mrs Cunningham, and a few pleasant hours were spent in reminiscent mood. Mr Fair was duly thanked for the part he had taken, and the health and prosperity of Mr and Mrs Cunningham was ably toasted.
(from Fife free press, 23 November 1935)
“Monquhidder installation
Mr Alexander Walker, farmer, Wellside, Balthangie, Monquhitter, has just installed a new threshing mill, twenty seven inch drum, and fitted with the latest improvements in grain-dressing machinery, and driven by a Petter Junior oil engine of 5hp. The mill is designed to deliver the grain in the loft at right angles to the mill. The mill is the work of Mr W. Wilson, millwright, Maud.”
(Aberdeen press and journal, 2 June 1936)
“Mr Wm Winter, Tigerton, Menmuir, has installed a new threshing mill. The machine which was started on Tuesday afternoon, is of the latest pattern, and made an excellent job of dressing the grain.”
(Brechin advertiser, 19 October 1937)
