A tradition associated with north-east Scotland is the “on set” or the “on put” of new threshing mills and barn equipment. When a new threshing mill and barn equipment were installed and ready to be started a farmer invited neighbours and friends (and other agriculturists) to celebrate the start of the mill. Sometimes this involved an intense trial or test of it; it could also be just set in motion and run. Afterwards the party – which was sometimes large in number – were invited to the farmhouse for a meal or a celebratory drink. There was singing, music-making, storytelling, playing cards as well as discussions. In some cases dances were arranged for the young members of the farming community. Toasts were given, for example to the farming family, the mill and its makers and those installing it. There were also ones for the prosperity of the farm and future harvests.
The tradition appears to have started in the area by the 1860s. It became more commonplace by the 1890s when oil engines were becoming available to power barn machinery. There are frequent references to in the local newspapers. These usually stated that an event was held, the name of the farmer where it took place, the names of the hosts, who was invited (along with names), the names of the makers of the mill and any key specifications, the trial and its outcome. It also noted the hospitality provided, including some of the toasts.
These accounts show the importance of having a new mill installed on a farm and the investment that was made in having new technology. In some instances a new mill replaced an older one that had been in place for over half a century. In others, this was one that had burned down (there were a surprising number of new mills that were destroyed by fire, even after a few months).
The following newspaper articles give a flavour of this tradition and its importance to the farms and farming communities in the north-east.
“Improved thrashing machine (Arbroath guide, 18 December 1880)
On Thursday evening, Mr Hutcheon, farmer, Newbigging, entertained a number of farmers and others to supper on the occasion of the start of his new thrashing mill. The machine was put in motion in presence of the company, and thrashed two stacks of corn. The work was done with great speed, and in a thoroughly successful manner. The mill was made by Messrs J. and G. Fitchet, millwrights and engineers, Gighty Burn, and is termed a rubber drum. It is fitted with a. travelling frame and cloth, which carries the straw to, and finally deposits it in, any part of the barn.”
“Renovation of Berryhill Steading (from Dundee advertiser, 24 November 1891)
It will be remembered that a disastrous fire occurred at Berryhill, tenanted by Mr Alexander Anderson, last April, by which the greater part of the steading was destroyed. The farm buildings have now been renovated, and, thanks to the landlord, Sir Patrick Keith Murray of Ochertyre, the work has been executed on the most approved principles. The byres and stables are models of adaptability and comfort for the animals housed there. The new threshing machinery forms an important part of the new arrangements; the mill, which is of substantial build, is on an improved light-draught principle, and the dressing part of the machine is a new design with three sets of riddles, and works splendidly, delivering the grain from an oscillating spout elevated above the floor. The mill was started on Friday, and its working was admired by all who saw it. One point specially noted was the small amount of water required for motive power. In connection with the completion of the steading and the starting of the mill, Mr and Mrs Anderson entertained the tradesmen and other friends, to the number of 50, to supper in the new granary on Friday. After supper, Mr James Steele, Dundee, proposed “Health and Prosperity to Mr and Mrs Anderson”, remarking that their popularity in the district was as well-deserved as their kindness was proverbial. Mr Thomas Smith, Mains of Fowlis, proposed “Prosperity to the makers of the mill, Messrs David Steele & Son”. Mr Anderson proposed “Sir Patrick Keith Murray, the proprietor”, and it was owing to his generosity that he had been enabled to get such a first-class steading and threshing-mill. Other toasts followed, after which a dance was enjoyed.”
“New threshing plant (Arbroath herald, 11 March 1910)
New threshing plant at Montquhir was formally started on Friday afternoon, and the plant was found satisfactory. The engine, 14hp, was made by Messrs A. Shanks & Son, Ltd, and the threshing machine, which is fitted with a 3ft 9 in drum, and is capable of bagging the grain ready for the market, was made by Messrs G. & F. Fitchett. After witnessing the plant thoroughly tested, about 70 ladies and gentlemen were entertained to a hearty tea by Mr John Gibb, the tenant. The Rev J. Gordon Lyon presided. After tea the usual toasts were proposed. The young folks afterwards engaged in dancing.”
“Durris (Stonehaven journal, 15 September 1910)
New threshing mill
On Saturday afternoon Mr Malcolm Westerton, inaugurated a fine new high speed finishing mill by threshing a quantity of oats, in the presence of many of the influential farmers in the west-end of Durris and a number of friends from a distance. The machine is an excellent worker, threshing rapidly and making a clean, tidy job. It reflects great credit on Mr Shepherd, Spyhill, who built and planned it, At the close of the demonstration Mrs D. Coutts entertained the company to tea, when a very pleasant evening was spent.”
“Rathen (Buchan observer and east Aberdeenshire advertiser, 6 January 1920)
On the invitation of Mr Elphinston, Muckle Rathen, a few friends and neighbours witnessed the trial of a new threshing plant having all the latest improvements. The mill is by Mr Crichton, engineer, Strichen, and is driven by a Shanks engine supplied by the same firm. It gave the greatest satisfaction. Afterwards the company were entertained by Mr and Mrs Elphinstone, and a very pleasant evening was spent, the health of Mr and Mrs Elphinstone and family was proposed by Mr Lorimer. Mr I. Gammie proposed the health of Mr Crichton, and success to the new mill. Gramophone selections were given by Miss Madge Elphinstone; a song by Mr Lorimer; and a piano selection by Mr Birnie, Stonehouse; and Mr Samuel Fraser, Lakeside.”
