| Early
1920's Thrashing scene at St John. At least two thrashing machine's
were owned and operated by Mr Richard (slightly right of centre with check
waistcoat and tie) of La Grande Maison near Haute Croix. At the time
this photo was taken power for the machine would have been provided by steam.
At the extreme left with the full set of whiskers is my Great Grandfather,
seated end of the second row on the right holding the oil can is my Grandfather.
The machines were operated after the W.W.II powered by a French Societe
Francais Tractor of very similar design to the British Field Marshall. The
advent of combine harvesters arriving in the island in the 1950's put and
end to what was very hard and dusty work, but a great way of maintaining
excellent community spirit. |
