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This Dell Rapids farm, ca. 1918 had five barns, a large house and a windmill. The field has been cut and shocked. The bundles are waiting to be threshed.

• Throwback Thursday

he Family Popcorn Sheller is a small (2 ¼ inches X 2 ¼ inches) clamshell style sheller hinged on one side with teeth on the inside for ripping kernels off the cob. To shell popcorn with this device, the dried corn cob is placed into the teeth and the panels squeezed together. Then by twisting each hand in the opposite direction the loose kernels are then collected in a box or a bowl, ready for popping.

• What's New Wednesday

This cowboy is ready to go to work in his hat, high boots, and spurs while his horse is saddled and carrying the lariat.

• Throwback Thursday

In the west country of England, cider was a way of life in farming communities. Cider was made on individual farms and kept in 100-gallon kegs. It was drunk from traditional cider mugs that had one to three handles. The extra handle was for passing to mug to another drinker.

• What's New Wednesday

Merry Christmas! This J.G. Hutton photograph, ca. 1895-1910, shows a tree decorated with glass, paper and cloth ornaments and garlands along with children waiting for Santa's visit.

• Throwback Thursday

Any child in the early 20th century would have been excited to see their very own pony cart under the Christmas tree.  This dapple pedal pony has leather ears, glass eyes, and a tail made from horsehair.

• What's New Wednesday

During his many trips abroad as a plant explorer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Dakota State College professor N.E. Hansen sent back these tail-less sheep for James Wilson, an animal science professor.

• Throwback Thursday

This sheet steel poultry feeder was manufactured in Sioux City, IA by the Tweet-Bernard Company. The red and yellow silk-screened advertisement on the side is for H -N “Nick Chick” Leghorn layer chickens.

• What's New Wednesday

This photograph of peacefully grazing Holsteins was taken by A. W. Tompkins, Hamlin County Agent, 1919-1924.

• Throwback Thursday

Darning is a sewing technique for making smooth repairs in fabric or knitting where patching would be impractical, such as in the heel or toe of a sock. Darning eggs, like the one pictured, helped hold the shape of the fabric for the repair process.

• What's New Wednesday