A 5"x7" acetate negative, photograph of a Barker Weeder, manufactured in David City, Nebraska. A tiller with metal tines, large metal wheel in front, wooden handle.
Thorpe Opera House Foundation/Boston Studio Project
Local Accession Number
0BB00780002
Source
Original format: 5"x7" acetate negative from the Boston Studio Project collection.
Historical Notes
The Barker Weeder was invented by C.I.J. Barker, who came to David City in 1880. The Barker Manufacturing Company operated in David City for about 55 years. John Zentz, an early company salesman, sold three railroad cars of Barker Weeders to the Leonard Seed Co., of Chicago, which helped launch the Barker Weeder to a broader public market. In 1907, John F. Zeilinger acquired the company and developed markets nationwide and abroad. At the height of production, the weeder was produced in five different sizes. The company closed in the mid 1950's.
