File:Idaho National Harvester Combine, 1909 - Moscow, Idaho (34701120450).jpg

IDAHO NATIONAL HARVESTER COMBINE AT WORK NEAR MOSCOW, IDAHO

Date: 1909 Source Type: Postcard Printer, Publisher, Photographer: Sherfey Book Store, Albert Hahn Company Postmark: August 11, 1909, Moscow, Idaho Collection: Steven R. Shook Remark: Prior to the introduction of combines in the Palouse region of the United States, wheat farmers had the reap, thresh, and finally winnow their crop, which was an extremely labor-intensive process that ate into the farmers' margins. The earliest combines, which involved all three steps, were heavy 9 to 11 ton machines often pulled by teams of as many as 44 horses.

The Anderson Quesnell Combine was unique in that the combine was lightweight, just over one ton, and was pushed through the wheat field by as few as two horses. Operation of the combine only required two individuals as well. Given that the combine was pushed rather than pulled through the wheat field, loss of grain caused by horses tramping down the wheat stalks was substantially reduced - thus higher yields.

Andrew Anderson and Cornelius Quesnell were blacksmiths in Moscow, Latah County, Idaho, and they developed the lightweight, push-style combine, which was commonly referred to as the Little Idaho. The Anderson and Quesnell manufacturing venture was funded by Gainford "Gub" Mix, a Moscow farming implement dealer, and Mix's brother-in-law, Jerome James Day, whose wealth was derived from mining operations in northern Idaho.

The combine shown in this image was produced in Moscow, Idaho, between 1905 and 1917, by the Idaho National Harvester Company. Between 1905 and 1909, the combine was manufactured at 810 South Main Street. This manufacturing site is now [2017] occupied by Gritman Therapy Solutions, a block south of Gritman Hospital. Between 1910 and 1917, the combine was produced on the north end of Moscow at 411 North Main Street, which today is the site of Rosauers Supermarket.