Museum Items List

6000 BC - 6000 BC

Irrigation began at about the same time in Egypt and Mesopotamia (present day Iraq and Iran) using the water of the flooding Nile or Tigris/Euphrates rivers. The flood waters, which occurred July through December, were diverted to fields for 40 to 60 days. The water was then drained back into the river at the right moment in the growing cycle.
3500 BC - Nilometer

The annual flood season along the Nile was unpredictable without records, so the Egyptians created a flood gauge called the Nilometer. The simplest design was a vertical column submerged in the river with marked intervals indicating the depth of the river. A second design was a flight of stairs leading into the river. The nilometer data was then used by the ancient Egyptian priesthood who mystically predicted when the flood would occur.
3100 BC - 3100 BC

The first major irrigation project was created under King Menes during Egypt’s First Dynasty. He and his successors used dams and canals (one measuring 20 km) to use the diverted flood waters of the Nile into a new lake called lake "Moeris."
2000 BC - Cement pipe
Romans
Cross-section of pipe made with cement and crushed rock by the Romans to carry water. Similar pipe was used a century ago to carry domestic water into the San Gabriel Valley of California.
1792 BC - 1792-1750 BC

Babylonian King Hammurabi; was the first to institute water regulations within his kingdom. This early code covered: A) The distribution of water proportionally based on the acres farmed. B) A farmer’s responsibilities in maintaining canals on his property. C) The collective administration of the canal by all users
1700 BC - Irrigation Shaduf

(Shadoof) A large pole balanced on a crossbeam, a rope and bucket on one end and a heavy counter weight at the other. By pulling the rope it lowered the bucket into a canal or river. The operator would then raise the full bucket of water by pushing down on the counter weight. The pole could be swung around and the bucket emptied in a field or different canal. This development enabled irrigation when a river wasn’t in flood which meant higher ground could be used for farming.
700 BC - Noria
Unknown
(Egyptian Water Wheel) A wheel with buckets or clay pots along its circumference, the wheel was turned by the current of the river. The flow filled buckets by immersion and as it rotated the upper buckets are emptied by gravity into a trough or aqueduct. The empty buckets then returned to be refilled. The Noria provided the ancient world with its first non-human operated lifting device.
604 BC - 604-562 BC

The "Hanging Gardens of Babylon," one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, were created under King Nebuchadnezzar in Mesopotamia. What is lost to history is how the gardens were watered although it is known they were irrigated.
550 BC - Qanat

(Kareze in Mesopotamia) The development of this technique allowed the use of ground water to become the primary source for crop irrigation. A Qanat was built by first digging a vertical well into sloping ground. Once the well was completed a tunnel was dug nearly horizontal to the lower end of the well. The natural slope would allow well water to travel by gravity down the tunnel and emerge some distance down slope from the well. Construction of Qanats was labor intensive and vertical openings were placed every 20-30 meters to allow the tunnel diggers to breathe and to remove the debris from the tunnel. Once the tunnel was completed, the area had a constant source of water. Qanats are still in use today and at least 20,000 still operate from China to Morocco.
500 BC - Sakia

(Persian Water Wheel) The first use of what is now called a pump. This device was an endless series of pots on a rope which ran over two pulleys. The oxen-powered device powered a cogged wheel allowing the pots to enter the water supply, fill and then be raised and emptied. The Sakia was similar to the Noria except that it was powered by an external force rather than the flow of the river’s current.
250 BC - Tambour

While visiting Egypt the Greek scholar Archimedes created this device which consisted of a screw inside a hollow tube. The screw was turned and as the bottom end of the screw rotated, it scooped up water. The water traveled up the length of the screw until it poured out the top of the tube. Today the principal is used in transporting granular materials such as plastic granules used in injection molding and in moving cereal grains.
500 - Windmills

When the first use of a windmill occurred is unknown, although drawings of a water pumping windmill from Persia (current day Iran) exist. This design had vertical sails made of bundles of reeds or wood which attached to a central vertical shaft.
1800 - 1800 AD

Irrigated acreage worldwide reaches 19,760,000 acres. This compares with an estimated 600,000,000 acres today.
1870 - Irrigation Furrow / Canal

Hand digging an irrigation canal in Nebraska during the late 1800s.
1872 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This patent was issued to John Gibson, of San Francisco, California, USA on July 16, 1872. It is unknown if this sprinkler went into production.
1876 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This patent is by George Hiram Copping of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The patent date is July 18, 1876. The patent shows a unique way of deflecting the water as it comes out of a nozzle. It is unknown if it went into production.
1876 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This patent is from Rudolf Hug of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The patent date is January 11, 1876. The sprinkler looks very unique in how it sits on a base with multiple nozzles. It is unknown if it went into production.
1877 - Residential Hose Nozzle
Gem Manufacturing
This garden hose nozzle was first patented on Oct. 16, 1877, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. The later patent date was on June 2, 1885.
1877 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This patent is by William A. Kirby and Dick M. Kirby from Auburn, New York, USA. The patent date is December 4, 1877. It apears that the sprinkler is a nozzle that is attached to a steel nipple. It is unknown if it went into production.
1877 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This sprinkler was patented on March 20, 1877 by J. Stone Heacock from Buffalo, New York, USA. It appears to have an ornate cast iron base. It is unknown if it went into production.
1878 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
The patent for the lawn sprinkler that Rufus M. Merrill patented on July 9, 1878.
1878 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This sprinkler patent by Aaron S. Pennington and Eugene Beggs from Paterson, New Jersey, USA was patented on April 30,1878.
1879 - Irrigation Pioneer
Nelson Irrigation Company
This photo is of Mr. Lewen R. Nelson (1879-1967). The L. R. Nelson Manufacturing Company was started with a single hose coupling used for connecting or repairing garden hoses. Mr. Nelson created and patented the coupling and the rest is irrigation history. This type of hose coupling is still in use today and available worldwide. This photo of Mr. Nelson is courtesy of his grandson, Mr. Bart Nelson.
1880 - Surface Irrigation

Surface irrigation of a California orange grove in the late 1800s. This type of irrigation has been used for centuries throughout the world.
1881 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
The patent on this sprinkler was issued to Adolf Weber, Detroit, Michigan, USA on August 9, 1881. It is unknown if this sprinkler went into production.
1882 - Sprinkler / Garden Hose Reel
Patent
This patent from Samuel W. Martin, Springfield, Ohio, USA was issued on December 5, 1882. The patent shows a combination of a sprinkler and garden hose reel. The reel is for storing the hose when the watering is completed.
1884 - Street and Lawn Sprinkler
Patent
This patent was issued to Joseph Jungbluth, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA on May 20, 1884. It is unknown if the sprinkler went into production.
1889 - Lawn Irrigator
Patent
This patent was issued to William Wainwright, San Francisco, California, USA on November 5, 1889. Similar types of sprinklers went into production a few years later.
1890 - Residential Sprinkler
Ette & Henger Mfg.
This lawn sprinkler was made in St. Louis, Missouri on December 30, 1890 and patented on October 11, 1892.
1890 - Residential Sprinkler
Ette & Henger Mfg.
This version of the Ette & Henger Manufacturing sprinkler has an actual base. Both sprinklers from this company have the same outlet configuration on the top of the sprinkler.
1891 - Residential Sprinkler
American Ball Nozzle Co.
This sprinkler was made in 1891 in New York, USA.
1891 - Residential Sprinkler
Unknown
The manufacturer of this sprinkler is unknown, but it has a date of October 20, 1891. This residential sprinkler is a great example of a 'butterfly' sprinkler. This is still a popular style of sprinkler.
1893 - Post Card

Here's a post card featuring Horace Greely recommending the Enterprise Lawn Sprinkler to a couple of farmers.
1894 - Post Card
Boston Woven Hose & Rubber Company
This post card was sent to a customer ordering a Parasol Lawn Sprinkler.
1894 - Residential Sprinkler
Patent
This sprinkler patent was issued to John Dickens of New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA on April 3, 1894. The sprinkler did go into production soon after the patent was issued.
1896 - Garden Hose Nozzle
Patent
This patent by John J. Ledden of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, was issued on November 10, 1896. It is not known if it went into production.
1896 - Product Letter
The Hancock Inspirator Company
This letter was sent to a potential client in 1896. Maybe this is junk mail in the 19th century.
1897 - Sprinkler Patent
Joseph H. Smith
This patent from Joseph H. Smith, shows a new type of lawn sprinkler. The patent date is May 4, 1897.
1898 - Irrigation Canal
Unknown
Here's a great example of a irrigation canal flood gate in the southwestern part of the USA.
1898 - Sprinkler Patent
Joseph H. Smith
Here's another Joseph H. Smith sprinkler patent and this one is dated, March 22, 1898.
1899 - Residential Sprinkler

This residential sprinkler is a simple cast iron sprinkler with no moving parts. It was patented on Jan. 10, 1899. It was made in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
1901 - Residential Sprinkler
Yost Electric Manufacturing Company
This magazine advertisment shows the New Century Lawn Sprinkler. The cost in 1901 is only $2.00, that's a lot of money at the turn of the last century.
1903 - Canvas Irrigation Hose
Unknown
Distributing water from a 12-inch canvas hose in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA
1903 - Forestry & Irrigation Magazine
Forestry & Irrigation
This is the cover of Forestry & Irrigation Magazine from July 1903.
1903 - Irrigation Windmill

Windmill and water elevator on the Blue River, near Milford, Nebraska, USA.
1904 - Stereoview Photograph

This stereo photograph shows a Sakkiyeh in Egypt. This type of device has been used for centuries in many parts of the world.
1905 - Egyptian Shadoof
Made by Hand
This photo is a great example of a working shadoof.
1905 - Tambour
Unknown
Here's a great photo of an Archimedes Screw in use. This photo was taken in the early 1900's.
1906 - Product Brochure
E. C. Stearns & Company
This brochure is written in French and dates about 1906. The sprinklers were made in Syracuse, New York, USA.
1907 - Postcard

This postcard from 1907 shows furrow irrigation in a olive tree grove in California, USA.
1908 - African Shadouf
Unknown
This photo shows a shadouf on the edge of a river.
1908 - Dredge

Dredge #1 in Owens Valley, California, USA
1908 - Product Brochure

This product brochure explains the merits of the "Famous" Water Elevator. Mr. Henry Cole from Denver, Colorado, USA, won a diploma at the 28th Annual New Mexico Territorial Fair on Oct. 20, 1908. The "Famous" Water Elevator also was awarded medals at the National Irrigation Exposition in Pueblo, Colorado, USA in 1910.
1908 - Underground Turf Sprinklers
Unknown
This post card is dated 1908. Underground lawn sprinklers were only a few years old at the time. The picture is of the State Capitol building in Denver, Colorado, USA.
1909 - Whitney Siphon
Whitney
Whitney siphon - Saugus Division 1909
1910 - Dethridge Wheel
Dethridge
The wheel was invented by John Dethridge in Australia in 1910. Dethridge was then commissioner of the Victorian State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. The wheel consists of a drum around an axle with four spokes originating from each end of the axle. Eight v-shaped vanes are fixed to the outside of the drum which then spins. Wheels generally last for 15 to 20 years, and the axle is replaced every five years. The revolving wheel measures the flow of water from the irrigation supply channels into the farm channels. This provides the basis upon which irrigation farmers are charged for water.
1910 - Post Card
Unknown
This post card shows a irrigation canal in Williston, North Dakota, USA.
1910 - Post Card
Unknown
This post card shows an irrigation flume in Billings, Montana, USA in 1910.
1910 - Post Card

This post card is the official southwestern souvenir of the 16th National Irrigation Congress held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
1911 - Residential Sprinkler
Unknown
The manufacturer of this residential sprinkler is unknown. It is made of solid brass with an adjustable inner nozzle.
1912 - Irrigation Canal
Unknown
This post card shows irrigation canals in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
1912 - Residential Sprinkler
Thompson Manufacturing Company
This residential sprinkler was patented on December 12, 1912. The sprinkler will spray water at a 20' diameter with low water pressure.It was made by Thompson Manufacturing Company in Los Angeles, California, USA.
1913 - Control Gates
?
Control gates near intake of aqueduct, Los Angeles, California, USA in 1913.
1913 - Post Card
Unknown
This post card shows the new head gates of a irrigation canal near Reno, Nevada, USA, in October 1913. DERBY DIVERSION DAM On the Truckee River 19 miles east of Sparks, Nevada National Register individual listing 4/26/1978 Incorporated in the Newlands Reclamation Thematic Resources Nomination 3/25/1981. The Derby Diversion Dam holds the distinction of being assigned the first design specification issued by the Bureau of Reclamation. The dam is among the original features of the Newlands Project, one of the first five projects authorized and built under the Reclamation Act of 1902. With passage of the act, the Federal government assumed a major role in designing and constructing large-scale irrigation projects throughout the West. Derby Diversion Dam is part of the network of water storage, diversion, and conveyance structures that provides water for irrigating about 73,000 acres of farmland in an area that receives less than 4.5 inches of annual precipitation. Completed in 1905, Derby Diversion Dam consists of a gated concrete structure spanning the Truckee River and an earthen embankment extending from the north abutment for nearly 1,200 feet.
1913 - Residential Sprinkler
Dayton Irrigation
A gear drive homeowner sprinkler with a patent date of Oct. 28, 1913, and manufactured by Dayton Irrigation, Dayton, Ohio, USA
1913 - Steam Powered Tractor
Unknown
This steam powered tractor was used in constructing irrigation channels in Australia in the year 1913.
1914 - Residential/Commercial Sprinkler
The Standard Stamping Company
Here is an ad from Hardware Age magazine in 1914. The ad is for the resale market of these type of sprinklers.
1916 - Residential/Commercial Sprinkler
John A. Brooks
John A. Brooks first invention entitled the "Lawn Sprinkler Means."
1918 - Irrigation Tractor

This machine made projectiles of ice and shot them into the soil. As far as we know, none were ever made and the patent is the only information that we have.
1918 - Post Card
Unknown
This post card shows an irrigation well and pump in Hereford, Texas, USA. The well produces 1200 gallons per minute.
1918 - Wooden Water Wheel
Unknown
This photo shows a wooden water wheel irrigating fruit trees in Washington State, USA
1919 - Product Brochure
Skinner Irrigation
This product brochure from Skinner Irrigation Company in Troy, Ohio, USA shows how easy modern irrigation in 1919 is used.
1920 - Irrigation Pump
Unknown
The thrill of seeing the first great gush of water from a newly developed well in the early 1900s. A massive flat belt, powered by an early oil engine, turned this deep-well, line-shaft vertical turbine pump.
1920 - Water Wheel
Unknown
This water wheel was used on the Sacramento River in Sacramento, Caliifornia, USA. The photo was taken about 1920 based on the clothing being worn.
1924 - Garden Hose Advertising
Marcus Iron Works
Here is a magazine ad from Hardware Age dated Aug. 21, 1924. It shows four items from Marcus Iron Works, Peoria, Illinois, USA.
1925 - Irrigation Pump
Caterpillar
The miracle of water flowing from below the ground. A 1925 Caterpillar powers a belt-driven vertical line-shaft turbine pump.
1925 - Photo

Here's a photo of a little boy playing with a sprinkler
1926 - Magazine Ad
H. L. Gee Manufacturing
This is an ad from Hardware World, August 1926. It shows how easy it is to water your lawn.
1927 - Post Card

This post card shows the Shoshone Irrigation Dam near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
1928 - John A. Brooks
John A. Brooks
The Brooks building, 14528 Second Avenue, Highland Park, Mich., was literally in the shadow of the smoke stacks of Henry Ford's Highland Park assembly plant where some 28 million Model T automobiles rolled off the line. Also at this time, a few miles down Second Avenue, the Durant (General Motors) building was just being built. Today, this is the world headquarters of General Motors.
1928 - Park Sprinklers
John Brooks Sprinkler Company
Officials activate the Central Park sprinklers for the first time. This is believed to be a John Brooks irrigation system.
1928 - Residential Sprinkler
Dayton Irrigation
A rotating wand sprinkler made in Dayton, Ohio, by Dayton Irrigation.
1928 - Shaduf in Sudan
Made by Hand
This photo shows a single shaduf in the Sudan.
1928 - Vertical Impact Sprinkler
Orr Manufacturing
This vertical impact sprinkler was used in agriculture.
1929 - Magazine Ad
L. R. Nelson Company
Here's a great color advertisment for the L. R. Nelson Company in Peoria, Illinois, USA.
1930 - Irrigation Shadouf

This photo shows a multi-level shadouf in Cairo, Eygpt around 1930.
1930 - Photo

This photo of two children playing in a sprinkler from September 1930. The sprinkler could be from a number of manufacturer's.
1930 - Post Card

Here's an example of a water wheel being used in Egypt and it's powered by a camel.
1930 - Side-wheel Roll Irrigation
Firestone Irrigation System
Harvey S. Firestone (right) describes the merits of the Firestone Irrigation System, forerunner of the side-wheel roll sprinkler system, to close friend Henry Ford in 1930. Firestone's portable irrigation system never made it to production.
1930 - What is it?
?
What is this thing?
1933 - Impact Sprinkler
Rain Bird
This is the first impact sprinkler from Rain Bird.
1935 - Agricultural/Residential/Commercial Sprinkler
White Showers
The White Shower sprinklers are an oscillating type of sprinkler. They are attached to the water source by a hose.
1935 - Flood Irrigation - Agriculture
Unknown
This photo is shows a farmer on his farm. He is opening the gate valve to provide water to his farm.
1935 - Golf Course Sprinkler
Buckner Irrigation
A golf course sprinkler made by Buckner Manufacturing in Fresno, California, USA, is mounted on a Thompson quick coupler valve.
1935 - Residential Sprinkler
W.D.Allen
A residential sprinkler, Rain King, Model D, made by W.D. Allen, Chicago, Illinois, USA
1935 - Residential/Commercial Sprinkler
Kraun Lawnspray
This sprinkler is a combination of cast iron and brass. As the water enters into the bottom of the sprinkler, the water goes through the stem to the gear assembly, which in turn drives the worm gear. This makes the curved nozzle outlets rotate back and forth.
1935 - U.S. Capitol Building
Unknown
This photo shows underground lawn sprinklers in use. The location is the United States of America Capitol Building in Washington D.C., USA
1938 - Frank Bauman Farm
White Showers
This picture was taken in 1938 at the Frank Bauman farm in Oakland, California, USA. The eight acres of strawberries were irrigated by both “White Showers” and "Perfection" sprinklers. The White Shower was an oscillating type of sprinkler and the Perfection, a rotating wand type were common in agriculture in the 1930's and 1940's. They were attached to the water source by a hose.
1938 - Impact Sprinkler
Skinner Irrigation
This impact sprinkler would be used on a stand or portable irrigation pipe.
1938 - Irrigation Pump
California Corrugated Culvert Company
This picture shows a PTO driven irrigation pump. This looks like a 6" pump intake.
1938 - Irrigation Pump
California Corrugated Culvert Company
This is a great picture showing a portable irrigation pump. It apears to be home made with a truck engine.
1938 - Portable Agriculture Irrigation
California Corrugated Culvert Company
This picture shows an above ground irrigation system in Oregon, USA. This type of irrigation is still in use today.
1940 - Gear Drive Assembly
Thompson Manufacturing Company
This device is a Thompson Irrigation salesman sample.
1940 - Hydraulic Valve
H. L. Gee Manufacturing
This hydraulic valve was made by H.L. Gee, Beverly Hills, California, USA.
1940 - Irrigation pump
Home-made
Farmer-made pumping unit supplied irrigation water to sprinklers on a southern Georgia, USA, tobacco farm in the 1940s.
1940 - Residential/Commercial Sprinkler
Armstrong Machine Works
This is a unique sprinkler, the entire chrome ball on top rotates when in operation. This residential/commercial sprinkler was made by Armstrong Machine Works, Three Rivers, Michigan, USA.
1940 - Residential/Commercial Sprinkler
Acme Shower Queen
An oscillating sprinkler made by Acme Shower Queen, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
1940 - What is it?
?
What is this thing?
1943 - Butterfly Sprinklers
Unknown
This butterfly sprinkler system is installed on the Cecil Clark ranch in Sawyer, Washington, USA.
1943 - Irrigation Pump
Unknown
This New Jersey, USA, farmer proudly displays his rugged, close-connected engine driven, split-case pump unit in 1943.
1946 - Aluminum pipe
Alcoa Aluminum Company
Proof that Oaks Irrigation Equipment Company's purchase of the first carload of Alcoa extruded aluminum tubing in 1946 was indeed lightweight. After World War 2, aluminum pipe for agriculture became the standard.
1946 - Citrus Trees
Unknown
This photo from 1946 shows how aluminum pipe was layed out between rows of trees. Impact sprinklers were used to water a larger area.
1946 - Irrigation Dam

This envelope from 1946 advertises the East Park Dam and the Stoney Gorge Dam in Orland, California, USA. It states that this is a US Government Irrigation Project.
1946 - Irrigation Factory
Rain Bird
This picture shows the Rain Bird factory and offices in Glendora, California, USA.
1948 - Impact Sprinkler Factory
Buckner Irrigation
This photo shows how impact sprinklers were made at Buckner Irrigation in Fresno, California, USA in 1948.
1948 - Residential Sprinkler
Skinner Irrigation
This sprinkler made by Skinner Irrigation, Troy, Ohio, USA. This type of sprinkler was very popular with homeowners.
1949 - Aluminum pipe
Alcoa Aluminum Company
This is the 1949 catalog cover for ALCOA Aluminum Pipelines for Profit from 1949. In the bottom right hand corner of the cover, you will see the new Sprinkler Irrigation Association logo.
1949 - Soil Conservation Brochure
USDA-SCS
Here's a great brochure cover for the United States Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service in 1949.
1950 - Aluminum Pipe
Stout Irrigation
This is the 1950 catalog cover for Stout Aluminum Irrigation Systems.
1950 - Hydraulic Irrigation Controller
Moody Sprinkler Company
This is a great example of a hydraulic irrigation controller made by Moody Sprinkler Co., Los Angeles, California, USA Controller courtesy of Kern Turf Supply.
1950 - Irrigation Pump
International
Enforced safety regulations were still a ways off as an International engine drove this right-angle gear head vertical turbine pump.
1950 - Irrigation Pump & Sprinkler Demostration
Unknown
Here's a picture of an impact sprinkler demonstration in West Springfield, Massachusetts, USA in September, 1950.
1950 - Residential Sprinkler
W.D.Allen
This residential sprinkler was made by W.D. Allen, Chicago, Illinois, USA, about 1950. The rocket design was inspired by the upcoming space race in the 1950s.
1951 - Magazine

Here's a monthly magazine; Electricity On The Farm and it was published in March 1951. The cover story is; Irrigation - 5 HP Style.
1951 - Residential Sprinkler
Stamping Products Manufacturing
An oscillating sprinkler made in Detroit, Michigan., by Stamping Products Manufacturing.
1951 - Soil Tensiometer
Irrometer Company
One of the first soil tensiometers.
1952 - Side-wheel Roll Sprinkler
Gorman Rupp
The "Irrigator", cranked to provide power for this 1952 early side-wheel roll overhead sprinkler irrrigation system, on the Louis Bromfield farm in Ohio.
1953 - AG Side Roll Irrigation Wheel
Wade Rain
First Wade Rain power unit for Power-Roll, 1953.
1953 - Portable AG Irrigation

The Association of Sprinkler Irrigation Equipment Manufacturers, now the Irrigation Association, was only five years old in 1953 when this "hard way" irrigation was used to water sweet potatoes in Tennessee.
1954 - Aluminum Pipe
Reynolds Metals Company
Shown here is the front and back cover for a Reynolds Aluminum pipe brochure.
1954 - Sprinkler Irrigation Association
Sprinkler Irrigation Association
If you can identify any person in the photo, we would like to hear from you.
1955 - Aluminum Pipe
Unknown
This picture shows a farm worker carring 2 20' sections of aluminum pipe.
1955 - Distribution
Unknown
Here's a couple of photos showing how Russell Daniel Irrigation Company in Athens, Georgia, USA promoted agricultural irrigation in April 1955.
1955 - Magazine Ad
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
This magazine ad was for the new Goodyear Underground Lawn Sprinkling System.
1955 - Product Brochure
Wade Rain
This brochure from Wade Rain, Portland, Oregon, USA gives you an idea about products available to the farmer in 1955.
1957 - Product Brochure
H. L. Gee Manufacturing
This brochure marks the 33rd year of the H.L. Gee Manufacturing Company.
1958 - Irrigation Controller
Moist-O-Matic
This six station hydraulic irrigation controller was developed by Ed Hunter in 1958.
1958 - Irrigation Controller
Moist-O-Matic
This is the patent for the 4 station, hydraulic automatic controller for use in the residential market
1958 - Product Brochure
Febco Incorporated
This brochure is from Febco Inc. and July, 1958 is the print date.
1959 - Magazine Ad
W.D.Allen
This ad was in a Better Homes & Garden issue in 1959.
1959 - Price List
Weathermatic
This is a Weather-matic price list from 1959. Compare the prices from yesterday and today, you will see little change in the list price.
1959 - Product Brochure
Texas Lawn Sprinkler Company
This spray head brouchure is from 1959.
1959 - Product Brochure
Texas Lawn Sprinkler Company
This spray head brouchure is from 1959.
1959 - Product Brochure
Texas Lawn Sprinkler Company
This spray head brouchure is from 1959.
1959 - Product Brochure
Texas Lawn Sprinkler Company
This spray head brouchure is from 1959.
1959 - Product Brochure
Texas Lawn Sprinkler Company
This rotor head brouchure is from 1959.
1960 - Hydraulic Irrigation Controller
Moody Sprinkler Company
This hydraulic controller was one of the most reliable made by the Moody Sprinkler Company in Los Angeles, California, USA. Controller courtesy of Kern Turf Supply.
1960 - Side Wheel Roll
?
Arthur E. Jensen invented this experimental side roll sprinkler irrigation lateral in 1960. This agricultural sprinkler employed a drive-shaft paralleling the pipe which was powered by a small portable engine. This allowed the operator to stay out of the field.
1961 - Comic Book

This comic book cover shows Casper playing in a sprinkler
1961 - First Day Issue stamp

This is a first day issue stamp for the Aichi Irrigation System in Japan.
1961 - Irrigation Pioneers

This photo shows some of the best irrigation pioneers in 1961. There are 3 generations of the Nelson family, 2 generations of the LeFetra family, 2 Irrigation Association Presidents and other irrigation pioneers. The photo was taken at the Russ Nelson farm near Peoria, Illinois, USA in late summer of 1961. This is a great photo and is courtesy of Bart Nelson.
1962 - Ed Hunter
Moist-O-Matic
1962 - Sales and Service
Moody Sprinkler Company
This is a large product sticker and it was used by both distributors and contractors.
1962 - Soil Tensiometer
Irrometer Company
This is an upgrade from the first Irrometer Company soil tensiometer in 1951. This is also the first switching Irrometer sensor.
1964 - Drip Irrigation - Agriculture
Chapin Watermatics
This photo shows Professor Norman Smith, Nassau County Agriculture Agent in Old West Bury Gardens, New York, USA. He is inspecting a crop of cantalope grown with drip irrigation developed by Dick Chapin in August 1964.
1964 - Sprinkler Irrigation Association
Sprinkler Irrigation Association
If you can identify any person in the photo, we would like to hear from you.
1964 - Traveling Sprinkler - Agriculture
L. R. Nelson Company
This picture shows the original prototype by Bart Nelson. The traveler used a 3" x 600' flexible pipe that was later changed to a 4" diameter pipe. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse.
1964 - Wave Sprinkler
Moist-O-Matic
This sprinkler is one of the first plastic underground lawn sprinklers.
1965 - Agricultural Flood Gate Valve
Unknown
This picture shows how water is delivered to a farm.
1965 - King Ewing
Ewing Irrigation
King Ewing was considered one of the early pioneers in irrigation distribution. The company that he founded Ewing Irrigation, now has branches from coast to coast in the United States.
1966 - Aluminum Fittings
FMC Corporation
This is the 1966 catalog cover for SHUR-RANE fittings, John Bean division of FMC Corp.
1966 - Aluminum Pipe
Reynolds Metals Company
This is the 1966 catalog cover for Reynolds Metals Company, Class 150 aluminum pipe for agricultural use.
1966 - Irrigation Pioneers

This photo was taken at the Sprinkler Irrigation Association conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
1966 - Magazine Advertisement
Rain Bird
This advertisement shows the benefits of Rain Bird sprinklers.
1966 - Traveling Sprinkler - Agriculture
Kifco / Ag Rain
The Kifco Water-Winch on its' way to a field demonstration. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse, founder of Kifco / Ag-Rain.
1966 - Traveling Sprinkler - Agriculture
Kifco / Ag Rain
This picture is the first of the cable drawn travelers capable of pulling 660' of 4" diameter hose. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse, founder of Kifco / Ag-Rain.
1967 - Linear Overhead Sprinkler
White Motor Company
The White Motor Company, venerable auto-truck manufacturer, almost got into the "linear" overhead sprinkler irrigation business with this experimental prototype, operated near Mendow, Michigan, USA, in August 1967.
1968 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This is a photo of the first Electrogator ever built. This center pivot is still growing a crop today and has since 1968.
1968 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This photo perspective shows the center pivot out towards the span of impact sprinklers.
1968 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This photo is one of the early Electrogators from the late 1960's.
1969 - Apollo 11
L. R. Nelson Company
Pat Collins, wife of Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins, moves the water sprinkler on the front lawn of the family home. The home is located near the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas, USA. This photo was taken on July 14, 1969, two days before her husband; Buzz Aldrin and Neal Armstrong left for the moon.
1969 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This picture shows the prototype of the Reinke Sugargator center pivot. It was designed with additional crop clearance that will allow sugarcane to be grown under the machine.
1969 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This photo is one of the early models of the Electrogators. They were in use from the late 1960's to the early 1970's.
1969 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This is a sales brochure for the Electrogator from the late 1960's.
1969 - Irrigation Furrow
John Deere
Here's a great ground level photo of a John Deere tractor creating a irrigation furrow. This 12 Drawn Ditcher creates 24" deep x 60" width furrows.
1969 - Product Brochure
John Deere
This is the cover of John Deere's product brochure on earth shaping and irrigation equipment. The equipment that is used to shape the soil, also helps to save the soil from erosion.
1969 - Product Brochure
Valmont Industries, Inc.
This brouchure from Valmont shows how far the center pivot industry has come.
1970 - Agriculture Irrigation Audit
Unknown
These pictures depict how an irrigation audit is conducted on a center pivot irrigation system
1970 - Center Pivot
Unknown
This is a great photo of several center pivot irrigation systems in the midwest of the USA.
1970 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This is the front cover of a sales brochure for Reinke center pivot irrigation systems.
1970 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This is the front of a sales brochure for the Reinke Minigator. This was a 4½" piped machine.
1970 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This brochure shows the Reinke Electrogator 100 center pivot irrigation system.
1970 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This up close photo of a center pivot system is something that you do not see everyday.
1970 - Drive Assembly
Unknown
Here's a closeup on a center pivot drive assembly.
1970 - Furrow Irrigation
?
Here's an example ot furrow irrigation in the American southwest.
1970 - Product Brochure
Valmont Industries, Inc.
This brouchure from Valmont shows how far the center pivot industry has come.
1970 - Product Brochure
Valmont Industries, Inc.
This brouchure from Valmont shows how far the center pivot industry has come.
1971 - Irrigation Product Catalog
The Toro Company
This is the cover and the back of the 1971 Toro Irrigation Catalog.
1972 - Aluminum Irrigation Fittings
John Bean / Shur-Rane
This is a John Bean / Shur-Rane brochure from 1972.
1972 - Slide Rule
Rain Bird
This slide rule was used when designing irrigation systems.
1975 - Center Pivot
Kifco / Ag Rain
This brochure explains the Ag-Rain center pivot irrigation system for agriculture.
1975 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This photo shows a Reinke E65 center pivot in operation.
1975 - Hoover Dam

This photo shows Hoover Dam in the mid-1970's. It is located in the southwest United States.
1975 - Slide Rule
Miller & Poston Manufacturing Company
This slide rule from Miller & Poston Manufacturing Company, Spokane, Washington, USA helps the irrigation designer with friction loss within the piping system.
1975 - Traveling Sprinkler - Agriculture
Kifco / Ag Rain
This photo of a turbine drive system with steel wheels operating in an Amish community. This unit was approximately 25 years old when this photo was taken in 2000.
1976 - Center Pivot
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Valley center pivot with corner system.
1976 - Irrigation Hose
Angus Fire Armour A Division of Dunlop Industrial, Inc.
This brochure shows the specifications for irrigation hose for traveling sprinklers in the agriculture.
1976 - Solid State Irrigation Controller
Johns Manville / Buckner
This solid state controller is the first prototype for the KCS series of controllers made by Johns Manville/Buckner in 1976. One of the unique aspects of this controller is the tan display board, it is made of fiberglass. The production models of course were plastic and went into production in 1978. Also shown is the concept for the controller as it was drawn out on May 12, 1976, by Vince Nolletti.
1976 - Sprinkler OOPS

During the Oakland A's and the California Angels baseball game, the sprinklers came on. It took the grounds crew 5 minutes to get the field ready for play.
1976 - Traveling Sprinkler - Agriculture
Vermeer Manufacturing Company
This brochure shows a traveling sprinkler and a irrigaion hose transporter made by Vermeer Manufacturing Company in Pella, Iowa, USA.
1977 - Large Impact Sprinkler
Rain Bird
This is a 1977 Rain Bird impact sprinkler catalog.
1977 - Product Brochure
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
This brochure shows different sizes and lengths of irrigation hose made by Goodyear. This type of hose is used for traveling sprinklers.
1977 - Slide Rule
Kifco / Ag Rain
This is the Water-Winch Traveling Sprinkler Calculator. AG-RAIN developed this slide rule soon after the concept was introduced and was in use for most of the years the 'soft hose' travelers were sold. It was copied several times. That was important because there was little information available regarding losses in rubber hose. Another factor was the elasticity of the hose which changed the diameter and length. This was an interesting problem because the hoses behaved differently on the materials used and the weaving process used to produce the jacket. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse, founder of Kifco / Ag-Rain.
1980 - Product Brochure
Buckner Irrigation
This brochure shows the Royal Coach / Buckner, KCS electronic controller.
1981 - Berembed Weir
Waters of Change
This is the Berembed Weir on the Murrumbidgee River, extensively modified in 1977 by the Water Resources Commission.
1981 - Impact Sprinkler
Waters of Change
Citrus trees under sprinkler irrigation.
1981 - Irrigation History Book

This 32 page book tells the story of irrigation in the Murrumbidgee Valley, New South Wales, Australia.
1981 - Water Dam
Unknown
This picture is of the Burrinjuck Dam in New South Wales, Australia. The building of this dam started in July 1912.
1984 - Product Comparison Book
Buckner Irrigation
This product comparison book was published by Buckner in 1984. At the time this booklet was very handy in comparing different manufacturers products.
1985 - Watermark Moisture Sensor
Irrometer Company
This is a moisture sensor as manufacturered by the Irrometer Company in 1985.
1986 - Electric Irrigation Controller
Griswold Solar Wind
This irrigation controller is a true computer for irrigation controls. It operates with a computer punch card that the customer fills out. Then the card is inserted into the card slot on the faceplate. The controller is courtesy of Hydro-Scape Products and the Tiglio Family.
1988 - Slide Rule
The Toro Company
This slide rule from Toro is very handy with only one slide.
1990 - Slide Rule
Kifco / Ag Rain
This Water-Reel Calculator has the same information as the larger Water-Reel Calculator. The only difference is this is for the smaller Water-Reel travelers with smaller hoses. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse, founder of Kifco / Ag-Rain.
1991 - Center Pivot
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Here's a great overhead photo of a center pivot in action.
1991 - Hand Drawn Irrigation Plan

This plan from 1991 shows the parking lot of the Cantigny Museum in Wheaton, Ill., USA. The museum is part of the Robert McCormick Estate.
1993 - History Book
Irrigation Association
If you are interested in the history of the American irrigation industry, this book is for you. The IA bookstore has this book in stock.
1994 - Golf Course Irrigation
Rain Bird
Here's a photo of a Rain Bird, Eagle series golf sprinkler. The golf course is located in Aurora, Illinois, USA. The picture was taken in the fall of 1994.
1997 - Slide Rule
Kifco / Ag Rain
This Performance Guide Calculator is intended to help new users and dealer sales people with basic information on the performance of the Water-Reel. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse, founder of Kifco / Ag-Rain.
1998 - Traveling Sprinkler - Agriculture
Kifco / Ag Rain
As with most businesses, things don't always work as planned. During 1998; the Havana, Illinois bridge that crosses the Illinois River, was closed to install a new floor on the bridge structure. It was closed from March through August, which meant that nearly all of the production units from the Kifco/AG-Rain factory shipping west of Havana, Illinois had to cross the river by ferryboat.
1999 - Slide Rule
Kifco / Ag Rain
This Water-Reel Calculator slide rule was developed to supprt the installation of 'hard hose' travelers which displaced the Water-Winch units. The difficult part of this development was to adjust to metric measurements for the hose. The hard hose concept was developed in Europe. Rather than introduce a complete set of new hose measurements in the market, Kifco / Ag-Rain opted to stay with the metric sizes that were already being sold in the US. This information courtesy of Fred Kruse, founder of Kifco / Ag-Rain.
2000 - Center Pivot
T-L Irrigation Company
Used to water crops; corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.
2002 - Center Pivot
Reinke Manufacturing
This advertising photo shows the Reinke center pivot in the 'clouds'. Cool photo.
2007 - Traveling Sprinkler
Kifco / Ag Rain
These machines are used for all types of sports fields, agriculture and large turf projects..
2008 - California Water

This video was filmed in November 2007 in Fresno, California, USA. The site is at California State University - Fresno, Center for Irrigation Technology, Claude Laval Water & Energy Technology Incubator. This video is one in a series on California Water and produced by Huell Howser Productions.
2008 - Moisture Sensor
Irrometer Company
This is a moisture sensor as manufacturered by the Irrometer Company in 2008.
2008 - Soil tensiometer
Irrometer Company
The current version of the tensiometer, but 57 years after its development.
2008 - Soil tensiometer
Irrometer Company
The current version of the tensiometer, but 57 years after its development.
2009 - Pioneers in Irrigation
Irrigation Association
Seven minute video of the "Pioneers in Irrigation" DVD. This is the first video made by the IA History Committee. The video shows some of today's leaders in the irrigation industry with insightful information on irrigation issues. Your comments are welcome.
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