Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs Rau and Bassler Speak
Kiwanis speakers Rau talks about the history of farming and Bassler about finding water by dousing
"Where Pete goes, water flows."
By Ray Lauenstein
HILLTOWNS — On Nov. 9, the Helderberg Kiwanis heard from Everett Rau, noted agricultural historian, who took us on a fascinating journey in the life of farmers from 1830 to 1880. He went from the use of the sickle or scythe to Cyrus McCormick and the invention of the sickle
bar mower, the "flop rake," and the "dump rake."
Both methods produced windrows of hay that could be loaded by hand onto wagons for transport to the barn. The hay loader came along in the 1920s and 1930s to make this job a little easier. With the invention of the sickle mower, oats could also be cut mechanically and bundled. Rau explained that his expertise extended only to the Settle's Hill area where he has lived all his life.
On Nov. 16, we heard from Pete Bassler, a well known dowser, or water locator, who has found many of the water sources for
residents of the Hilltowns and beyond. Many locals say, " Where Pete goes, water flows."
In his presentation, Bassler described the techniques of dowsing, how he learned he had the "gift," and demonstrated the tools he uses. Several members of the club tried their hand at dowsing with varying degrees of success.
Bassler is a firm believer in the pounding method of water drilling as he believes it is better at releasing water from veins in the earth as it passes by, which is not the case with rotary drilling. This Kiwanis member who grew up in New York City found this presentation particularly interesting.
At both meetings, we were happy to see visitors interested in the subjects. Why not join us in future weeks to hear our speakers, find out more about Kiwanis, and in general have a good time? We meet every Wednesday at the Highlands Tavern on the Berne-Altamont Road at 6 p.m., and we look forward to seeing you there.
Editor's note: Raymond Lauenstein is president-elect of the Helderberg Kiwanis.
Keeping tradition alive, Everett Rau, right, who owns a farm on Settle's Hill in Guilderland that has been in his family for generations, holds a model of an antique reaper that he recently described to members of the Helderberg Kiwanis. Ray Lauenstein, president-elect of the Kiwanis, prepares to give Rau a certificate of appreciation.
- Altamont_Enterprise- Thursday, November 24, 2011
