Post brothers' plow in Westminster |
Digging into the Past
The plow was built back in 1937 by the Post brothers, Charles and Norman, to help rescue thousands of acres of farmland all but destroyed by the flooding of the Santa Ana River. The tons of silt that had been deposited over the rich topsoil jeopardized a huge amount of local agriculture. But thanks to this massive plow (which weighs 15 tons, is 37 feet long and 12 feet high), over the years many farms were restored. Today it sits on display for free viewing and it's not until you stand next to the 86-inch blade that you really get a sense of just what kind of metallic beast we are talking about. Back when it was in use, it was drawn by a series of no less than five Caterpillar tractors!The Big Yellow Plow Works for the Red, White and Blue
Post brothers' plow digs a ditch |
Not long ago, as part of my PBS TV series “Forgotten Orange County,” my cohost Maria Hall-Brown actually found rare footage of the famed plow in action.
I hope you enjoy this interesting footage. It provides some truly interesting context for visitors and locals alike that may be unaware of just how much farmland there used to be in Orange County. This plow, which was once dragged throughout the county helping to rescue many community farms, is a testament to ingenuity and solid construction and looks as if could be put back to work today.
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