Organic two-cow milking machine. 1942. Milking machines came into common use in Stearns County in the 1930s and 1940s with the introduction of rural electricity. prior to electrical power, milking machines were run with gasoline engines. The new machines cut milking time by half and enabled dairy farmers to double herd sizes. This machine was used until 1960 by Claude Dullinger, near St. Joseph, Minnesota; he affectionately referred to it as "George. " H. 2", W. 1 '.

DeLaval milking machine bucket. c. 1910. This early milker bucket was made completely of brass. Courtesy Joe Miller. H. 1'6".

Universal Coop milker. c. 1935. This electric powered compressor created the vacuum needed to power milking machines. L. 1'10", H. 1'9".