Watch Those Corn Machines in 1942: They'll Get Your Fingers

From the October 27, 2017, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1942, 75 Years Ago.

"Within a few weeks farmers will be making use of modern machines, the mechanical device for picking corn.   The machine not only enables them to accomplish a tremendous amount of work but also turns into almost a meat grinder taking an annual toll of fingers, hands, and even arms.

"Farmers are warned to take a few more seconds time and shut off the power of the machine when it becomes jammed with stalks for husks.  Allowing the machine to run and trying to clear the rollers with a gloved hand may be accomplished once and lead to tragedy the second time.

"Shutting off the power is the safe way to handle a dangerous situation."

--Cooter