2018.042.001 [Tile, Drain]

These wood and clay drainage tiles were used by John Olson, a Swedish immigrant who settled on a farm near the town of Swedesburg, Iowa. Olson was the first farmer in the Swedesburg area to tile his fields in order to drain excess water from the fields. Olson first used walnut logs to create tile lines in his fields. He then replaced the wood tiles with clay tubes. Content can be used with the following standards: 4th grade SS 4.26 Changes to Agriculture in a lesson on advancements of farming techniques in the late 1800s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.