Incubator, Poultry

Object number2000.65.1

Manufacturer Prairie State Incubator Company

Date1900-1930

OriginHomer City, PA

Mediumwood (pine), steel, iron, brass, tin

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. David M. Nix

DescriptionPrairie State Egg Incubator.Dimensions44.5 x 48 x 46 in. (113 x 121.9 x 116.8 cm)
SignedPrairie State Incubator Co./Homer City,/PA., U.S.A
Marks"Prairie State Incubator Co. / Homer City, / PA., U.S.A." painted on front cabinet,.
Historical NotesWooden egg incubator made by the Prairie State Egg Incubator Company of Homer City, Pennsylvania. The incubator has two large trays to hold several dozen eggs and was heated by oil lamps. It originally had a self-regulating device to control the internal temperature. James Love Nix patented the incubator in 1881, while he was living in Illinois. By 1887, James Nix and his family had moved to Homer City where production of his incubators began. The company remained in business until 1932. James Love Nix was the donor's great uncle (grandfather's brother). Found in home of Yvonne and Tom Smith by David Nix. The Smiths were using the incubator as a coffee table. David Nix purchased it and restored it prior to donation.Label TextUsing oil lamps hung underneath the wood cabinet to warm sliding drawers of eggs, this device helped eggs to hatch. Manufactured by Prairie State Incubator Company in Homer City, PA, it was found by David Nix in a local home where the owners had been using it as a coffee table. Nix purchased and restored it.

Previous owner Tom Smith

Previous owner Yvonne Smith

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