Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on November 8, 1950.
North County Twins Invent Reel To Cut Farm Labors
By MRS. NORMAN B. FINNSTROM
CHESTERTON, Nov. 8一Sylven and Sieverd Bodin, twin brothers from the Chesterton area, started last week to combine soybeans with machinery they built themselves and on which they have applied for a patent.
The self-propelled combine has a reel attachment that was designed and built by Sieverd, with Sylvan’s assistance. An eccentric in the reel keeps the tines pointed downward and in position to comb the soybeans across the cutting bar into the combine.
This reel is the result of seven years of work. Earlier they had a similar machine, but it was of lighter material and not as efficient. Seamless tubing helping in improving the original invention.
The twins report that it is not unusual for some interested farmer to stop his car along the highway while they are combining soybeans and to question them. Some of them even take notes on the operation.
With their special equipment, the Bodins reportedly are able to “save” grain where other farmers have “failed.”
It was pointed out that oats readily succumb to the whims of the wind during a storm. With their combine, however, which combs the matted grain, they can harvest a “lost crop.”
Like Comb In Hair
Sylven stated that the combine works “like a barber holding the comb in a hair while he cuts it.”
Sieverd built a tractor from parts he bought at sales throughout the country, the cost being very reasonable through this method.
Both of the men hold pilot licenses and by means of an airplane they are able to attend farm sales anywhere and thus can buy materials they need for their “tinkering.”
Sieverd, to whom Sylven gives all the credit for building the farm machinery, said his specialty is tinkering. Sylven would rather fly and works in a coke plant in addition to farming along with his brother.
Edna, Sylven’s wife, also likes to fly with the brothers, but her principal hobby is raising African violets and refinishing antique furniture.
The twins are members of the Flying Farmers organizations and frequently go on trips with this group.
TWINS SIEVERD AND SYLVAN Bodin, of North Porter county, have invented a reel attachment for a combine which works “like a barber holding the combs in hair.” By this means they are able to combine matted grain, such as oats. This week they started combining soybeans. The reel is the result of seven years of work. They are flying enthusiasts and regularly fly to farm sales to collect machinery at a saving for their tinkering with farm machinery.
