Good design is never out dated. That's especially true out west, the equipment we use on our ranches, horses, even our clothing are taken right out of the history books. I’m Susan Allen stay tuned and I will be back with how a farm implement from the past provides ranchers with  a new source of revenue today. I recently visited a museum in Fort Worth dedicated to the history of cattle ranching and I was mesmerized  by the exhibits of old   cowboy gear still in use today. Styles haven’t changed that much from the 1800’s. Bits, bridles,  chaps and spurs look very much as they did at the turn of the century.  One remarkable innovation from 1876 revolutionizing today’s western landscape is the wind mill. As the era of cattle drives came to an end and ranchers began to fence the range with barb wire creating pastures and breeding programs for cattle the Eclipse windmill   became essential,  especially in dry areas.  These traditional windmills pumped water from deep within the ground and many of the great Texas ranches had hundreds Unlike today’s stainless steel windmills popping up on our vistas, the 14 foot wooden wheel windmill needed constant attention and  exposed parts had to be greased once a week. The original  Eclipse on display in the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock Texas, stands as a reminder that throughout ranching history a good idea comes back around, In the case of the windmill,  one harvested water, another energy yet both created revenue resources for the American Rancher, I’m Susan Allen,