This machine was used on the family farm for generations. It was used to separate cream from the milk. Before, the fresh milk was left to sit in a large pan overnight. The cream would rise to the top and skimmed off in the morning. The mechanical separator would be accompanied by two pails and a cream can. The fresh milk was poured into the bowl on top of the separator. The handle was then turned pushing the milk through disks which as they turned separated the milk into the thicker cream and thinner skim milk. Cream was then put into cream cans and collected by the cream truck. This would happen on a daily basis. The cream went to creameries and dairies where it was processed into butter and buttermilk.
