Sumpter Beam

[Don P]

I read an account of the history of the term "summer beam" the other day and thought you all might enjoy it, I like hearing how things get their names, nicknames,or the story behind terms or sayings. It was in one of Eric Sloane's books.

In older times, the largest draft animal on the farm was called the sumpter. He was the strongest beast of burden. Our summer beam, carrying  the majority of its floor's load, was originally called the sumpter beam, the strongest beast of burden.

Feel free to add if you've heard something different.
Got any more?

[Jim_Rogers]

I thought I heard or read somewhere that the word "sumpter" or summer meant strength in another language.

Jim Rogers