Gin gang

A gin gang, also known as a horse gin, wheelhouse, or whim gin, is a structure built to house an animal-powered engine, typically used for agricultural purposes. Primarily found in the United Kingdom and North America, gin gangs provided rotary power for tasks such as threshing grain, grinding corn, or pulping apples.

The structure typically consisted of a circular or polygonal building with a conical roof. Inside, a large, sloping track or platform accommodated the animal (usually a horse or ox), which walked in a continuous circle. The animal's motion drove a central rotating shaft connected to machinery housed in an adjacent building, the barn or mill. The gin gang served as a protective housing for the driving mechanism and the animal, offering shelter from the elements.

The use of gin gangs predates the widespread availability of steam and internal combustion engines, providing a reliable and relatively inexpensive power source for farmers. While primarily associated with the 18th and 19th centuries, some examples can be found earlier. As technology advanced, gin gangs were gradually replaced by more efficient forms of power, leading to their decline and eventual abandonment. Today, many gin gangs are preserved as historical landmarks, offering insights into past agricultural practices. The term "gin" refers to the type of engine used, not the alcoholic beverage. The construction materials varied, with brick, stone, and timber all commonly employed.