They used horse drawn rakes to make windrows then a loader of sorts pulled by a horse that elevated the hay to a wagon where it was piled on loose.

I have a photo of my dad doing this on the farm, glad they came up with balers when I arrived [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

You still need to cut and rake it into piles or swathes, so the added cost is the baler over the sickle bar mower and rake.

It would be a life enhancing experience for you and your son I am sure..

Carl