Bemidji, Minnesota
We thank Harpo Dexter, Editor of The Pioneer Newspaper from
Bemidji, Minnesota for permission to reprint the following story
and pictures on Jon Selzer, Guthrie, Minnesota 56451.
Left photo- Marvin Schrier of Cumberland, Iowa is preparing to
start his New Idea engine. At center, is a nice collection of
Russell Moss’ of Hamilton, Missouri which includes his 1-3/4 HP
Stickney and his CH & E engine. He has a nice collection and
always brings some good engines along. Right photo – some
engines and a small model displayed by Larry Raid of Denmark, Iowa.
All pictures taken at 1973 Eshelman’s Show.
An important phase of the early days of rural Minnesota is being
preserved by a young man near Guthrie through his assemblage of
many old gasoline engines once used for farm operations in this
area.
John Selzer, 22, has brought together over 30 engines dating
from 1905 and is in the process of restoring them to operational
status. On a level equal to that of restoration, Selzer is
compiling historical data on each. Ranging from a 3-4 HP
‘Handy-Andy’ used on a water pump at the turn of the
century to a 7,000 pound, HP International used for a sawmill
operation, the engines and the record of their background result
from considerable effort by Selzer in doing research, talking with
farmers and attending auctions throughout the area.
‘It’s all part of our history here in northern
Minnesota,’ said Selzer. ‘In fact, there old engines, in
the operation of dairy farms and sawmills, have helped make much of
our history. These were the sources of power before
electricity.’
Selzer plans to have enough of the relics restored and in
operation in the next two years to present a display at the county
fair, some with demonstrations, such as a model sawmill, showing
the actual work they performed. Each, he said, will be presented
with the historical information he has compiled telling of the
previous owners and locations and uses.
‘Hopefully,’ said Selzer, ‘I’ll be able to have
such a display each year after that, adding to the kinds of engines
I have and completing information on their background. For the rest
of the year, I guess I’ll just have a hobby-type museum in my
home. I’m glad to show them to anyone. I want everyone to enjoy
them.’
When repairs are necessary, many of the replacement parts are
handmade. Sometimes, a modern part is modified to do the job.
‘These engines are so simple,’ said Selzer ‘that
they’re easy to maintain.’
Selzer is both mechanic and historian, one moment talking
enthusiastically about the lubrication method and the magneto
system of a particular unit and the efficacy of its operation and
the next moment describing in detail a way of life which existed
fifty years before he was born. Raised on a farm himself, Selzer
said that what he enjoys most about his hobby is ‘meeting the
people who used to use the old engines and hearing their
history.’
When not involved with his engines or talking with oldtimers
about them, Selzer can be found servicing more current models at
Kenny’s Standard here in Bermidji, where he is employed.
