Back in September 1996, GEM published a story about
engine adventures in Nova Scotia, which I recovered two Ohio
sideshafts: a 6 HP from a beach on an island and an 8 HP from a
derelict farm. The 8 HP belonged to Marion Tuttle, an elderly woman
who lived alone on the farm with dozens of cats, and it was buried
in the ground nearly up to its crankshaft. After a year’s worth of
negotiations I was able to buy the Ohio from Miss Tuttle and bring
it back to the U.S. I traded it to John Rex, the well-known
collector and authority on early engines.
My part of the story resumes at the 2004 Dublin, N.H., engine
show. I was walking along a row with a friend when a voice called
out, “Hey Dan, come and say hello to an old friend.” I turned to
see Bob Upham leaning on the side of a pickup in which a gorgeous
Ohio engine was smoothly coasting along. I stared at the engine and
Bob for a couple of moments before the light came on. “Is that … my
eight horse?” I asked. “Yup.” he said, grinning. I stepped up to
the truck. “Holy ****!” was my response.
I studied the engine which had been flawlessly – and tastefully
– restored, including a newly-cast subbase. I learned from Bob that
he and his son Steve had done the work for John Rex. “Wouldn’t Miss
Tuttle be pleased,” I said. She died only a couple of years after I
bought the engine. If she could see it now, she’d be proud as a
peacock!
Dan West
167 Cushing Road
Friendship, ME 04547 (207) 832-5318
dkwest@midcoast.com
