A Brief Word
Within this issue you will find the obituaries for the eight
people who perished in a tragic accident on December 9, and which
we reported to you briefly in the last issue. These folks were
traveling as a group from the Cedar Rapids area to the Annual
Meeting of the Midwest Old Threshers Association in Mt. Pleasant,
Iowa. The motor home in which they were riding collided with a
semi-trailer which jackknifed directly in front of them.
All of the folks who died that day were among the most active of
the volunteers at Midwest Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant. Virgil
Coonrod with his wrecker and crane service provided many hours of
equipment time over the years. When the Midwest Old Threshers
Foundation was organized in 1985, Virgil and his family donated
$5,000 to the fund, ‘just to get it started,’ as Virgil
once said.
Many of our readers were acquainted with Jim Patton; his engine
restorations were a constant source of amazement, with all of us
wishing we could get engines to run half as well. In addition,
Jim’s 20-40 Case model and the two model Oil Pulls were
exhibited at a great many shows, and were always a joyous sight to
behold. Beyond this, Jim provided Old Threshers with a great amount
of volunteer work in a quiet and inauspicious manner.
The other six folks who perished that tragic day were also very
important to Old Threshers, especially since they were always
willing and able to take on whatever needed to be done; all of them
epitomized the volunteer spirit. May they serve as role models for
future volunteers!
Besides being a great tragedy for the family and friends of
these folks, this was the worst traffic accident in Iowa in over
fifty years. One could go on and on about this tragedy, and for
those like myself, who knew all eight of these people as friends,
there will always be an emptiness because of their loss. Yet, as
their friend, I also know that each and every one of them would
want us to accept what has happened, and then move forward with
life. Were any of us to do otherwise, we would probably be scolded
for our somber attitude. After all, these folks were all doing
something they enjoyed tremendously, and we believe they would
expect us to move forward with the same goals as always.
Virgil E. Coonrod, 85, of 4000 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, died
Saturday, December 9, 1995 of injuries suffered in a traffic
accident two miles north of Crawfordsville, Iowa. He is survived by
his wife, Lillian; two sons and daughters-in-law, Duane V. and
Frieda Coonrod, and Donald and Shirley Coonrod; two daughters,
Diane Spicer, and Doreen Delaney, and her husband Tom, along with
eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Virgil was born February 21,1910 in Martelle, and married
Lillian G. Rawson on February 25, 1932. He farmed in the Center
Point area, then moved to the Palo area and finally to Cedar Rapids
in 1951. Virgil and Lillian founded Coonrod Wrecker Service in
1935, and in 1957 they bought their first hydraulic crane, one of
the first in the area. Eventually the business grew to one of the
largest crane service firms in the mid western area.
Virgil was a longtime member of the Midwest Old Threshers
Association and a charter board member of the Old Threshers
Foundation. He was also active in numerous other engine clubs and
shows.
Although Virgil was first and foremost a steam engineer, he also
loved old tractors and gas engines, and was instrumental in saving
a great many for preservation.
Funeral services for Virgil were held on December 12 at the
First Assembly of God Church, with burial at Spring Grove Cemetery
at Covington, Iowa.
James E. ‘Jim’ Patton, 73, of 3818 E Avenue NE, Cedar
Rapids, died Saturday, December 9, 1995 of injuries suffered in a
traffic accident two miles north of Crawfordsville, Iowa. He is
survived by his wife Audrey; a son Kenneth of Ames, and a daughter,
Caroline of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jim was born September 10, 1922 near Coggon, Iowa and married
Audrey Beasley on June 3, 1943 at Ogden, Utah. Jim served in the
Army Air Corps during World War Two.
For many years he operated Jim’s Automatic Transmission
Service in Hiawatha, Iowa, retiring in 1986. Several years before
that, Jim began acquiring some vintage engines, and eventually
built up a sizable collection; his restorations were of the highest
caliber. Jim and ye old Reflector shared a love for diesel engines,
and in fact, we journeyed together to Park Ridge, Illinois and the
Andy Kruse collection where Jim bought his first oil engine, a 5 HP
Thermoil.
During the 1980s Jim began building small model tractors, first
a single-cylinder Oil Pull, then a double-cylinder model. The last
model was a replica of the 20-40 Case tractor. The Oil Pulls were
featured on the front cover of the February 1987 issue of GEM.
Services for Jim Patton were held on December 12 at the Murdoch
Funeral Home, Marion, Iowa with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery,
Central City, Iowa.
William F. ‘Bill’ Benishek Jr., 66, of 416 Lewellen
Drive NW, Cedar Rapids, died December 9, 1995 of injuries suffered
in a traffic accident two miles north of Crawfordsville, Iowa. He
is survived by his wife Juanita, a son Lanny, a daughter Charlotte
Berman; five stepsons, his parents, and two sisters.
Bill was born May 11, 1929 in Belle Plaine, Iowa and married
Juanita O’Brien Ortberg on March 15, 1978 in Las Vegas. Bill
was employed as a trucker for over 25 years until his recent
retirement. He was also a member of Midwest Old Threshers and
several other organizations.
Bill was a familiar sight when there were engines and other
equipment to be hauled. In this regard, he volunteered a great deal
of time and effort. For reasons we don’t know, the nickname of
‘Farmer Bill’ stuck, and in fact, we didn’t know his
‘real’ name for several years. Services for Bill were held
on December 12 at the Teahen Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Stephen E. Barron, 48, of 1106 Bowler Street, Hiawatha, Iowa
died December 9,1995 of injuries suffered in a traffic accident two
miles north of Crawfordsville, Iowa. He is survived by his wife,
Deb; a son Rodney Earl and a daughter, Lora. He is also survived by
a sister, a brother, his mother, and two grandchildren.
Steve was born February 16, 1947 in Ottumwa and married Deborah
Knowler on March 2, 1968 in Delta, Iowa. He was a superintendent
and operating engineer for Bowker Mechanical Contractors Inc., for
17 years. He was a member of Local 234 of the Operating Engineers,
Poppin’ Johnnies Two Cylinder Club of Ottumwa, Two Cylinder
World Wide, Midwest Gas Engine & Tractor Association, and the
Midwest Old Threshers Association.
He was best known as an avid John Deere tractor collector, as
well as a collector of gas engines and farm toys. His enthusiasm
for the hobby might be equaled, but it will seldom be
surpassed.
Services for Stephen Barron were held on December 13 at
Murdoch-Lin-wood Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, with burial in the
Linwood Cemetery, also in Cedar Rapids.
Doug Wiley, 50, and Mary Lou Wiley, 51, of Marion, Iowa died
December 9,1995 of injuries suffered in a traffic accident two
miles north of Crawfordsville, Iowa. Their survivors include a son,
Scott, and a daughter Kelley, plus a granddaughter, and Mary
Lou’s parents, George and Thelma Kelley of Cedar Rapids, and
brothers and sisters.
Doug and Mary Lou knew each other from kindergarten onward, and
were always a familiar sight at Midwest Old Threshers and other
engine shows. Doug was born December 11,1944 in Cedar Rapids, and
Mary Lou was born July 15,1944 in Cedar Rapids. They were married
on December 26, 1964 at Cedar Rapids.
Doug was a small business management consultant, and Mary Lou
was a certified purchasing manager at Cargill Analytical Services.
They were members of the Presbyterian Church USA. In addition to
being members of several fraternal and business organizations, Doug
and Mary Lou were members of Midwest Gas Engine & Tractor
Association, Midwest Old Threshers, and the Cedar Rapids Area Organ
Theater Society.
Doug and Mary Lou were enthusiastic volunteers at various shows,
and were always on hand at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion.
Services for Doug and Mary Lou were held at Cedar Memorial
Chapel in Cedar Rapids on December 13 with entombment in the Cedar
Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jack Dye, 66, died Saturday, December 9,1995 of injuries
suffered in a traffic accident two miles north of Crawfordsville,
Iowa. His wife, Mamell, died the following day at University
Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa. Their survivors include a son Gary and
his wife Barb of Marion, and three grandchildren, plus brothers and
sisters.
Jack was born December 3, 1929 in Marion, Iowa, and Marnell was
born February 24, 1926 in Low-den, Iowa. They were married April
29, 1947 in Nashua, Iowa.
Jack worked at Lefebure Company in Cedar Rapids until his
retirement, and Marnell was a bookkeeper at J. C. Penney Co. until
she too retired.
Jack and Marnell were enthusiastic engine and car collectors,
especially the Ford Model A. They were members of the Model A Club,
Antique Automobile Club of America, and the Cushman Motor Scooters
Association. They were also members of the Midwest Gas Engine &
Tractor Association and the Midwest Old Threshers Association.
After retirement, Jack took a special interest in building scale
model gasoline engines, with several to his credit. Jack and
Marnell were both enthusiastic volunteers at many different shows,
including Midwest Old Threshers, and last summer’s Tractor Expo
at Ankeny, Iowa.
Services for Jack and Marnell were held December 13 at St.
Andrew Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, with burial in Cedar
Memorial Park Cemetery.
At this point we could eulogize and we could memorialize, but
Steve Barron’s daughter recently had a language arts assignment
to write a poem, and we think it says everything.
We begin this month’s queries with:
31/3/1 Deutz Tractors
Q. I wonder if anyone knows anything about the
old Deutz tractors that came from Germany. I have a 5005,5505 and
10006 and wonder if anyone knows how old they are. Also would
anyone have any operator’s manuals? Are there any owners out
there? or is there a club for Deutz? I also have a Galloway Handy
Andy and would like to find a manual. Ben J. Kinsinger, RR I, Box
234A, Meyersdale, PA 15552.
A. My son has an 8006 Deutz that is used almost
every day. We think there might be quite a few of these still
around, but perhaps other readers can tell you more.
31/3/2 Stover CT Engine
Q. As the new owner, and my first engine is a
1928 Stover CT-1, I would like to know what an engine like this was
used to power. Robert S. Harris Jr., 138 Bon Ton Road, Lynchburg,
VA 24503.
A. Your engine of about 1 l/z horsepower could
have had a multitude of use’s. Some of these might have been:
corn sheller, washing machine, sausage grinder, grindstone, small
burr grinder, to name a few.
31/3/3 Outboard EnginesThose interested in, and
looking for information on, old outboard engines might want to
contact: Arthur DeKalb, Van Alstyne Drive, Pulaski, NY 13142.
31/3/4 Goold, Shapley & Muir
Q. See the photo of a 2 HP Goold, Shapley &
Muir engine, s/n A102 It has a Webster Type AM magneto, but is
missing the muffler, oiler, grease cup, and cover for the
oscillator. I would like to find information on this engine such as
the type of original muffler, paint colors, decal information, and
the like. Can anyone help this rookie? John Beaty, 5901 Arlington
Rd., Clinton, OH 44216.
A. If anyone has any information on G S &.
M, please contact Mr. Beaty.
31/3/5 Arnolt Engine
Q. Please.’ I would like to correspond with
anyone that has an Arnolt marine engine, ca. 1946, made in Wausau,
Indiana. Robert Mayeaux, 116 Reagan, Pineville, LA 71360.
31/3/6 Onan Engines
Q. The Onan factory referred me to my heal Onan
repair shop, who furnished me with data from the mid-1940s to the
present , but could not help with older units that have a decimal
point or dash after the first two or three digits of the s/n. I
have eight Onan units and have only been able to date one of them.
Can anyone be of help? Gus Simms, 25 N Front St., Mt. Top, PA
18707.
31/3/7 Bessemer Engine
Q. I am new to the world of restoring old iron,
and need help with a 15 HP Bessemer oil field engine. Besides
needing general information, I need info on the hot tube, where I
can find parts, and so forth. Any help would be appreciated. David
Davis, 575 Industry Road, Buena Vista, PA 15018.
A. We’d suggest you contact the folks at
the Cool spring Power Museum, Cool-spring, PA. Some of the people
there may be able to help you on the Bessemer engines.
31/3/8 Bow Saw
Q. See the photo of a chain saw I acquired in
Maine this past summer. The trade name on the ‘Bow Saw’ is
‘Precision.’ Any information would be appreciated. When 1
spotted this saw in the rafters, the antique shop owner
wouldn’t take it down unless I committed to buy it! I took a
chance! Don Green, PO Box 618, Allyn, WA 98524-0618.
31/3/9 Petter Diesel
Q. See the photos of a Petter Diesel light
plant, made in England. It is Type AB1 W, No. 412 AB1W, 5.5 HP,
3600 rpm. Any information on this unit would be’ greatly
appreciated. Donald Cole, 62 Hummingbird Lane, Sequim, WA
98382.
31/3/10 Information Needed
Q. See 10-A of an open crank vertical Olds
engine, s/n 330, as also illustrated on page 355 of American Gas
Engines. We need photos and dimensions of the hot tube and governor
system, and would also like to know when built, and the proper
color scheme.
Photo 10-B shows a 4 HP Ohio engine, s/n 1134, as illustrated on
page 353 of American Gas Engines. Need to know the original color
and when built.
Photo 10-C is an engine from Union Gas Engine Co. of San
Francisco, as illustrated on page 228 of American Gas Engines. For
this one we need photos and dimensions of the carburetor, ignition,
and governor system, plus original color and when built.
We also have one from Gas Engine Works of Hercules, San
Francisco, approximately 3-4 HP, for which we need information. To
my knowledge there are no other Olds or Ohio engines in Australia.
I do believe there are a couple of Hercules engines in
Australia.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Dr. A. Barlow, PO
Box JO, Kings wood, 2247, NSW, Australia.
A. The only information we have is on the Ohio
engine. We show it as a dark maroon, comparable to RS563 in the
DuPont Spectra Master book.
31/3/11 Dan Patch Engine Louis Cross, 2324
Sandhill Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424 would like to hear from anyone
having information on the Dan Patch engines, even copies from old
Savage catalogs would be of help. If you can be of help, please
contact Mr. Cross.
31/3/12 Aristox Engine
Q. See the photos of an Aristox engine; we
acquired it recently from a man on the shore of Lake Superior. He
said it was in a life saving boat that sank in the Big Storm in
1917. The remains were on an isolated shore until 1992. We think a
lot of things were taken off the engine, and we need anything we
can find . . . illustrations, parts, and pictures of one that is
complete. The Aristox was made by Black Rock Machine Co.,
Bridgeport, Conn. It is two cycle, and three cylinder. Make and
break ignition was used; it has two cranks and six pistons. Can
anyone be of help? Chuck Scheffner, Director, Huron City Museum,
7930 Huron City Road, Port Austin, Ml 48467.
A. If anyone can assist these folks with a most
unusual engine, kindly do so.
31/3/13 Big Chief
Q. See the photo of a 6 HP Big Chief engine.
I’d like to know the correct color and whether there was any
striping or lettering. Robert Seibert, 3280 S. Academy, #68,
Colorado Springs, CO 80916.
A. We believe that the Big Chief was a deep
red, probably similar to DuPont RS915 from their Spectra Master
book. This color number is a primary red. At the time these engines
were built any color mixing that was done was rather limited. There
were a very few shades of red, and even then, the shade varied from
batch to batch; for that matter, it still does.
31/3/14 Stationary Baler
Q. I’m restoring a stationary baler built
by Ohio Cultivator Co. Most of the wood is rotted away, so any
information or pictures of another one would be greatly
appreciated. Brent Naylor, RR 1, Box 277, Springville, PA
18844.
31/3/15 Domestic
Q. I have a 2 HP Domestic Type f with pump on
original trucks, and would like to know the correct color. Would
this engine have the fancy pin striping as on some other models? Is
there any way to determine the , year built of this engine, s/n
21244? Carl Starr, 401 N. Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville, PA
17754.
A. We don’t have a color match for
Domestic. If anyone can supply this information, Carl would
appreciate it, and so would we. Perhaps someone can answer
Carl’s other questions as well.
31/3/16 David Bradley Suburban
Q. I have a David Bradley Suburban and need
information on belting for the drive (Model 91760601). What was the
engine horsepower? Any help or additional information would be
appreciated. Carl E. Mays, PO Box 188, Rogers, OH 44455.
31/3/17 Bessemer Engine
Q. See photo of a Bessemer Oil Field engine .
It has approximately an 8 x 15 inch bore and stroke, and is 15 or
20 HP. I’d like to know its HP, when built, and where I might
find the brass tag. Barry L. Gunn Sr., 11591 E. 166th St.,
Noblesville, IN 46060.
31/3/18 Moline Universal
Q. I’m restoring a Moline Universal tractor
and would like to correspond with someone having one; I need to
know how much oil to put in the crankcase. Maxine Rhodig, PO Box
96, Morrison, CO 80465.
31/3/19 Portable Pump
Q. See the photos of a portable wheel cart
pump. I believe it is a Tokheim pump, ca1919. Would like to know if
anyone can make a positive identification and also if anyone has a
pump or any parts of a pump, as I’d like to restore it. Any
information will be appreciated. Melvin S. Harker, 7220 W. Bonnie
Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.
31/3/20 Unidentified Engine
Q. See the four photos, 20A-20D of an engine I
recently acquired. There does not appear to have been a nameplate
attached. I have searched American Gas Engines and can find nothing
similar. The engine has a 5 x7 inch bore and stroke with 27 inch
flywheels. It had an igniter but a spark plug was adapted; it also
has a Holley carburetor which probably is not original. Any
information on this engine would be greatly appreciated. Glenn
Sitler, 52234 Range Road 220, Sherwood Park, ALTA T8E 1C4
Canada.
A. We haven’t a clue on this one. Does
anyone?
31/3/21 Galloway Engine
Q. My name is George W. Arms and I am 9 years
old. My father, brother, and sometime my mom go to engine shows. We
go to shows all over New England, New York, and Pennsylvania and
have met a lot of friendly people. See the two photos of my gas
engine. It is a 6 HP Galloway saw rig and it was almost complete
except for the clutch handle and the paint. I was wondering the
correct color for my engine, and would appreciate any help. George
W. Arms, 19 High St., Seymour, CT 06483.
A. We have DuPont 8554 Red listed as a
comparable match for your Galloway.
31/3/22 Clinton Engines We’ve learned from
several people that although Clinton Engine Corporation no longer
manufactures engines, parts for most of their engines are still
available from:Clinton Engines Corporation, Maquoketa, Iowa
52060 PH. (319)652-2411
31/3/23 Steering Wheel Repair
Q. Does anyone restore old steering wheels? 1
have one that is cracked in different places due to aging. Any help
would be appreciated. Paul H. Burkle, PO Box 18?’I, Waterloo,
1A 50704.
A. We’ve heard of Minn-Kota, RR 1, Box 99,
Milbank, SD 57252 as a source for this work; there may also be
others of which we’re presently unaware.
31/3/24 Ferguson TE-20
Q. Subject? Ferguson TE-20footboards, step
plates, running boards, or as the parts book for the TO’s calk
them, ‘platforms.’ I understand the TE’s didn’t
come with any, but I’ve seen them on almost every one I’ve
seen, and they seem to be all different.. .flat, square, stud
plate, diamond plate with shepherd hood front mount, tear drop
shape with inverted dimples with hole in middle . . . My question
is, If a TE-20 went to a Ferguson dealer in a) England, or b) in
USA, what would he be handed?
Second subject. . . the Lucas generator mounting (presently has
a Delco, as used in TO-20, and want to confirm the short distance
mount used for Lucas onto the purpose-built drilled bracket. .
.part of the engine Hock.
Third… Was the tool box mounted left rear of engine area,
i.e., in front of driver’s left knee on the TE-20?
Any help would be appreciated. Paul R. Dome,
Stables-on-Chesterview, PO Box 472, Chester Springs, PA 19425.
31/3/25 Cooper-Stover
Q. Can you tell me the year built for my Cooper
2 HP engine? It was made by Stover, but sold by Cooper in
Australia. It has s/n TB3Z643. Marcus Ritson, 250 Bass Highway,
Prospect Vale 7250 Tasmania, Australia.
A. Assuming the number to be 32643 instead
of3Z643, your engine would be from 1911.
31/3/26 Reo Engines
Q. See the photo of my Reo Model 211, Type H
engine, s/n 3H16370X with Car ter Model N carburetor. What sold me
on this engine was the design. The flywheel and crank run at one
speed and the output is off the cam gear, reducing the speed by one
half the crank speed which inversely increases the torque by factor
of two. Also the cam shaft had one cam lobe which by a unique
arrangement, operated both the exhaust and intake valves. I would
like to know when this engine was first made in Flint, Michigan,
also if anyone can tell me where to find repair and service
information. I understand this engine was built to power a lawn
mower, and would be interested to hear to what other uses the Reo
engine has been adapted. Rob Maulsby, 416 Green Acres Drive,
Huntsville, AL 35805.
31/3/27 Thanks! to all who wrote concerning my
question on a Clinton 2 HP, Model 800 engine. Already I’ve had
nine replies! Donald C. Evans, 3670 5th Line Clarke, RR 1, Orono,
ONT LOB 1MO Canada.
31/3/28 Babbitrite Several people have told us
the Babbitrite, a compound very useful for making the dams when
pouring babbit bearings, is available from McMaster-Carr Supply
Co., PO Box 4355, Chicago, IL 60680-4355. The Reflector has also
learned that Babbit rite can be purchased from Centaur Forge Ltd.,
Box 340, Burlington, WI 53105. The latter also has all kinds of
blacksmithing tools. In this same connection, Chuck Sindelar, S 47W
22300 Lawnsdale Rd., Waukesha, WI 53186 writes: I have a quantity
of’ High Speed Nickel Babbitt’ but cannot find anyone that
sells it or can advise me on its use. Is there a reason to not use
it for low speed bearings? Is it advisable to use some melted out
babbitt with it?
A. You certainly can use this babbitt in low
speed bearings, and we don’t recommend that you mix it with
something else. The problem with using melt-out babbitt is that it
likely contains tracing of steel from the shaft which it supported,
and that contaminates the metal, certainly an undesirable
situation. Ye old Reflector has used new bars and re melted babbitt
at various times, and we’ve never been able to notice a
difference. We’d suggest that thin shell bearings or bearings
in diesels and other places where there is a very high bearing
pressure should have the benefit of new, high speed, and high grade
metal.
31/3/29 Kalamazoo Engine
Q. See the photo of a Kalamazoo engine, or the
remains of one. It was made by Burn Mfg. Company. (See page 74 of
American Gas Engines). We would like to hear from anyone having one
of these engines, a 2 HP, for dimensions, photos, etc. of missing
parts. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Michael Bond, 3594
Test Road, Richmond, IN 47374.
31/3/30 Associated Engine
Q. See the photo of a 6 HP Associated engine,
s/n 611580. It looks like the one on the top of page 36 in American
Gas Engines. However, there are a few things different. There is no
evidence of a crankshaft-driven magneto. The igniter bracket looks
like it might fit a Webster Tri-Polar (Casting 303K). There are
abundant traces of red paint all over the engine, but no evidence
of silver on the cylinder. The tag is oval and mounted on the top
edge of the hopper. Below it are the remains of a decal that is
illegible, except for the words ‘Sold By.’ Would anyone
have any idea who sold it, and its age? Bruce Heppler, Branch 31,
PO Box 523, Covelo, CA 95428.
31/3/31 Information Needed
Q. See photos 31A, B, and C of a Bull Dog
engine from the Fairbanks Company, New York City. It has been
converted to spark plug ignition. Please advise on what is missing,
also -what is its age, and what is the correct magneto?
Photos 31D and 31E show a water pump made by Fairbanks-Morse. It
has s/n T24273. Can anyone supply further information?
Any help will be appreciated. N. J. Dancer, Upper Farm, Maids
Moreton, Buckingham, Bucks MKl 81RD England.
A. Your Bull Dog engine was made by Bates &
Edmonds at Lansing, Michigan, but was sold by Fairbanks Company,
New York, New York. The Sumter Satan magneto was probably original
equipment, so all in all, we’d guess your engine to have been
built in the 1914-17 period. Since the green color in your photos
appears to be original paint, we’d suggest matching it up with
whatever you can find at a local paint supplier.
The F-M pump was quite common in the U.S., and thousands of them
were made in the 1910-1930 era. However, there are no serial
records in existence.
A Closing Word
A few of our readers have asked if we’ve got an E-mail
address. The truth is that we haven’t… perhaps we’re
still a bit intimidated by CompuServe, America Online, Worldwide
Web, and some of the other services now available. Besides,
we’re still pretty ancient so far as computers go … we’re
still on a Gateway 386, and now there are machines that go around
us like we’re standing still, even though this machine is
fairly new. We’ve concluded that staying on the cutting edge of
computer technology requires a lot of knowledge, as well as
considerable amounts of money. Yet the prices aren’t anything
like they once were. It wasn’t so long ago that a laser printer
was reserved for those big companies that ran them 24 hours a day,
and had several thousand dollars to spend on a printer. Now, for
under $500 one can have a laser printer that will print 1200 dpi.
For the same money you can get a color printer that will do a
beautiful job printing whatever is on the screen, all in glorious
color. So how is a 50-some-thing person going to keep up with all
the changes? We don’t have a clue. However, at some point,
we’ll probably get one of those fancy E-mail addresses full
of… and @@@ and other terms unrecognizable to anyone or anything
but another computer.
An old magazine of the 1920s carried this photo of a corn picker
of the time. Horses pulled the corn wagon, and we’ll bet it
took some synchronizing to get the horses to walk at the same speed
as the tractor. Besides, we thought you folks might like to take a
look at those ‘good old days.’
From the May 1919 issue of Tractor & Gas Engine Review comes
an advertisement for the Marco Light &. Power Plant. On reading
the ad, it speaks for itself as to how the unit was developed.
Interestingly, it was available from Marmon Chicago Company.
We’re not sure whether this company was a marketing firm of
Nordyke &. Marmon, later known as the Marmon Motor Car Company.
Beyond that, we’ve yet to hear of a Marco plant still in
existence.
