Fox HC 63 Box 38 O’Neill, Nebraska 68763
From left to right: 6 HP high base, 4 HP low base, 2 HP high
base, 2 HP low base early model, 2 HP low base, l HP low base, 1 HP
low base, 2 HP low base, 2 HP early model low base, 2 HP high base,
3 HP high base, 6 HP high base. Of the four 2 engines I have, three
of them have different features such as more fins, different
carburetors, and brass rod cap.
I moved to the ranch in 1963 and we had dealt for all the iron
the place. There were two engines sitting under a tree, one was an
air cooled Associated, and the other was a 3 HP Sandwich. It took
about a year before I got really interested, then one day I got the
Sandwich to run. That did it, for the next few years, except at
farm sales, where I bought a few more.
About 1973, a friend of mine showed me a 2 HP Gade engine at our
little show. I liked the engine because it ran so well. I told him
I sure would like one like it. Well, about a year later he called
me and said he knew a guy who had a 2 HP Gade and he might sell
it.
It took a lot of doing, but I did get that engine without a
cart. Another year later, a sale came up that had a Gade
advertised. I went to the sale about 100 miles away. They had
called the sale off on account of weather. I looked at the engine,
which was a high base 2 HP. I went back a week later and bought the
engine. It had been used on a farm line shaft. I never restored it,
but got it running enough to take it to a couple of shows.
A couple of years later, I saw a farm sale that had a 3 HP Gade
advertised. By then, they were a sought-after engine, so I told my
wife, ‘Let’s get in the car and go see who is going to buy
the engine.’ Lo and behold, the engine was a high base 3 HP on
the original cart. I just had to put a bid on it. Well, my pickup
was laid up, so I had to borrow one and go back the next day to get
it, all 1200 pounds.
So now, I have 12 complete Gade engines of all sizes from 1 to 6
HP, and three parts engines. That is why I call it an
addiction!
I have restored all 12 engines. My goal is to take all 12
engines to one show.
I have acquired quite a bit of literature on Gade engines and
one of my hobbies is registering all Gade engines I can locate,
with picture and information.
If anybody out there has a Gade engine that I don’t know of,
please send me a picture and information.
