Well, the little GEM is now three years old – time really does
have a way of passing by- three years already and really growing.
Each year we hope it (the magazine) grows better – this is our aim.
We welcome your suggestions, letters and pictures and don’t
feel discouraged if you don’t see them in print right away. We
don’t throw them away.
I do hope you had a Happy Christmas Season and wouldn’t it
be nice if the Christmas Spirit could be with us all year – but
maybe that is what makes it so wonderful- that at least once
throughout the year, some folks are touched to do kind things that
they forget about the rest of the year – and who knows, maybe each
year we all grow a little and become more aware of the important
things in life. Maybe each of us will do a little more for others
in the coming year and then next year a bit more and by doing this
we are growing in character and bettering ourselves and when we do
this unselfishly we’re then bettering the world aren’t we?
And isn’t that what life is all about? Perhaps this year
instead of making a whole list of resolutions if we would just make
one like ‘Replace self with serve’ we would all have a big
job to do at that, but maybe we could make it worthwhile. You know,
I’ve found if you are thinking of others and helping them, you
forget self – trouble is I don’t do this often enough. Well,
enough of me trying to say something I don’t think I’m
getting across any how onto letters and items of GEM interest.
J. Gordon Thomson of 1 Inlet Place, Huntington, New York 11743
writes: ‘I have an engine that I have restored that is make and
break, hit and miss, battery and coil ignition, three and a half
inch bore, four inch stroke. The block is water cooled, the head is
air-cooled. The casting number on every part starts with AA. The
gas tank is separate, not in the base and the exhaust is one inch
pipe thread. It runs like a charm and I sure would like to be able
to name it.’
Now, Mr. Thomson says I’ve been so instrumental in helping
other Engine Buffs with their problems that I might be able to help
him. Well, I surely am no help in answering the question of the GEM
advocates EXCEPT that I can convey the message in the column and
other pals of the hobby can answer the folks – and this I’m
happy to do. So, don’t let Mr. Thomson or I down – can you
figure out the name of his engine? I bet Mr. Krueger will have an
answer as he has a wealth of information on the subject and has
been very helpful to many.
Ron Magnuson, Box 1, Good Hope, Illinois 61438 would like to
correspond with someone who has an Ideal lawn-mower engine. He
would like to know the color and Hp. of the small air-cooled Ideal
engine that was used on the Ideal Lawnmower made in Lansing,
Michigan in the early 1920’s.
‘The Type F’ Oil Pull and six bottom Engine stubble
plowing twelve to fifteen acres a day. (Reproduced from an old
postal card of the 1900-29 era).
Ron also says and I quote: ‘Keep up the good work. I have
been with GEM since it was born. I wouldn’t miss an issue. I
said it once and I will say it again – it is the greatest thing
since the wheel.’ Thanks Ron – it’s those kind of comments
that gives us the spirit to keep trying to do better.
Another communication comes from Ernest J. Frazee of 230 N.
Lincoln St., Portland, Michigan, 48875. ‘I am a gas engine bug
myself. Have not been at it too long – about two years now. I now
have 16 engines. I have two engines I need some help on – one is an
Emerson Brantinghaus No. 45697, 1? Hp. Type E.H.I. 500 RPM, made in
Rockford, Illinois. The governor control rod is missing. I would
like to hear from someone with an engine like this. I also would
like to know the color of a Leader 3 Hp. No. CC17941, 450 RPM made
in Deca-tur, Illinois – Owego, N.Y. This engine was in real bad
shape but I have it running now.’
So. there is another job for you veterans of the gas engines- if
you can help Ernest – just let him know. He will surely be glad to
hear from you.
And just a short letter from Paul R. Spearing, R.R. 1, Baxter,
Iowa 50028. Paul writes: ‘I came across an old P’uller
& Johnson upright air-cooled 1909 farm pump engine complete
with pump jack and would like to know what kind of an oiler was
used to grease the connecting rod bearing. I would appreciate
hearing from anyone having information on this.’ – so come on
fellas and get the information for Paul.
My 1? Hp. Fairbanks-Morse Model Z, 1922, hit and miss. I get
much enjoyment out of cranking it up for the youngsters. Many ask
what it is and are taken aback when explained They cannot believe
that it is an engine. To many of the oldsters, it brings back the
nostalgia of the era in which the engine was in demand. Have found
a great many are interested in these engines. Hope to get a Gas-Up
started here in Sacramento, California.
And then here is just a letter not asking anything, but just a
friendly letter from Allan A. Bartley of Killarney, Manitoba,
Canada. Allan says: ‘I am a farmer with wife and four boys,
three at home and one still going to school. Their ages are 25, 23,
18, and 15 years old. We have four sections of land to look after
but still have time to collect old tractors, cars and gas engines.
We have around 30 engines and 10 tractors, plus 8 cars from 1912 to
1936. We sure enjoy GEM, especially the one which had data on the
Hornsby engine as we have one, Plus 3 Fuller & Johnson. One
Fuller & Johnson is air-cooled upright mo-[-del about 1? hp.
with pump jack as a complete unit.’
Sounds like the Bartleys have two worthwhile collections – boys
and engines.Well, I must end this and get on my way as there is
much to be done with Christmas just around the corner. And
we’re busy putting things away right now as Dana and hubby,
Bob, just moved home with us for awhile. Bob was released from the
Navy earlier than we expected and they are living in with us until
they find a place to live and until Bob gets settled in a job again
– we’re so happy to have them. As anyone else, they are anxious
to have their own place but sometimes these kind of stop overs are
most rewarding for all concerned. They are looking forward to an
increase in the family by Spring and in February Eddie and Kathi
will be having a brother or sister for Stacy at their home – and
that will make us veteran grandparents. Isn’t it wonderful??
We’re all looking forward to a Happy Holiday Season and you
folks do the same and I’ll be ‘gabbing’ with you again
in Mar-Apr. issue.
In closing, I’d like to use this: ‘There is a destiny
that makes us brothers None goes his way alone. All that we send
into the lives of others Comes back into our
own.’–Markham.
