Watertown, Wisconsin
This is the story of a 2 HP Sparta Economy engine #664- I found
it at an old saw mill near Black River Falls, nearly 20 years
ago.
After reading Glenn Karch’s book ‘Sparta Economy
Gasoline Engines,’ and looking over the serial number list, I
discovered my engine is the oldest known surviving 2 HP Sparta
Economy engine.
The Holm’s Machine Manufacturing Company of Sparta,
Michigan, manufactured Sparta Economy engines for Sears, Roebuck
and Company. Production of Model A Sparta Economy engines began in
1909. Altogether Holm’s produced about 1200 Model A Sparta
Economy engines. The Sears catalog of 1910 lists the price of a 2
HP Economy engine at $46.95.
Once I knew that my engine was the oldest known 2 HP Sparta
Economy, I began making arrangements for its restoration. Like most
restorations, the re building of the engine was no small task.
Through a lot of hard work and some fortunate circumstances, this
engine was beautifully restored to working condition.
Without the help of fellow collector Paul Hartman of Smyrna,
Tennessee, the restoration of my engine would not have been
possible. I knew that Paul owned a similar 2 HP Sparta Economy.
Several parts were missing from my engine, including the entire
fuel mixing mechanism, gas filler, and generator pipe. I called him
and asked if he could send me drawings of these parts so I could
have replacements made. Imagine my surprise when two weeks later
the newly manufactured parts them selves arrived at my door!
Needless to say, I was happy to get them. With these expertly
crafted replacement parts in hand, the restoration began.
My brother and fellow collector Paul Moss completed much of the
remaining restoration work in 1995. Paul did a fantastic job of
getting my engine in running order. In addition to getting the
engine running again, he also did all the painting and pin
striping.
Special thanks to Paul Hartman and my brother Paul Moss for
their valuable help in restoring my engine. With their expert help,
I am able to proudly show off this engine as the oldest known 2 HP
Model A Sparta Economy.