Collection Underscores Pump's Importance to Early Farms
By Cindy Ladage
People collect things for many reasons. But for Bob Emery, who collects pumps, the motivation for his collection is, simply, function.
"In their times, these pumps were really important," he says. "Every farm and every home had one."
The Emery household in rural Carlinville, Ill., is a pump showcase, starting at the front yard. The family's mailbox is attached to a pump, and a pump is used as a lawn ornament.
"Lots of pumps are in pieces, and I always give away duplicates," he says. "I buy and restore them."
His collection consists of 20 big pumps and a dozen smaller ones. Most were made during the 1920s. All have been restored and repainted.
The collection is displayed in a basement museum that consists of a work area, study and display area. The piece that started the collection is also the most unusual, Bob says. Manufactured by the Peters company, it has two cylinders. His collection includes pieces made by Blue Star, Wistrand, Hayes Pump and Planter, F.E. Meyers Brothers (Ashland, Ohio), and several Red Jackets.
Different styles of pumps were popular in different parts of the country. The selection available at the local hardware store had a lot to do with it.
"They pushed what they had good luck with," he says.
Differing geography also played a role.