It’s every collector’s fantasy: Happening on to an old, country hardware store’s go-ing-out-of-business sale. Peggy Griffin, Grandview, Iowa, stumbled on to just such an event in Morning Sun, Iowa, a couple of years ago, and made a great find there.
Among the treasures at the store she found a dealer plaque for the Aermotor Co., Chicago, manufacturer of windmills and electric pumps, gasoline engines, tanks and towers. “Water where you want it,” the plaque reads. “Authorized dealer.” The 10-1/2-by-13-1/2-inch plaque was an even greater find, as Peggy’s husband, Randy, is a windmill enthusiast.
The Aermotor Co. was founded in 1888 by Thomas O. Perry and LaVerne W. Noyes. The company ultimately became the largest manufacturer of windmills in the U.S. FC
Read more about Aermotor windmills in “Catching the Wind” and “History of the Aermotor Windmill Corporation“.
Have a truly special piece you’d like to share with other Farm Collector readers? Send us photos and information, and as space is available, we’ll include your treasure in the magazine. Prefer to remain private? We’re glad to withhold your name on request. This department is open to literally any kind of item related to antique farm equipment. Our intention is to showcase unique pieces more than to answer questions. Conventional “What-is-it?” queries should be directed to that department.
Digital photos must be high resolution files (taken at the camera’s highest quality setting). All photos submitted must be taken in a well lit area and in sharp focus. No photos will be returned. Send photos and information to Farm Collector Great Finds, 1503 S.W. 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609. Email files may be sent to editor@farmcollector.com
