520 W. Jefferson Street, Naperville, IL 60540
On October 19, 1985, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield
Village had a sale of surplus items. My wife and I attended and
were able to purchase this 24HP Port Huron portable engine, serial
number 8620.
This engine sat outside for many years and fell into disrepair.
seeing this machine on display there.
I had heard that Henry Ford was a Port Huron man, having owned
numerous complete Port Huron rigs. And, I suspected that he had
ordered this one new. This was confirmed when I was able to get a
copy of the construction record from a gentleman in Michigan.
Many parts and fittings were missing or broken and many hours
were spent searching for replacement parts to repair the boiler and
engine.
Boiler repairs and the required state inspection and first
fire-up in many years were done in just a scant week before her
debut at the 1986 Sycamore Show. In fact, work was done right up
until the last minute. I was up after midnight the night before,
turning up a pulley for the governor!
We are still working the bugs out of her but, all in all, she
runs pretty well. Especially with the 150 pounds of steam the state
allows her Ohio Standard boiler.
Construction records for the Goulds’ Port Huron #8620.
I only wish ole Henry could see her now. But, at any rate, you
can see this engine at the 1988 Sycamore Show. The Show dates this
year are August 11 to 14, 1988.
