I have been receiving the ALBUM since 1947 when the Late Arthur
Young, Kinzer, Pennsylvania gave me a copy of a story written by
Mr. Ritzman, dated July 29, 1946 titled ‘Steam Engines Are My
Hobby.’
My interest in steam goes back to the early 1900s when my family
operated a felspar quarry and chicken grit plant, using steam power
to operate the crusher, elevator and screens. I also worked in a
shop during World War II which made steam freight elevators fro the
Dupont powder plants. The machinery was run by steam. In 1949 I
purchased an 8 x 10 Frick traction engine for $250.
Make – Smith, Myers & Schnier. Date – unknown. Cyl. 16′
dia. X 20′ stroke. Flywheel, 96′ dia. and 24′ wide.
Boiler made by Johnson -Michigan, formerly used in a Great Lakes
dredge.
This engine powered a sawmill at Goshen, Indiana until the mill
burned down in 1901. Engine was sent to Sanders Sawmill in South
Bend, Indiana where it operated until 1924 when a large engine was
needed. This engine was stored, dismantled, until January 1970 when
it was acquired by the La Porte Society. It is now an operating
exhibit.