Jr., Worcester, New York 12197
Many years ago while visiting a farmer in the wilds of northern
New York, I was introduced to a marvelous invention called the
‘BUZZ SAW.’ Now, to this day, I do not know where that saw
got its name as I have never heard one that buzzed. This one was no
exception, as it could be heard working away for half a mile.
This particular rig was constructed many many years before I
graced the nursery at St. Lukes Hospital in Newburgh, New York. It
was an intriguing thing with all kinds of cast iron, and flywheels
and smoke, and noise. It was so ugly, that a feller couldn’t
help but like it. The ol’ gent gassed up the engine, oiled it,
and cranked it over, on the first POPI knew I was in love. However,
it sure seemed strange to me to hear that thing go through its
hit-and-miss routine. Having grown up on the smooth purr of the
Packard straight eight, I was sure that the old hunk of iron
wasn’t long for this world.
Closer investigation of the power unit, after the wood was sawed
and piled, allowed me to learn that the engine was none other than
a ST. GEORGES.
Now at the time, I was sure that only a nut would want to own
anything that heavy and that noisy, so I promptly forgot about it.
But, with age, I mellowed and finally came to my senses and began
to collect ‘one-lungers’ for myself. The first one I sought
was a ‘ST. GEORGES’ and the search continued for many years
to no avail. I stomped the highways and byways of most of the New
England states and traveled as far west as Iowa, but try as I may,
I could not even get a lead on a St. Georges.
I became so desperate for one, that I even took to advertising
and this proved to be a wise move on my part. After the first ad,
some wrote to tell me there never was such an engine, but I knew
better. I’m not only built like an elephant, but I can remember
like one especially when it comes to ‘ol’ iron.’
Finally early in October, I received a letter from a young man
in eastern Massachusetts with a collection of cast iron gems of his
own. Seems he not only had one St. Georges, he had two! One of
which he agreed to sell or trade to me. Needless to say, it was
just a few short days later that my old Chevy one ton was would up
tight and Jan, Paul and I were headed down the pike.
We left Worcester, New York, in the afternoon, and after driving
through the beautiful multi-colored mountains, we arrived in
Worcester, Massachusetts, where we spent the night. The next
morning we drive 40 miles east, and after looking over some real
fine engines, we loaded the St. Georges and headed for home. We
also loaded a 1 HP Mogul, for good measure.
Now it is just a few short days later, and I am busy scraping
and fixin’ so I can get this beauty ready for the spring show
of our club at Gallupville, New York. Y’all come on over and
check it out. After all, it isn’t every day that you see a ST.
GEORGES. Lord Bless Ya’.
