This is a piece in the annals of engineering history. Developed by George Frick in the late 19th century, the Frick steam engine was renowned for its precision craftsmanship. The 10 HP Eclipse model shown here is capable of turning out 5000 feet of lumber a day, 2,400 chairs annually, or four bushels of wheat AN HOUR! 

Every component was meticulously designed and manufactured to exacting standards, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The frame or bed which comprises the cylinder head, the guides for the crosshead, and the two bearings for the crankshafts are also cast solid; so that it is impossible for the important working parts to get out of line.  

Here is our steam mockingbird whistle. The technical term for this rare item is a variable pitch whistle. Steam is injected into the whistle at the small ball valve. The variable pitch is controlled by the vertical stem at the base of the whistle. The operator could change the pitch of the whistle by raising or lowering the rod. 

While our whistle is more modern than this type of whistle’s patent from September 1872, the inventor’s design intention is clear: 

“This invention consists in so constructing a steam-whistle that a movable piston within the cup or cylinder above the steam-orifice modulates the sound of the whistle to a scale of tones, or higher or lower notes. The piston is managed from any distance below by means of a rod at the pleasure of the operator, and where a scale of notes may be placed, by which, and by moving the rod, a tune may be played.” 

The Interstate Machine Co. was founded in New London, Connecticut and later transferred their headquarters to Rochester, New York.  The Interstate Machine Co. is most well-known for its early 20th century Sterling Siren Fire Horns. In researching the company’s background, we discovered Interstate also offered lubricators and oil pumps. 

This is our one horsepower steam engine from the Interstate Machine Co. The previous owner of this beauty took great care in maintaining the engine in fine working condition. The lubricating points still have packing in them, and the engine rotates smoothly. We are proud to have this Interstate Machine Co. engine on display. 

This is our Lunkenheimer Banner #6 Oiler. The Lunkenheimer Company was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1862 by Frederick Lunkenheimer; its original name was Cincinnati Brass Works. In 1893 it was renamed the Lunkenheimer Valve Company after the founder’s son, Edmund, became involved. The Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio is named for the family after they donated land to the city in 1927 which previously was their private flying field. 

The oiler is designed to be used with both gas and steam engines. Proper lubrication was essential for the efficient and long-lasting operation of these engines, preventing wear and tear. Our oiler can hold two pints of lubricating oil. It operated by allowing oil to drip into the engine at a controlled rate. The vent helped maintain a steady flow by preventing air from becoming trapped inside the oiler. 

Amongst the many smaller items PMI proudly displays in our steam museum, we have several exciting small steam toys.  This week we’re highlighting an alcohol burning steam boiler from a well-known toy manufacturer, Gebrüder Bing, or Bing Brothers. Founded in 1865 in Nuremberg, Germany, the Bing Brothers focused on tableware until the 1880s when they shifted to toy manufacturing. They’re most famous for their trains and steam engines.  

The Bing Brothers’ toys were popular around the world with their sales in the United States outpacing that of U.S. based manufacturers.  However, with the onset of World War I, exports ceased. The company recovered slightly post war, but ultimately shuttered in 1933; and the Bings emigrated from Germany to escape rising antisemitism. 

Our steam toy’s logo suggests it was manufactured somewhere between 1906 and 1920 according to several toy historians. 

Josh C. Stoddard invented the calliope in the mid-19th century, this musical instrument became immensely popular at circuses, carnivals, and fairs across the country. The instrument consists of a series of whistles or pipes, each producing a different pitch, and it is played by forcing steam or air through these pipes triggered by the piano keys. As the steam or air passes through the pipes, it creates a high-pitched and often whimsical sound. This is likely why it was named after the Greek muse of eloquence and epic poetry, perhaps to suggest the instrument’s ability to produce melodious and expressive noises. The attached boiler, restored in 2004, features a heating surface of 57 sqft, and has a max steam capacity of 285 Lbs/Hr.

A steam car is a steam automobile propelled by an external combustion steam engine. The first steam cars were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, although this is from the 1900s. A car like this can take 30 minutes to startup and it has been fired up by our employees for the first time in what may have been many years. Come visit our facility and take a tour around the campus in our steam car.

A replica 1899 Locomobile Runabout was recently rebuilt and fired up by Power Mechanical’s machinists and steam experts. This Locomobile will be featured in Power Mechanical’s Steam Museum.  Steam-powered automobiles’ origins date back to the 18^th century. Richard Trevithick is credited with engineering the ability to harness high pressure steam in 1800, facilitating the commercial development of steam-powered engines. Leading the way in steam technology starts with honoring its foundations.

Orr & Sembower was founded in 1885 in Reading, PA and later opened offices in NYC, Chicago, and Boston. This vertical steam boiler likely was coupled with a vertical steam engine which turned that steam energy into mechanical horsepower. An excerpt from Orr & Sembower’s 1900 trade magazine publication depicts a visual example.  The two vertically aligned holes to the right of the handhold are for the sight glass.  This boiler’s fuel source was wood or coal.

In the Steam Museum, we showcase the engine block from a 1906 White, Model O steam car. By many accounts, White steam cars were some of the finest engineered steam vehicles of that generation. The company got its start manufacturing sewing machines when Thomas H. White formed the White Sewing Machine Company with a few business partners. The business was a great success and Thomas was able to send his son, Rollin, to Europe to receive training in steam automobile manufacturing. 

Rollin H. White patented a highly efficient steam generator in 1900, and the White Sewing Machine Company began manufacturing steam cars the same year. In 1906, the automobile manufacturing division was established as its own company, the White Motor Company. Our two-chamber steam engine was connected to Rollin White’s invention, converting steam energy into mechanical power, achieving around 20 HP.