Published in 1950, The Story of a Stanley Steamer is George Woodbury’s entertaining account of restoring and operating a 1917 Stanley steam automobile. Woodbury approaches the project as both a mechanical challenge and an exploration of an earlier age of American engineering.

The Stanley Motor Carriage Company produced some of America’s best-known steam automobiles. Unlike gasoline cars, Stanley vehicles used a burner and compact boiler to generate steam, which powered a small engine connected to the rear axle. They were known for quiet operation, smooth acceleration, and remarkable performance.

Woodbury describes the process of returning his Stanley to working condition while introducing readers to its boiler, burner, engine, controls, and other mechanical systems. His account also includes stories about the Stanley brothers, early motorists, and the dedicated enthusiasts who preserved these unusual automobiles.

Illustrated with photographs and original Stanley literature, the book combines mechanical history with humor and personal experience. The museum’s copy also contains a handwritten presentation inscription dated October 1950, adding a unique piece of provenance to the artifact.