History of a Frick Steam Engine

In 1948 the engine was sold to its third owner, Steven Zook of New Holland, Pa. Menno Hoover, who ran the engine for Zook (and one of those kind friends at Rough & Tumble I spoke about), was able to supply some further information on the Frick. According to Menno, the engine was then used for threshing, chopping/blowing silage and steaming tobacco beds until 1972.

It was then sold to the fourth owner, Willard Robinson of Harford, Pa. Robinson removed the insulating jacket from the boiler at that time and put rubber cleats on the wheels. Robinson did not use it for work, it was a hobby engine and parade piece during the time he owned it.

Some time around 1992 it was sold again, this time to William Stafford of Bear, Del. He owned the engine for about six years, and during that time he used it to run a little thresher. Then in the spring of 1998 it was sold again to Ivan Zimmerman of Leola, Pa. Ivan Zimmerman brought it back to Pennsylvania where it underwent greatly needed repairs to the boiler, roof and platform area, and then on May 13, 2000, the engine was sold once again, this time to me.

At last I have my engine. It's kind of like getting married or having a child. Anyone who has been there knows – a toast to the new family member or smoking cigars with the boys is not out of the question. (Please excuse the scribble writing. My wife, Kathy, is throwing the frying pans at me at this time).

All of this brings this engine's history up to date. I am doing minor maintenance repairs to the engine, and I'm continuing my hands-on education of the steam bug that bit me at such a young age. Thanks to my family and friends who have aided me in that education!