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This piece of Americana needs a mechanical wizard to bring

it back to life. All the parts are there - and we can get it to hit,

we just can't seem to get it to run. It is reputedly a very strong

and reliable engine, though it has a messy exhaust through it's

complicated muffler.

26110

6.5 HP #

This engine is a fine example of
the family penchant for saving
things.

 

The Rolfe House was built in 1900
and originally employed gas
lights. J. S. Rolfe attended the
1904 St Louis Worlds Fair and
might have seen a Gray Marine
engine displayed there. At the
end of the First World War the
house was re-fitted with a Delco
system employing batteries and 12
volt wiring. This engine was sup-
posed to have been used to run
that system. The 12 volt system
was replaced in 1927 with a 110
volt system and this engine was
retired and stored in the shop.

 

It was still there in the 1970s when
Jim Rolfe told Joe Rolfe to be sure
and take good care of it. It has
been kept under cover since then.
After saving this piece of unused
machinery for 79 years, we put it
on a cart and tried to get it run-
ning in 2005. No luck so far. It is
90 years old this year so we hope
someone will take on the project.

It is the right size to run a grist
mill and boasts a forward and
reverse clutch in working order.

 

Such engines were most often
used in small launches or boats,
and Gray Marine Engines served
the Country admirably in WWII.

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