Mystic in Stonington in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Hercules Model EK7 Kerosene Engine
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
1. Hercules Model EK7 Kerosene Engine Marker
Horsepower: 7
Cylinders: 1
This simple single-cylinder (one-lung) engine with flywheel is typical of tens of thousands found all over rural America after their introduction in the 1890s. They powered small shops, farm equipment, and lumber mills in the days before rural electrification and modern lightweight engines. These early engines revolutionized a way of life previously dependent on animal power, waterpower, or larger, more expensive steam engines.
Around 1900, George Washington, Smith acquired a 6-horsepower Excelsior engine made by the Consolidated Engine Company of New York City to power his equipment for hoop-making and other woodworking. This relieved his dependency on water to drive the water wheel that previously powered this equipment.
The engine used here today is similar to his Excelsior engine. Dating to about 1917, it is a 7-horsepower engine built by the Hercules Company of Evansville, Indiana, which began production in 1912 and continued into the 1930s. By 1914, the company was building 150 engines a day, from 1.5 to 10 horsepower. This engine was designed to burn either gasoline or the less expensive kerosene. Since its acquisition by Mystic Seaport Museum in 1985, it has been restored and is run frequently as a demonstration.
Erected by
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 41° 21.699′ N, 71° 57.912′ W. Marker is in Stonington, Connecticut, in New London County. It is in Mystic. Marker can be reached from Greenmanville Avenue (Connecticut Route 27) south of Rossie Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Waterways to Freedom - Maria Weems and Leah Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Whaleboat (within shouting distance of this marker); Sardine Carrier Regina M (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Cod Catboat Breck Marshall (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Temple, 1800 - 1954 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Leadership of Indigenous Women (within shouting distance of this marker); Master Shipbuilders (within shouting distance of this marker); Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
2. Hercules Model EK7 Kerosene Engine Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
