Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Wolverine Semi-Diesel Engine
Built: 1926, Wolverine Motor Works of Bridgeport, CT
8-12" Bore, 12-1/2" Stroke
2128 Cubic Inches (35L)
75 HP @325 RPM
Air start, Burning Wick Ignition
The engine was used to power the Flora, an oyster boat turned pleasure boat, replacing its earlier steam engine. The Flora is seen in the photo above, taken during the annual Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous on the Mystic River, with its deck crowded with people and even an upright piano. When the boat was dismantled in the 2000s, the engine went to a private collector, who later donated it to Mystic Seaport Museum.
To start the engine, a burning wick is inserted into each cylinder to provide the initial ignition.
This ignition is run several times a year for special events, especially the Antique Marine Engine Expo traditionally held the third weekend in August.
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum. (Marker Number 2017.12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 41° 21.558′ N, 71° 57.896′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline, in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore, and in the Thames River Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shipsaw (a few steps from this marker); Sawmill (a few steps from this marker); Atlas (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Compound Steam Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); Susan Constant (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Live Oak Log (within shouting distance of this marker);
Other markers no longer nearby. Lathrop D-90 Diesel Engine (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Wichmann Semi-Diesel Engine (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Compound Steam Engine (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Live Oak Log (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
