C. H. Brown & Co .

Manufacturers of the "Brown" Automatic Cut-off Steam Engine — Works, Main Street, Fitchburg, MA.

      Founded in 1863 by Charles H. Brown who had been associate with J. & S. Putnam. In 1871, he developed the Brown Automatic Cut-Off Steam Engine, which was manufactured into the 1890’s.

      The Brown automatic engine, simple in principle and construction, built in the most perfect and workmanlike manner, easily managed and attractive in style, meets exactly the wants of a vast number of mill-owners and manufacturers. Provided with an infallible cut-off attachment, strong, durable and reliable, especial attention has been directed to preventing or overcoming the effects of expansion and contraction while providing for proper adjustment and lubrication—with what success is attested by its fast increasing sale. This engine was awarded the first prize, a gold medal, at the Paris exposition of 1889, in competition with the world. They also received the leading awards at Philadelphia, New York , Boston, Cincinnati, New Orleans and wherever exhibited. The unobstructed operation of the valves alone commends it to favorable consideration. This concern was established in 1868 by Mr. C. H. Brown, an accomplished mechanic and inventor of note, previously a member and originator of the Putnam engine. His sons, C. H., junior, and F. E., subsequently became associated with him, and, being theoretical and practical masters of mechanics as applied to engine and machinery construction, have proved of great assistance in bringing their house to the front. Up to a recent period the firm has confined its attention to the ordinary styles, but is now building compound engines, and solicits orders for cross, tandem or any other kind of any capacity. The works are domiciled in a modern two-and-a-half story brick structure 50 x 162 feet, on Main street, fitted up with the latest and best appliances, and at present give employment to seventy-five skilled workmen, turning out a large number of complete engines, of an average value of $3,000, annually. These engines are provided with the Brown gridiron sliding valve, and are shipped to every State in the Union, to France, to Belgium, to Brazil and elsewhere.

Information Sources

• Inland Massachusetts Illustrated by Elstner Publishing Co. 1891 pg 128
• The Massachusetts corporate registry database lists THE C. H. BROWN ENGINE COMPANY's first registration as 1906-05-16.
• American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 41