For 61 years the Columbus Machine Co., located at 223 West Board Street, has been engaged in the manufacture of motive power. The concern was a builder of steam engines from the time of introduction of steam engines down to the present time and were participators in the development of steam engines as we find it today.
Early in the development of the gasoline engine the Columbus Machine Co. took an active interest and conducted various experiments and tests, believing that the twentieth century would be the era of the gasoline engine, as the nineteenth century was of the steam engine. Its precedence over the steam engine has taken place so rapidly in the past few years that the company confines itself exclusively to the building of internal-combustion engines. Included in the list are the most complete types of gas, producer gas and gasoline engines in use at present, with all parts and features worked out carefully, with its past years of experience as builders of engines.
The company manufactures a large number of different types of gasoline engines, adapted for every use imaginable. One of its specialties is the single-cylinder double-acting automatic type, in which is embodied features of both the American and European types. In addition many improvements have originated which tend towards more economical and successful operation under exacting conditions of widely fluctuating load which are so-frequently met with in American practice.
Another type is the Columbus Duplex model, designed for all instances requiring close regulation. The Columbus Automatic Suction gas producer, developing from twenty-five to two hundred and fifty horsepower, is another of the popular types produced by the company.
The plant of the Columbus Machine Company is one of the most modern in the country. At present the organization of the corporation is: W. K. Lanman, president; J. II. Roys, vice-president and general manager; E. R. Sharp, treasurer, and R. AI Weaver, secretary.
Information Sources
- Implement Age 19 Aug 1911 pg 24
- American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 58
- American Gasoline Engines Since 1872 by C. H. Wendel, Volume #1, 1983 page 104
- The Complete Guide to Stationary Gas Engines by Mark Meincke, 1996 page 107