This Day In Patent History

The Stanley brothers would soon form the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, which used this and other patents to develop a notable line of steam-powered cars.

The public came to know these as “Stanley Steamers”, and their cultural legacy lives on today—one even appeared in the Pixar movie Cars.

A Stanley Steamer set a land speed record of 127 MPH in 1906, a record that stood for five years against other automobiles and was not surpassed by another steam vehicle until 2009.

The Stanley twins made violins and patented a gas-illumination system for homes, but their main business was making dry photographic plates. In 1896 the brothers saw a crude steam car and F.E. decided to build one of his own.

He got a boiler and an engine and a light buggy frame on four bicycle wheels. The engine and boiler were too heavy for the frame but were mounted anyway. By this time F.O. had joined the venture. In 1897 they were ready for a test run. Cautiously, they lit the boiler and waited for steam pressure to build. Nothing exploded, so it was time for a road test. Neither had ever driven anything but a horse and buggy, but F.E., the bolder of the two, took the tiller.

In his 1952 book, Fill ‘er Up, Bellamy Partridge gives the best description of the twins’ first road test: “They realized that this first ride might also be their last, so they decided to take it together. They climbed gingerly into the vehicle and firmly settled their derby hats on their identical heads.

“With a trembling hand, F.E. gripped the tiller. As he opened the throttle, the car began to move, whistling like a teakettle and leaving a little white cloud of vapour behind.” The car shot out of an alley and surprised a horse “who gave a sudden leap (and) ran 4 miles before being stopped. The horse reached Newtonville Square far ahead of the Stanley Steamer, a feat that was not duplicated by either horse or automobile for several years to come.”

In 1897, inspired by the steam carriage, they built their own “steam wagon,” leading to the production of three improved models. The last one was sold to John Brisbane Walker in 1898, generating substantial interest.

F.E. set a new speed record in November 1898, driving the improved model at 27.4 miles per hour. With numerous orders pouring in, the brothers ventured into mass production, acquiring a former bicycle factory in January 1899. They also standardized components and partnered with Currier, Cameron & Company for bodies.

By the summer of 1899, they had produced 100 vehicles, secured patents, and received a tempting buyout offer. Ultimately, they sold their company to John Walker for $250,000, who then partnered with Amzi L. Barber to form the Locomobile Company of America.

In 1901, as gasoline engines advanced, the Locomobile abandoned steam propulsion, and the Stanleys repurchased their patents and factory. They established the Stanley Brothers Manufacturing Company, becoming automotive icons.

In 1906, a Stanley car achieved a stunning 127 mph speed record. However, the introduction of the electric starter by Cadillac in 1912 signalled the decline of steam-powered cars.

The company struggled until 1923 when it declared bankruptcy. Assets formed the Steam Vehicle Corporation of America, which produced Stanley vehicles until 1927.

F.O. Stanley contributed to Estes Park’s development, building the Stanley Hotel and promoting tourism. F.E. Stanley tragically died in a 1918 car accident.

The Stanley brothers’ legacy extends beyond automobiles, reflecting their diverse talents and impact on the world.