Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Source |
Froelich Foundation 1890s Village Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Statewide Settlement (1869-1896) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.037.001 |
Credit line |
Froelich Foundation 1890s Village Museum - McGregor, Iowa |
Description |
This is a photograph of John Froelich, a resident of Froelich, Iowa, which was named after his family. In 1892, Froelich invented the first gasoline-powered tractor that could move both forward and in reverse. He then started the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company with other investors located in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1893. This company developed the "Waterloo Boy" tractor, which burned kerosene as it was a cheaper fuel for farmers to purchase. Froelich left the company in 1895 after it shifted its focus to gasoline-powered motors. He eventually settled in St. Paul, Minnesota and worked as a financial advisor. Froelich received 14 different patents during his lifetime, and he was later inducted into the Iowa Inventors Hall of Fame. He passed away in 1933. Despite Froelich's departure from the company, the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company grew in size for many years. The John Deere Company eventually purchased it in 1918. Content can be used with the following standards: 4th grade SS 4.26 Changes to Agriculture in a lesson on developments to agriculture made in the late 1800s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
While working for a mobile threshing company, Froelich realized that farmers had difficulty getting coal for their steam-powered tractors. In 1892, Froelich worked towards a solution to the problem by attaching a Vanduzen engine on top of Robinson steam engine frame. The gasoline-powered tractor was met with confusion by farmers, but soon became popular as it was the first of its kind to move forwards and backwards. Working with George Miller, Froelich opened the Waterloo Gasoline Tractor Engine Company and developed the Waterloo Boy line of tractors. Froelich's invention helped to modernize the farming industry and led to new farming techniques and increased productivity and the size of farms. However, despite creating the first gas-powered tractor, it was not able to pull a horse plow behind it as it was too bulky. This issue was soon fixed with a design released by the Hart-Parr Company. |
Notes on Related Objects |
Object is related to the following library resources, which can be found by searching the catalog number in the advanced search section: Catalog #: 2018.045.028 Crossroads on the Cedar: A Story of Two . Cities 2018.045.059 Iowa as a Manufacturing State 2018.045.187- The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa |
County Tag |
Black Hawk |Clayton |
People |
Froelich, John |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Agricultural Products/Types Agriculture Business & Industry Farmers/Farm Life Innovators Inventors Tractors Traction engines Waterloo Boy |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Froelich Foundation 1890s Village Museum and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
