My Rockford

1912 Rockford Engine Works 1-1/2hp model

I re-discovered this 1912 Rockford 1-1/2hp hit & miss engine in my grandfather's wood shed. I remember playing around it as a child in our barn. But, I had almost forgotten about it until I stumbled upon it again a few years ago.

My grandfather purchased the engine from a neighbor's brother who lived in nearby Smithville, TN during the early 1930's.

My grandfather used it to grind corn for the family farm, as well as for powering a generator from a 1929 Pontiac automobile to charge batteries. Batteries were very important during the days when the entire family gathered around the radio to hear Minnie Pearl on the Grand Ole Opry.

The Rockford was used until the early 1950s, and then stored in the barn. My grandfather kept it oiled good, but the coil was bad.

The Rockford 1-1/2hp engine, when new, had an ignitor and low tension coil. However, as you can see in the picture, the engine has been adapted to accept a spark plug and use a buzz coil. Emerson-Brantingham purchased the Rockford Engine Works in September 1912 and reproduced the Rockford engine exactly under the E-B tag during 1913 and 1914 before manufacturing a smaller version of their own. So, I'm told a reproduction of the E-B ignitor will fit perfectly.

The color for this Rockford engine was red. The larger side-shafts were a wine color. While the 3hp hopper-cooled were dark green. I suspect that the reason for this engine being red is that it was sold after the buy out by Emerson-Brantingham. E-B's color is red.

My grandfather, Charlie F. Bailiff, was elated when the engine was started for the first time in 49 or so years on Saturday, February 19, 2000. He passed away on July 1, 2001 at age 89.

written by Kevin Bandy

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