~ The C. H. Brown Steam Engine Company ~

Established 1868

Works 16 to 22, Main Street

FITCHBURG, Massachusetts.

Manufacturers of the Brown Automatic Cut-Off Stationary Steam Engine

~ Manufactured in many different sizes to meet the needs of both Mill and General Industry use with a good range of general compound models through to Cross and Tandem Compound styles ~
We specialize in a vast range of general engineering requirements including a complete range of shafting and pulleys to suit any need
and offer a fast turn around service on any item that we have in stock, for larger and more complex items quoted upon the normal time
is six weeks from quotation to your door using our Free Carriage service, if you are passing by via the trolley please stop and come in
for an inspection of our plant: Inspection times are 10AM, 12AM and 2PM Monday - Friday. Please apply at our office beforehand,
as stragglers have been known to get lost !!.

We pride ourselves in being one of Fitchburg's leading Engine Builders with a long history which
involves many famous people including Thomas Alva Edison. Henry Ford and Charles Burleigh.
Our early history is included below;

C. H. Brown & Co,.

The Brown automatic engine, simple in principle and construction, built in the most perfect and workman like 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. The engine was awarded the first prize, a gold medal, at the Paris exposition of 1889, in competition with the
World. The company also received the leading awards at Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Cincinnati, New Orleans and whenever exhibited. The unobstructed
operation of the valve alone commends it to favorable consideration. This concern was established in 1869 by Mr. C. H. Brown, an accomplished mechanic and
inventor of note, previously a member of the Putman Machine Company and originator of the Putman 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 bring 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 workman, 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, as well as to
France, Belgium, Brazil and elsewhere. During his time with the Putman Co, C. H. Brown ran into an old friend who also spent time with the same Company, the
person was Charles Burleigh. After a short period working together they were later to "patent" an engine under the name of the " The Putnam Engine ".
( Charles H. Brown was born in Blackstone, Mass, March 9 - 1820. )
See -Burleigh Rock Drill Company.

Seen Below
An interesting photo taken from the HENRY FORD Museum
of "Thomas Alva Edison" and "Henry Ford" inspecting one of
the C.H. Brown Company range of Engines. Thomas Edison
had earlier purchased a similar engine after viewing one at the
Boston Mechanical Exhibition held in 1877.

Thomas Alva Edison had purchased the engine to power the generator he
used at Menlo Park, New Jersey as he went along the path of inventing the
World's first incandescent light - 1879. He was later to develop and build
centralized electric plants and form the Edison Illuminating Co. in Detroit
later to be joined by Henry Ford who became Chief Engineer of the plant
among all of his other interest's in the Automobile and development work.

The photo above shows a different model and is on display
at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

For a more detailed history -

Click below

1875 C.H. Brown Stationary Steam Engine

The above link is made possible through the archives of steamtraction.com

For a look at the Magnificent nearly totally restored engine -

Click below

Diebold Agricultural Hall - CAMA

The above link is made possible through the web pages of the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association, Inc

And looking back to the Highlights of the 1998 Show at Orange Airport
a 1909/10 C. H. Brown engine was on display -

Click below

Diebold Agricultural Hall - CAMA

The above link is made possible through the web pages of The Central Massuchusetts Steam, Gas and Machinery Association

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