A Short History of the Fitchburg Steam Engine Company.

Established in 1871, one year before Fitchburg became a City, the Fitchburg Steam Engine Company started
its operations manufacturing both short and long stroke Girder Frame Mill Engines, mainly for the Mill Industry
throughout the United States as well as an array of different size boilers built to spec within their own foundry
to suit the ever growing requirements of the Industrial Age for that period. ( Little did anyone know that it would
lead them all the way through to the mid 1920's, as well as gaining a very good reputation throughout Europe )

The company was founded by Frederick Fosdick as President and brother Charles Fosdick as treasurer and
superintendent. In 1886 Frederick Fosdick was appointed the position of Lord Mayor for the City of Fitchburg.
In 1891 Frederick Fosdick held the office of vise-president of the Parkhill Mfg.Co. a prominent mill of that era.
~ Charles Fosdick was a trustee of the Burbank Hospital, and also a trustee of the Fitchburg Savings Bank ~

The first manufacturing plant was at 38 - 42 Water Street, producing a range of Injectors, Governors, Shafting,
Hangers and Pulleys on a day to day basis and in 1892 saw a move to Oak Hill Rd, Cleghorn where they were
able to later take on special large project work which helped pave the way into winning the contract's to power
the Prestigious New York Public Library and the La Salle Hotel built in Chicago of 22 floors completed in 1905.
In 1876 the company were also selling the Haskins line of stationary engines, keeping the name intact from a
previous buyout having good sales in the marine industry with a well respected line of semi-portable engines.

( Fitchburg - A Town - February 3, 1764 ~~~~~~~~ A City - March 8, 1872 )

A Fitchburg Steam Engine Company - Horizontal Girder Frame mill engine
driving a Mill in Worcester - Year 1885.

Lighting by Thomas Edison " Menlo Park " Year 1879 - along with D.C. Power Generation in New York - Year 1882.
Soon to be followed by George Westinghouse - introducing A.C. Power Generation in New York - Year 1893.

Thanks go to a dedicated band of people within the Fitchburg community, including
The Fitchburg Historical Society for photo's and information - in the making of the site.

Below
This Fitchburg Steam Locomotive gained 1st Prize
for the 2007 City of Fitchburg, 4th of July Parade.

The float was made and entered by the Goodwin Family
following on an old tradition from their Grandfather back
in 1964, who at that time entered the first one on show.
The late ( Dana D Goodwin ) was an accomplished photographer
of railroads in the 20th century, his huge collection is now looked
after by the Boston & Maine Historical Society, and are listed in
the archives of the Boston & Maine Rail Road Society.

Below
A look back in time to the first float built in 1964,
built by Dana D Goodwin and friends one can gain
the size of the original by looking at the person in
front of the main drive wheels - nearly built to scale!

~ Help make Heritage the No.1 Priority in 2008 ~

~ Things to do - in Fitchburg ~

Bought to you by the - Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority

Understanding Copyright Laws Click here - to learn more !!