Date:
c. 1890
Title:
Bowser Pump
Description:
S. F. Bowser & Company
When you pull up at a gas station, you are using technology built upon pump innovations that materialized right here in Fort Wayne. Sylvanus Freelove Bowser invented the first self-measuring oil pump in 1885 which was adapted for dispensing gasoline in 1905. S.F. Bowser & Company began operations on Creighton Avenue in 1887-1888. By the 1920s, the company was making $13 million selling oil and gas pumps worldwide, and despite the company's international growth, the headquarters remained in Fort Wayne. In the mid 1950s the headquarters was moved to Chicago. The Fort Wayne plant closed in 1962 and was moved to Greenville, Tennessee. The company was acquired by the Keene Corporation in 1969.
This 1890s kerosene cabinet pump served as a model for Bowser's early "filling station" design.
When you pull up at a gas station, you are using technology built upon pump innovations that materialized right here in Fort Wayne. Sylvanus Freelove Bowser invented the first self-measuring oil pump in 1885 which was adapted for dispensing gasoline in 1905. S.F. Bowser & Company began operations on Creighton Avenue in 1887-1888. By the 1920s, the company was making $13 million selling oil and gas pumps worldwide, and despite the company's international growth, the headquarters remained in Fort Wayne. In the mid 1950s the headquarters was moved to Chicago. The Fort Wayne plant closed in 1962 and was moved to Greenville, Tennessee. The company was acquired by the Keene Corporation in 1969.
This 1890s kerosene cabinet pump served as a model for Bowser's early "filling station" design.
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Bowser Kerosene Pump
Sylvanus Freelove Bowser
Bowser Kerosene Pump
Bowser Kerosene Pump
Bowser Kerosene Pump
Sylvanus Freelove Bowser
Bowser Kerosene Pump
Bowser Kerosene Pump