Frick Traction Engine

Posted by wendyvee on Feb 23, 2011 in Roadside Novelties | 2 comments

Frick Traction Engine
Social Circle, Georgia
submitted by: “Road Runner” (Bill)

Bill says:
Riding through Social Circle, Georgia, I came across this tractor in the front yard of a small farm.

wendyvee says:
This is a real beauty, Bill! Plus, Social Circle has to be one of the cutest town names ever.

Want to see a Frick in action? Check out the video at the end of this post.

The Eclipse steam traction engines were manufactured (just about an hour southwest of “RoadsideWonders HQ”) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania by the Frick Company (from 1880 until 1936).

George Frick successfully developed a steam engine (the Eclipse) that was small enough for farms, sawmills, and other small industrial uses. From what I’ve been able to research, he founded the Frick Company in 1853 — although sources sometimes vary on the year. The company eventually switched to making refrigeration/air conditioning equipment. Years later, Frick became part of the York International Company – and later, Johnson Controls.

I have several things in the Waynesboro area on my “to-do” list and I think some of the old Frick buildings are still in use. I’ll have to check them out 🙂