Milestones on Mainstreet: Engines & Fruit

Gasoline Engine

The introduction of the new line of gasoline engines has Sparta residents excited, especially the farmers.  The Holm Machine Manufacturing Company, located in Sparta, Michigan, is manufacturing the first Sears Economy Engines.  Production began last year in 1909. Local farmers are being charged $100 to $150 dollars for a 2-horse power engine that the Sparta Company will sell for $42.95.  A gallon of gas this year costs between 15 and 18 cents today, but the locally manufactured engine will give local farmers the power to do more work in less time.  There is talk that the Hercules Company may purchase the Sparta based company and move the facilities to Evansville, Indiana, probably in 1913 or so.

Fruit in Grand Rapids

Even with unemployment fluctuating from 2.7 % in 1907 to 8 % in 1908, Sparta farmers are still waking up at two or three o’clock in the morning to begin their eighteen mile journey by horse and wagon to the Grand Rapids Market with their fruit.  One farmer, Henry Kraft and his son George, built an apple storage of tile which is 36’ x 30’ holding 9,000 bushels of apples to keep his apples the freshest. 

Making “Change” in 1909

Many of the farmers will probably be making change on the trip and will receive the first Lincoln Head Penny that has just been issued for the first time in 1909.  To date, the other 1 cent coins have been minted as the Flying Eagle (1856–1858) and the Indian Head (1859–1909).  The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny will replace the Indian Head Penny.  What is special about this minted coin is it will be the first coin to bear a portrait other than the mythical Liberty, which appears on most pre-1909 regular coins.  This is also the first time the motto “In God We Trust” appears on a coin of this denomination. 

Ford is Here

Changes are happening in Sparta.  The paper states the first Model T automobile was developed last year in 1908 by Henry Ford.  It was sold for $850.  It might be a while before an automobile is driven by people in Sparta.  A relative of someone in town sent over a photograph of the car through the mail.  The postage for the first class stamp was 2 cents. 

Creamery in Sparta

New businesses are opening up in Sparta.  With the number of cattle increasing in Sparta and surrounding towns, small creameries are popping up.  Justin Spangenberg, who has moved here from Warren, Ohio, just opened one on North Union Street last week.  Town folk are excited to spend hot summer days eating ice cold treats in front of the store. He plans on selling numerous favors of ice cream and different types of shakes.