Stationary Engines

The Pitt Meadows Heritage and Museum Society has on display, at the Hoffman site, a collection of 62 engines donated by Hans Hoffman and his sister Elfrida. These gasoline-powered engines were collected from around the lower mainland and Vancouver Island where they had been used in the early 20th century for many labour-saving purposes such as powering a washing machine, pumping water for animals or cutting firewood. The engines are relatively heavy, simple, slow speed and, with a minimum of maintenance, very reliable. Many of the engines are speed governed by interrupting the firing cycle which produces a characteristic exhaust sound of pop, pop, (silence),pop, pop. Engines such as these were highly valued by their owners because they took over arduous manual tasks. All 62 engines are on display at the Hoffmann Site.

Currently, a dedicated volunteer group are working on preserving the engines at the Hoffmann Site. Ron Blakely, Bruno Piccini, Rick Higgs, John Laseur, and Lyle Sullivan continue to work through their various projects at the site. If you want to volunteer with this group, or you know of someone who is handy with engines, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.