The Stanley Brothers
by Jim Hinckley
The story of Freelan Oscar (F.O.) and Francis Edgar (F.E.) Stanley, the Stanley Brothers, is a testament to the power of ingenuity, ambition, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Their lives, a harmonious blend of innovation and business acumen, left an indelible mark on the landscape of American industry, particularly in the realms of photography and early automotive development. More than just inventors, they were visionaries who dared to dream beyond the confines of conventional thinking, transforming their ideas into tangible realities that continue to resonate today.
From early childhood, the Stanley Brothers displayed an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that set them apart. Their minds, sharp and inquisitive, were constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities for exploration. This innate drive led them down a path of diverse pursuits, each endeavor building upon the last and ultimately contributing to their remarkable legacy.
Initially, both brothers embarked on careers in teaching, a profession that suited their intellectual nature and desire to impart knowledge to others. However, the structured environment of the classroom proved to be too limiting for their boundless imaginations. They yearned for a more dynamic outlet for their creativity, a space where they could experiment, innovate, and bring their unique ideas to life. Thus, they transitioned from educators to inventors and manufacturers, a pivotal shift that would define their future success.
The Stanley Brothers‘ initial forays into the world of invention were remarkably diverse, showcasing their multifaceted talents. They established the first company dedicated to the commercial production of violins, demonstrating their appreciation for craftsmanship and musical artistry. They also pioneered the development of a home generator for gas illumination, addressing a practical need for improved lighting in homes and businesses. Furthermore, they ventured into the cutting-edge field of early X-ray equipment, contributing to the advancement of medical technology.
Despite their initial enthusiasm and innovative ideas, the Stanley Brothers faced their share of early setbacks. Success proved elusive in their initial ventures, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the world of entrepreneurship. However, their unwavering determination and resilience kept them moving forward, learning from their experiences and adapting their strategies.
A turning point arrived in 1875 when F.E. Stanley made a strategic investment of $500 to purchase a photographic studio. This acquisition proved to be the catalyst that propelled the Stanley Brothers toward fame and fortune. Photography, a burgeoning field at the time, offered a unique blend of artistry, technology, and business opportunity.
Over the next decade, the Stanley Brothers dedicated themselves to the meticulous management and development of their photographic business. Their hard work and attention to detail paid off handsomely, providing them with the capital necessary to pursue even greater innovations. This period of sustained growth laid the foundation for their future success in the automotive industry.
In 1885, the brothers achieved a significant breakthrough with the development of the first practical dry photographic plate process. This invention revolutionized the field of photography, making the process more efficient, reliable, and accessible to a wider audience. Recognizing the potential of this innovation, F.O. Stanley joined his brother as a full partner, solidifying their collaboration and paving the way for even greater achievements.
The success of their photographic plate business led to the establishment of the Stanley Brothers Dry Plate Manufacturing Company in Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1888. This new, larger facility allowed them to expand their production capacity and meet the growing demand for their products. However, the demise of this pioneering company was not due to financial struggles, mismanagement, or technological obsolescence. Instead, it was a chance encounter that altered the course of their careers and propelled them into the world of automobiles.
In 1896, the Stanley Brothers attended the Brockton, Massachusetts, fair, where they witnessed a demonstration of a steam-powered carriage. Although the initial demonstration was plagued by breakdowns and fell short of impressive, it ignited a spark of curiosity and imagination in F.E. Stanley’s mind. He recognized the potential of this emerging technology and envisioned a future where steam-powered vehicles would revolutionize transportation.
Inspired by what he had seen, F.E. Stanley embarked on a mission to build his own steam-powered vehicle. He acquired a steam engine and boiler from J.W. Penny & Sons, a body from Currier, Cameron & Company, and various other parts from different manufacturers. Through meticulous craftsmanship and innovative engineering, he assembled the first Stanley "steamer."
The Stanley-built steamer made its debut at the 1897 Brockton Fair, generating an enthusiastic response from the public. The brothers were overwhelmed by the interest in their creation, prompting them to manufacture three more steam wagons, each incorporating improvements over its predecessor. The last of these initial models was sold for $650 to John Brisbane Walker in 1898, who subsequently sold it, for a profit, to Amzi L. Barber, a financier specializing in investments in new technologies.
The Stanley-built steam wagon acquired by Walker sparked even greater interest in the Stanley Brothers‘ invention. Both Walker and Barber initiated negotiations to buy out the brothers, recognizing the immense potential of their steam-powered vehicle. Initially, the brothers resisted these overtures, preferring to focus on perfecting their design and manufacturing process.
In November 1898, F.E. Stanley stunned a crowd of over 5,000 spectators by driving an improved model of the steamer around a one-third-mile track, setting a new world automotive speed record with an average speed of 27.4 miles per hour without experiencing any mechanical failures. This remarkable feat solidified the Stanley Brothers’ reputation as innovators in the automotive industry.
As a result of this demonstration, the Stanley Brothers were inundated with hundreds of orders for their steam-powered vehicles. Recognizing the immense market potential, they decided to initiate the manufacture of automobiles for sale to the general public. Their first step was to acquire a former bicycle factory adjacent to their former photographic plate company from Sterling Elliot in January 1899. Next, they standardized the mechanical components of their vehicles, ensuring interchangeability and ease of maintenance. They also arranged with Currier, Cameron & Company to supply bodies for their automobiles.
By the summer of 1899, the Stanley Brothers had completed and sold one hundred vehicles, establishing themselves as prominent players in the burgeoning automotive industry. They also acquired patents for numerous key components of their steam-powered vehicles, further solidifying their intellectual property and competitive advantage. This success attracted the attention of Barber and Walker, who renewed their efforts to acquire the company.
By the end of the summer, the brothers succumbed to an astounding offer made by John Walker, who purchased the company the brothers had built for less than $20,000 for $250,000. He immediately sold half interest in the company to Amzi L. Barber for $250,000. Initially, the new company manufactured vehicles under the name Automobile Company of America but within weeks it reorganized as Locomobile Company of America. Almost immediately the partnership disintegrated and on July 18, 1899, it was announced, "A. Lorenzo Barber and J.B. Walker, organizers of the Locomobile Company of America, have made a partition and the outgrowth of the is two companies, Barber will retain the Locomobile Company in Watertown, Mass. and will manufacture Stanley Carriages. Walker has taken the Mobile Company of America and will manufacture Stanley Steam Vehicles. The Stanley Brothers will act as general managers of both companies for one year."
As a historical footnote, in 1899 the Stanley Brothers played a key role in the launching of another American corporate icon. The sale of their patents and photographic plate manufacturing company became the cornerstone for the Eastman Kodak Company.
In 1901, as technological advancements to the gasoline engine made them more practical, Locomobile reorganized, abandoned the use of steam propulsion, and sold the Stanley patents, and former factory, to the Stanley Brothers who had been developing improved components for steam engines. The rest, as they say, is history.
By 1903, the all-new Stanley Brothers Manufacturing Company, was well on its way to establishing an automotive icon that would long outlive the company and the brothers even though sales never surpassed 10,000 units per year. In part, this status was the result of stunning record-setting prowess.
In 1906, at Ormond Beach (now Daytona Beach) Fred Marriott of the companies repair department piloted a special bodied Stanley to a stunning 127 miles per hour, a new automotive speed record. The following year he survived a horrendous crash at nearly 150 miles per hour during an attempt to break that record.
The death knell for the company sounded in 1912 with the introduction of an electric starter as standard equipment on Cadillac. A primary obstacle to the dominance of gasoline engines had been breached.
The company soldiered on in the face of declining sales until 1923 when it slid into bankruptcy and receivership. The assets formed a primary component in the formation of the Steam Vehicle Corporation of America, a company that produced a scant handful of vehicles under the Stanley name until 1927.
Beyond their automotive ventures, the Stanley Brothers demonstrated a commitment to community development and tourism. In 1903, following a doctor’s recommendation, F.O. Stanley began spending time in Estes Park, Colorado. Recognizing the lack of suitable accommodations for the growing number of tourists, he initiated the construction of the Stanley Hotel in 1907. This grand hotel, which opened in 1909, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, The Shining.
To further promote tourism in the area and boost business for the hotel, F.O. Stanley had a road built from Lyons to Estes Park. He also utilized specially constructed Stanley-built steam-powered buses to transport guests from the train station to the hotel, providing a unique and memorable experience.
The Stanley Brothers‘ contributions to the world diminished after World War I. F.E. Stanley died in an automobile accident in 1918. F.O. Stanley spent the remainder of his life developing Estes Park, establishing the first bank, sewer, power, and water company.
The Stanley Brothers are one of many pioneering automobile manufacturers who have obtained a dubious form of immortality. Their name is known throughout the world but few know that behind the legendary automobile were men of diverse genius that transformed the world.
©Jim Hinckley, October 2012
About the Author: Jim Hinckley is an award-winning author and photographer, and an official contributor to Legends Of America through a partnership developed in October 2012. Hinckley is a former Associate Editor of Cars and Parts Magazine, and author of multiple books, including several on Route 66. You can follow him on Jim Hinckley’s America.
Also See:
Legends of the American Automobile