The Weekend Historian
Every now and then I learn something new about Allis-Chalmers. One of those new tidbits I have recently discovered is the betatron lab the company had at the West Allis Works. Last year I had the opportunity to step inside this old testing lab and see some of the equipment left behind. The machine was essentially… Continue reading Allis-Chalmers Betatron Lab
I've assembled a list of the buildings at the WAW that I was able to find. A big thanks to the West Allis Historical Society! If you have not been to the West Allis Historical Society, I highly recommend you pay them a visit to see more of their AC collection.
It has been over 40 years since the last passenger train roared down the rails in the Fox Valley. The Chicago & North Western's 400s were among the last to offer intercity rail service between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. The popularity of the automobiles and airlines put rail travel in peril. Private railroad companies had to cut back or discontinue passenger rail… Continue reading Intercity Rail Through the Fox Valley?
I have a big talk coming up in 2 weeks! The West Allis Historical Society contacted me about a month ago about giving a talk about Allis-Chalmers tractors at the fall banquet. How could I turn it down?! What an honor to go to the city named after the company that was its center and… Continue reading Speaking Event
I know it's been a while since my last post, but I am going to try to pick up the pace as fall sets in. I thought I would write a short review on a book I just finished. John Gurda is one of my favorite historians. He has some spectacular history books about Milwaukee.… Continue reading Book Review
I recently acquired a book published by Allis-Chalmers in 1942. This book covers the history of the firm and products since 1847. Instead of scanning this book, which could damage it, I will transcribe each chapter in a series of blog posts. Forward: The following pages tell a story about this company's growth that covers… Continue reading Pioneer Power- Chapter 1
