Handbook N-P - Fulton County Public Library

Pa
“For every dollar they took from me, I will take ten thousand dollars from Rochester in
the way of wages,” was the statement made by Charles Vanderwater, Erie section man, this
morning. Vanderwater was arrested for intoxication, Saturday night, and though denying his guilt,
declares he paid his fine like a gentleman in order not to raise trouble.
He says that he is the inventor of a new concrete or cement railroad tie, which in time
will be adopted by all railroads because of its efficiency and durability, and that he has made
samples of the tie which were favorably commented upon by a number of railroad companies. He
said he had been asked if he would take $80,000 for the patent, but refused as he thinks it is worth
more. Two companies, among which are the Erie and Wabash and have asked to use the tie, [sic]
but the contract has not been signed because of a disagreement as to the location of the factory.
Mr. Vanderwater wished very much to locate the factory in Rochester, because of the
excellent quality of the gravel here, and was holding out for that reason. He said this morning that
after that treatment he received in Rochester, he would rather lose his patent than see Rochester
benefit by it.
The tie he claims to have invented is in three pieces, consisting of the tie proper and the
parts used in holding the track to it. According to his statement, he has tested the tie for three
months on his section at Akron.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, April 15, 1913]
“NON-SKIDDABLE” AUTO INVENTED
A device which may bring him a fortune is now being perfected by G.P. Keith, well
known ex-druggist, who has invented several other things of considerable promise. Mr. Keith’s
newest production is a “non-skiddable” automobile.
When seen today, he refused to talk of his work, saying that he had not even applied for a
patent on it, and would not do so until he has a model ready. He declared that any kind of an auto
may use the attachment and added that it had nothing whatever to do with tires, any kind of which,
he declared, might be used with his device.
He stated that he was certain that his invention would work, and told the Sentinel reporter
that he could convince him he was right, in half an hour’s time. However he refused to explain the
principle of his invention.
May Mean Fortune
If Mr. Keith has really solved the problem which has so long bothered motortists, he has
a comfortable fortune in view. Details will be announced as soon as the patent is secured.
Mr. Keith has worked out a number of other interesting devices, among them being a
railway crossing which seemed a success, but which was never pushed. He also aided in
perfecting the Miller fire escape, which was at one time manufactured here and which later proved
not to be in demand.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, May 1, 1913]
O. HAGEN INVENTS MOTOR SLED
Otis Hagen, local motorcycle racer and agent for the Harley Davidson machine, has made
the first motor sled ever seen in this city or perhaps in the whole state.
People on the street Saturday were startled when the contrivance made its appearance. At
first it is hard to understand how the machine is propelled. The sled runners are about four inches
high with a road clearance in front of about eight inches. The engine taken off of a motorcucle, is
placed in front and the drive leads to a motorcycle wheel in the center of the sled. The wheel is
wrapped with chain to prevent skidding, and is fixed between supports, the handles of which are
held by the driver. If he wants more speed he bears down on the wheel and if he sees an
obstruction in the road, he can lift the wheel clear off of the ground. The machine is guided with
the feet.
Hagan said that his machine is capable of making 25 miles an hour. Many people have
read of motor sleds in tales of Arctic exploration where they have proved a success. The local man