Four Traction Auto Co. Mankato, MN. Drawings, 1908 - 1913

Collection — Folder: 01

Identifier: SMHC Collection 0161

Staff Only

Abstract

This collection is made up of thirteen photocopies of engineering drawings of cars and trucks designed by Mr. Ernest Rosenberger of the Four Traction Auto Company. The drawings contain views of both entire vehicles and parts of the chassis and drive gear, but are not to scale. Included in these drawings are depictions of a twelve-passenger automobile, a 1 1/2 ton truck, two fire engines, and car and light truck chassis and axles. The original drawings are in the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Originally these cars were designed with four-wheel drive chassis to prevent wheel spin on Mankato's steep hills.

Dates

1908-1913

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Biographical / Historical

Mr. Ernest Rosenberger, a Mankato candy maker, designed and patented a four-wheel drive chassis to overcome wheel spin on Mankato's steep hills. In 1908, he and his associates organized the Four Traction Auto Company with the goal of manufacturing Kato cars based on Rosenberger's designs. The first five Kato cars of this design were manufactured in 1908. In 1909, the company first offered a one and one-half ton truck, priced at $2,250. Between 1910 and 1913 the crew of about twenty men manufactured twenty-five to thirty trucks and nearly a dozen cars. In 1913 the assets of the Four Traction Auto Company and Rosenberger's patent were sold to the Nevada Manufacturing Company of Nevada, Iowa.

Information obtained from the Mankato Free Press, 15 February 1946, and Minnesota History, Fall 1972.

Extent

.10 Cubic Feet (13 sheets of paper in 1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Bruce Larson donated this collection in January 1974.

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: SMHC Collection 0161. Four Traction Auto Co. Mankato, MN. Drawings, 1908 - 1913
Status: Completed
Date: 1974-04
Description rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description: English
Script of description: Latin
Language of description note: English