The Stanley twins (Freelan O. and Francis E.) in their Stanley Steamer.

The Stanley twins (Freelan O. and Francis E.) in their Stanley Steamer.

Stanley, Freelan Oscar -- 1849-1940.; Stanley, Francis Edgar -- 1849-1918.; Stanley Steamer -- automobile -- Watertown (Mass.).;

Manufactured near the corner of Maple and Hunt Streets. The Stanley Steamer was the first auto to reach the top of Mount Washington, August 30, 1899. In 1906, one of their cars--The Rocket, driven by Stanley employee Fred Marriott--set the world's record for the fastest mile: 28.2 seconds, which is a speed of more than 127 miles per hour (204 kph). Freelan had been a serious artist and had marketed a line of drafting instruments. Both were amateur violin-makers. Francis had invented the airbrush. Together, they'd developed and marketed dry photographic plates.

Watertown Free Public Library

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