Tom Jensen, Sr.1901 - 1992

Jensen Steam Engine Museum Page: "Tom Jensen's genius for designing and making steam engines was evident at an early age. In 1911 at the age of 10, he fashioned his first engine using steel cans, after becoming enamored with the horse drawn steam threshers that visited the family farm in his native Denmark.

Twelve years later, while completing schooling for his Mechanical Engineering Degree, Tom built a 175 pound monster steam engine, complete with a hand made generator, which today, we know as 'Old Number 1'. This engine was so well designed and executed that it won a Silver Medal at the 1923 Denmark State Fair.



Today, almost 80 years later 'Old # 1' still runs like new. (This extraordinary engine can be seen up above on this page.) Tom did not know at the time that this engine would prove to be the seed from which, nine years later, in Jeannette Pennsylvania, the Jensen Steam Engines of today would grow."

Like millions before him, Tom came to America in search of a better life and the promise of a career in his chosen field of Mechanical Engineering. The Great Depression quickly put a damper on this young Engineer's plans for a "real job".

I found the image in my browser cache today - too nice to pass up - so this blog got edited