Thursday, March 29, 2018

Old Johnson Sea Horse Outboard Motor


This is an oldie but goodie. It was found in Cross Creek in the barn/garage of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the famous author of "The Yearling," a novel that received international acclaim way back in the late 1930s (1938). It was made into a movie in 1946 starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman (the first wife of Ronnie Reagan).

I don't expect that there are very many of these old motors around anymore and it's doubtful that this one works, but it's an icon of my childhood.  I motored around many lakes in Minnesota in boats powered by Johnson Sea Horse outboard motors.

A few years ago I posted some photos of Ms. Rawling's home, and I intend to post a few more in the days ahead.

10 comments:

  1. It looks like some type of old washing machine to me, Lowell! ;-)

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  2. Even though I grew up on the Mississippi River, I know little about boats and motors. My father was not a sportsman of any kind so we didn't get exposed to those kinds of things.

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  3. Very old fashioned. I'd have no idea how it would work.

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  4. That is a fine looking antique outboard motor. I have seen ones like it in museum collections. Would be fun to have one rebuilt and in working condition. Makes for a great photo

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  5. I agree with Pat. I thought it was a mini washing machine by the shape of it.:) It's definitely a fine looking antique and a wonderful photo subject.

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  6. Nostalgia strikes! Not me as have never had a boat nor an outboard motor :)

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  7. Even my semi-antique dear husband, ancient mariner, hasn't used one of these. So it must be pretty old.

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  8. I would love to se the Rawlings home again. I have a cookbook by her.

    Janis
    GDP

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  9. This is really quite a find. Summer would not be summer in Minnesota without boats and recreational boating! I always loved speed boats, but the craft of our choice has always been a canoe. Am very fond of rivers, especially the St Croix. We spent many happy summers there with our children and our friends. Isn't nostalgia wonderful?!

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