Outboard History Talks: Evinrude 1908-1934 – The Ole and Bess Years

Join outboard motor historian Larry Stevenson every Tuesday evening in August as he presents highlights and history from the Stevenson Outboard Collection. On August 7, Larry will discuss the early days of Evinrude Outboard Motors. After the talk, Larry will offer a guided tour of the Stevenson Outboard Collection. The Evinrude story continues on August 14!

An early ad by Bess Evinrude. It was a big hit!

Ole Evinrude was born in Norway in 1877 and immigrated to the United States in 1882.  One hot day in the early 1900s he was picnicking on an island with his girlfriend Bess, who expressed a desire for ice cream.  Ole rowed back to shore for it, but the ice cream was melted by the time he returned.  Determined never to let this happen again, Ole designed an engine to replace the oar as a means of boat propulsion.

In 1907, Ole invented his first outboard motor. He and Bess married the same year. In 1909, they founded Evinrude Outboard Motors.

Admission is free, a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated.

Larry Stevenson is an outboard motor collector and historian with passions for industrial design, art, history, and sailing.  Larry is a Navy and Coast Guard Auxiliary veteran and a retired UPS International Industrial Engineering Manager.

Boothbay Railway Village 2018 lectures are made possible by Bath Savings Institution.