Ole Evinrude facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ole Evinrude
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Evinrude Outboard Motor
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| Born |
Ole Andreassen Aaslundeie
19 April 1877 Gjøvik, Norway
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| Died | 12 July 1934 (aged 57) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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| Resting place | Pinelawn Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Evinrude Outboard Motor |
Ole Evinrude was an American inventor and businessman. He is famous for creating the first practical outboard motor. This motor helped boats move easily on water.
Contents
Early Life and Work
Ole Evinrude was born in Norway in 1877. His full birth name was Ole Andreassen Aaslundeie. When he was young, his family moved from Norway to a farm in Wisconsin, USA. He took the name Evinrude when he came to the United States.
At 16, Ole started working in machinery shops. He taught himself engineering. He became a skilled machinist. He worked in cities like Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Chicago.
Inventing the Outboard Motor
In 1900, Evinrude started his own company. It was called Clemick & Evinrude. He worked on creating engines.
In 1907, he invented a very useful outboard motor. It was made of steel and brass. It had a crank to start its two-cycle engine. This invention made boating much easier.
A popular story says he got the idea on a hot day. He was rowing a boat to get ice cream for his girlfriend, Bess. He thought there had to be an easier way to move a boat.
Evinrude Motor Company
In 1909, Ole founded the Evinrude Motor Company. It was located in Milwaukee. The company made simple 2-stroke engines. These engines ran on a mix of gasoline and oil.
By 1912, his company had 300 workers. Ole even let two teens tinker in his shop. One of them was Arthur Davidson. He later became famous for creating Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Ole sold his company in 1913. He did this to take care of his wife, Bess, who was sick.
Later Inventions and Legacy
In 1919, Evinrude invented an even better motor. It was lighter and more efficient. He started a new company called ELTO. ELTO stood for "Evinrude Light Twin Outboard."
His new company faced tough competition. But Evinrude's company survived. It grew by buying other companies. Eventually, it became the Outboard Marine Corporation.
Ole Evinrude's wife, Bess, passed away in 1933. Ole died the next year in 1934. They were both buried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After Ole's death, his son, Ralph Evinrude, took over the company. Today, the company is known as Evinrude Outboard Motors. It is owned by Bombardier Recreational Products. Ole Evinrude's inventions changed boating forever.
