What Is the Lombard Steam Log Hauler No. 82?
This is one of only ten surviving Lombard Steam Log Haulers and a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark!
What Makes It Historical?
Alvin Lombard grew up around his family’s saw mill in Lincoln, Maine and started tinkering with machines from a very early age! It all paid off in 1901 when 55-year old Mr. Lombard unveiled his greatest invention, a 19-ton log hauler that could tow 300 tons of lumber through the woods, a chore that used to require a team of 50 horses! What made it possible was the track system that turned the wheels and enabled it to roll across all kinds of terrain. Though the 83 original log haulers were practically obsolete by 1930, Mr. Lombard’s track technology was hugely influential! In 1903, Benjamin Holt, founder of the company that would become Caterpillar, bought the patent to the log hauler and expanded the use of those tracked wheels! That led to all kinds of new technology, from tanks to bulldozers to snowmobiles!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
61 Shin Pond Rd
Patten, ME 04765
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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