Knott's Berry Farm Fire >Stanley Steamer

[fixedbyjohn]

Anyone remember the Stanley Steamer that caught fire in front of the Calico Saloon in the late sixties?

If so Contact me >fixedbyjohn@juno.com

[1937hd45]

No, but I'd sure like to hear the story. ANY story about a pre 1941 vehicle helps offset things and bring back memories of the "Good Old Days". Welcome to the Forum. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[jeff_a]

I never heard about that, but I remember going to Knott's Berry Farm to see a car

show with my dad, and seeing Ephram Zimbalist Jr.'s 1895 Duryea about 1959.

[Steamcar]

Stanley fires are not unusual. I have found with mine, if I get in a hurry, I will flood the burner and liquid fire drips out of the burner venturis. I did have to use a fire extinguisher last summer. Most of the time, I can blow out the flames with the hollow pump handle. I am glad I have a condensing Stanley, as the frame and all parts near the boiler are steel.

Stanleys are neat cars but they can humble you in a hurry.

Jim Showers

1921 Stanley 735B

[caf]

I recall reading about a Stanley fire however I thought it was at a disneyland parade. It seems that and elderly gent had a condensing stanley touring car and he kept a propane supply tank on the floor in the rear seat area. It seems it leaked and the fumes being heavier than air collected in the rear seat area and finally caught fire. I believe he was one of the fatalities, I don't remember how many there were but it was pretty bad as the car was full of kids and grownups.I don't know if they had anymore antique car parades there after that. Sure makes you think twice about dealing with steam cars, I sure wouldn't want one in my garage as it is attached to the house.

[1937hd45]

PROPANE TANK!!!!!!!!!!!! That was the problem not the steam car! I'd fill my garage and basement with steam cars if I could afford them. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[jlt]

I was just thinking about this so I looked it up and this was all I could find, my Aunt and Uncle were members of the Antique Automobile Club in Los Angeles and my Uncle was the President in the early 60's I believe. Edward Butzke, he has a 1911 Overland that he took to Disneyland for Easter parades, he never mentioned going to Knotts Berry Farm for parades. My Aunt had mentioned one time that she would never own a Stanley Steamer because their very good friends died when their's caught fire and they died during the parade. It's possible it was Knotts Berry Farm, but I thought she said Disneyland, this was also probably over 60 years ago. My Uncle passed in 2016 but still has the Overland, it's now in his grandson's garage. He was offered a chance to sell it to Howard Hughes in the 60's before he died, Hughes gave him a signed check and said when he was ready to sell just fill in whatever you want for it. He still has the check..this is the first car he restored, he must have had it 70 years. 

[Larry Schramm]