1900 Skene Steam

The early years of automobile production and evolution saw many companies come-and-go throughout the United States and the world. It was the dawn of a new era and companies were quickly trying to adapt, innovate, and produce a product that could attract buyers. The J.W. Skene Cycle Company of Lewiston, Maine was one such company. It was founded by James W. Skene who completed one steam carriage in 1900, with two additional examples being worked on. Around this time, the R.H.B. Warburton of Springfield, Massachusetts offered their assistance to help Skene organize, with a capital stock of $500,000. The company headquarters were in Springfield while the factory remained in Maine.

The Skene Steam buggy had a 5 horsepower double-acting two-cylinder engine with a boiler that had a working pressure of 160 pounds. The gasoline tank could carry five gallons of fuel, and the tank for water could provide transportation for 25 miles. The company claimed the car could achieve 30 mph.

To help promote its product, the company planned to display its Skene Steam models at the Philadelphia Automobile Show. Unfortunately, a problem with the railroad system meant that only one Skene model was on display, while four other Skene vehicles were absent. The Skene space at the auto show was very bare.

Money soon ran out and the company entered receivership. Skene subsequently became a Rambler dealer. In 1936, he lost his life in an accident in the garage he then owned in Augusta.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014