Reel Lawn Mower

Hand, Horse, and Motor by James B. Ricci

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Home / Book / Hand, Horse, and Motor

Hand, Horse, and Motor

In 1992, author James B. Ricci set out to develop a booklet on the power lawn mowers produced by The Locke Steel Chain Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut. His topic and interests continued to expand over the years. Hand, Horse, and Motor: The Development of the Lawn Mower Industry in the United States is the result of Jim’s extensive efforts.

This thorough and well-researched resource for the lawn mower collector documents the development of the lawn mower industry in the United States of America; it features nearly 200 individuals or corporations that manufactured lawn mowers in this country and offers a snapshot on the patents, products, and historical contributions each brought to the industry. It also offers interesting anecdotes, photographs, and ephemera from the author’s extensive collection.

Hand, Horse, and Motor touches on the beginnings of lawn mower history in England in 1830, when Edward Beard Budding obtained the first patent for a lawn mowing machine. Honoring these roots, and Jim’s longstanding connection to The Old Lawnmower Club in Wolverton, England, the book also includes a foreword by Keith Wootton, the club’s founder and president.

The book has 266 pages, 155 black-and-white photographs, and an index. It was produced by North Farms Press, Haydenville, Massachusetts. © 2016 by James B. Ricci

The publication of this book was a true collaboration of talent from the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, where the author lives. In addition to Jim, the following individuals also contributed to production: Janice Beetle of Easthampton, editor; Maureen Scanlon of Florence, designer; Todd Verlander of Greenfield, photographer; Eric Wapner of Montague, image preparator; Fran Fahey of Easthampton, proofreader; Liz Chalfin of Zea Mays Printmaking in Northampton, who printed an image in the book from the original copper engraving plate; Roberta Geary and Sandra R. Karp of Easthampton, indexing; and Steve Strimer of Off the Common Books in Amherst, who printed the book.

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About James B. Ricci

jim-ricci-reel-lawn-mower Jim Ricci’s childhood fascination with the Locke Power Lawn Mower led him to collect vintage reel lawn mowers and chronicle the history of the lawn mower industry in his book, Hand, Horse, and Motor: The Development of the Lawn Mower Industry in the United States.

Read more about Jim »

Events

May 15—17, 2020 Cancelled/Postponed due to Covid-19 Virus
The Old Lawnmower Club Annual Rally at the Milton Keynes Museum. Members come from all over the UK (and some, like Jim, from farther afield) to join in the fun.

Jim recommends these small engine shows, at many of which he will display vintage reel mowers:

May 22—24, 2020 Cancelled/Postponed due to Covid-19 Virus
Bernardston Gas Engine and Tractor Show
Pratt Field, 257 South Street
Bernardston, Massachusetts

See all events »

Reviews & News

Review from Anthony Conroy

“A new chapter has been written on the evolution of the American Lawnmower. A truly amazing reference book which is totally unique, and from the country which pioneered the Automotive industry one could be forgiven for thinking there must be many publications on the subject on the History of Lawn Mowers in the USA, but […]

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30 North Farms Road
Haydenville MA 01039-9724 USA
(413) 268-7863

Contact Jim Ricci

Copyright © 2023 James B. Ricci. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing. Website developed by Amber Ladley.

This website updates a site Jim began in 1997 to document The Reel Lawn Mower History & Preservation Project @ North Farms.