ORANGE — A Grout automobile came home recently when Mark Herman, a professional antique steam-car restoration specialist from Connecticut, stopped by the Pete’s Tire Barns Inc. corporate headquarters to show off one of the rare steam-powered automobiles originally built on that site at 275 East Main St.
Herman was on his way to Orange at the invitation of Walter Pollard, local historian and member of the Orange Historical Society, who in his years of research has become an expert on the history of the Grout Brothers automobile manufacturing company, which was housed in a building that makes up part of the Pete’s Tire Barns headquarters.
The Grout Brothers, — Carl, Fred and Charles — opened their factory just prior to the turn of the 20th century after initially creating vehicles under the New Home name in partnership with the sewing company, also located in Orange, of which their father William was a superintendent. Between 1899 and 1905 the Grout Brothers automobile company produced some of the most technologically advanced steam-powered vehicles before switching over to the new internal combustion engine.
Herman purchased the 1902 Grout steam-powered car from an individual in Amherst and began the restoration process but was unable to determine what model year it specifically was built. Herman would like to ship the car to the U.K. to participate in the 2019 running of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, but to do so he needs a letter of authenticity from Pollard. While the London to Brighton run isn’t necessarily considered to be a race, the cars participating are lined up by age of manufacture, explained Pollard.
Herman had previously sought out Pollard’s help on another steam-powered vehicle, and so, knew of his knowledge of the Grout. In looking through his own records, Pollard found a photo of the exact Grout Herman he had in his possession dating back to 1959.
Before heading to the Orange Historical Society, Pollard suggested the Grout make a stop at the Pete’s Tire Barns, where the car was originally built. Employees were invited to inspect, photograph and sit in the car in front of the building. From Orange, the car headed back to Herman’s shop in Redding, Conn., where Herman will continue his restoration work using designs from Pollard’s records. Then, following the trip to the U.K., will ultimately end up at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Mich.
Herman’s company, M.S. Herman and Co. of Redding, Conn., has a heritage of more than 50 years experience in the restoration of steam-powered automobiles, focusing on historically accurate restorations. Pete’s Tire Barns is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.