This 1916 "Famous 400" blower sits in Paul Fulmer and Phil Wolgemuth's West James Street office.
By PAULA WOLF
Lancaster
Updated Oct 03, 2008 11:06
You really can buy anything on eBay. Just ask Phil Wolgemuth.
A partner in Abacus Development Co., which has converted the old Champion Blower and Forge foundry on Harrisburg Avenue into an upscale retail/restaurant center, Wolgemuth managed to unearth an unusual gem at the online auction site.
He discovered a blower for sale manufactured by Champion Blower and Forge, a "Famous 400" model patented by the company's founder, H.B. Keiper.
The Famous 400 was used to fan the coals in a blacksmith's forge, he said.
How much did it cost on eBay?
"I paid maybe $200 with shipping," Wolgemuth said.
Then he gave it to his Abacus Development partner, Paul Fulmer, as a Christmas gift.
Now the blower, which is about 4 feet high, sits on a stand in the West James Street office building Wolgemuth and Fulmer share.
Fittingly, they call it the "Keiper Building."
Paula Wolf is a staff writer for the Sunday News. She can be reached by e-mail atpwolf@lnpnews.com.
Talkback on LancasterOnline
Welcome to the new TalkBack on LancasterOnline. Please use the comment box below to share your opinion on this
article. If you would prefer to use the previous TalkBack forums instead, please use this link.
