Heat sensitive fire alarm invented by Anthony Iske (1831-1920). Patented by Iske on Aug. 19,1890.
Inside the wooden case, on alarm mechanism/movement, printed in black ink: "J.A. Neiss, Sr." There is also the key to wind the alarm, loose on the floor of the holder.
Anthony Iske was born in France and immigrated to the U.S. in 1847. He moved to Lancaster in 1853 and became an American citizen in 1858. Along with his son, Albert, he held over 200 patents. Most notable of his inventions was the first meat-slicing machine, a model of which is in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Heat Motor was designed to turn the energy held by heated water into rotational movement. Heating the water in the trough would cause the air in the submerged cylinders to rise. As the engine began to turn, the cylinders would rise above the water, the air inside would cool, and the cylinders would fall on the opposing side, adding to the circular motion of the engine.
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 11, no. 1
Notes
Colonel Alexander Lowrey commanded a battalion of Pennsylvania Militia during the Revolutionary War. He participated in the Battles of Germantown and Brandywine and the New Jersey campaigns.
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 11, no. 7
Summary
This early 20th century article recounts the various settlements in the area near and around Marietta: Anderson's Ferry, Waterford, New Haven. It details how land was passed through generations.
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 5, no. 3/4
Summary
This journal article addresses sureveyor Andrew Ellicott's role in the laying out of the District of Columbia as well as many other later other projects he led.
Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 12, no. 5
Summary
This article contains parts of the the diary of Matthias Zahm 1789 -1874. He was a Lancaster resident who served as a Tipstaff and then Crier in the County court. The diary begins in 1835 and ends in 1849.