Two multimedia presentations at Boothbay Railway Village explore different aspects of the history of outboard motors. The Early Years of Outboard Motors 1866-1907 on Tuesday, on June 13 at 7 p.m., starts with a history of propulsion. How have boats and ships been propelled since ancient times? Propulsion began paddles, oars, sails, paddle wheels, and ends with the modern screw propeller. The modern-day screw propeller drives everything from military ships and cruise ships, to cabin cruisers, lobster boats, and run-about boats of all shapes and sizes, and it was critical to the development of the outboard motor.

Evinrude 1908-1934 – The Ole and Bess Years on Wednesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. tells the romantic story of Ole and Bess Evinrude. Ole Evinrude was born in Norway in 1877 and immigrated to America in 1882. One hot day in the early 1900s he was picnicking on an island with his girlfriend Bess, who expressed a desire for ice cream. Ole rowed back to shore for it, but the ice cream was melted by the time he returned. Determined never to let this happen again, Ole designed an engine to replace the oar as a means of boat propulsion. He married Bess, and in 1907 designed what would become the first commercially successful outboard motor. In 1909 he founded Evinrude Outboard Motors which he and Bess ran together.

These talks are presented by outboard motor collector and historian Larry Stevenson, and after the talk Larry will conduct a tour of the newly opened Stevenson Outboard Collection, focusing on the outboard motors discussed in the presentation.

Admission is free, a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated. The Early Years of Outboard Motors 1866-1907 on Tuesday, on June 13 at 7 p.m., and Evinrude 1908-1934 – The Ole and Bess Years on Wednesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. are at Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay. For more information about the talk or the Museum visit www.railwayvillage.org or call 207-633-4727.