2018.007.001 [Automobile]

1901 Frazee, the first registered gas-powered vehicle in Iowa. George T. Frazee, an Osage jeweler, designed and built the 1901 Frazee at his home on the corner of 9th and Pleasant Street in Osage, Iowa. The two-cylinder car was handmade except for the wheels and tires which were purchased locally. Parts for the motor were cast at the Kelly-Morgan Iron Foundry in Osage. There is no steering wheel- instead the car is driven by using a lever, and a series of sprockets and chains to drive the car. It was the only model ever made. In 1928, Frank Frazee (son of George) sold Harry E. Byrd in Waterloo, who restored the car to its prime state. In the 1980s, the car was returned to Osage. The car still runs and has been driven in local parades. Content can be used with the following standards: SS 4.25 Technological Changes in a lesson on the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800s/early 1900s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.