Ruthmere Museum's 1916 Model 15

1916? Milburn Light Electric
Photo courtesy of the Ruthmere Museum
Owner:	Ruthmere Museum
Email:	Jennifer Johns jjohns@ruthmere.org
Location:	Elkhart, Indiana
Serial number (frame stamp):	15-586
Motor number (title):	497764
Body number (square plate):
Model:	1916? (The serial number suggests that this may be a 1915.)
Wheels:	Wood
Color:	Deep Royal Blue, with black upper body, black running gear, and blue wheels.
Upholstery:
Seating capacity:
Windows:
Steering control:	Lever (tiller)
Speed control:	Lever
Top speed:
Range:
Forward speeds:	4
Reverse speeds:	2
Length overall:
Width overall:
Height overall:
Wheelbase:
Track:
Tires:
Tread:
Brake systems:	Dual band, rear axle only
Curb weight:
Instrumentation:
Lights:
Heater:
Motor:
Drive train:	Worm
Controller:	Drum switch type
Springs:
Axles:
Batteries:
System voltage:
Charger:
Equipment:
Price, new:
Museum's remarks: This 1916 Milburn was owned by Nellie Knickerbocker, whose husband was president of the First National Bank of Elkhart, Indiana. After Nellie passed away, the auto was purchased by Charles Fieldhouse and became a part of his estate when he died. It was purchased from the Fieldhouse estate in July 1971 by Walter R. Beardsley who then donated it to Ruthmere Museum. Roy Emmert, a mechanical engineer, completely restored the Milburn in 1983 (he was endorsed by the Antique Auto Association.) This car’s 7 batteries are kept active and the car does get out to parades and other special events.