Carl Mehr EDGETA Branch 13, 111 - Northern CA

Carl and his wife Janet successfully raised three children, one of whom shares his interests in antique engines, and is a part of our club. Being part of a successful marriage doesn’t surprise us at all as Carl has been successful at almost everything he’s tried. His working career was spent with the Los Angeles Police Department. From which he retired in 1988. He and his wife then moved from their Santa Clarita Valley home in Southern California to their present eight-acre property in Penn Valley, CA. On there new property Carl took his rural country retirement like a duck to water. He and his wife began by building a comfortable and inviting home, a good-sized barn, and the usual out buildings such properties need.

Although Carl obtained his first hit and miss engine, a Fairbanks Morse Eclips, about thirty years ago in an old abandoned gold mine in Southern CA, he didn’t get involved in the club aspect of our hobby until after his retirement and moved to Northern CA. But once here he not only joined Branch 13, but also got involved in a big way, serving on their Board of Directors for 2 years, and as their Vice President for another 2 years. After that Carl worked to found our branch in Grass Valley, Nevada City area, namely Branch 111. The Gold Country Flywheelers. He not only founded this ranch but has served a couple of terms as its President, and has been an active board member. In these positions Carl not only developed our club into what it is today, but also has been instrumental in its success at every turn. It’s hard to put into words, but I think I could best describe him as always knowing the right thing to say, the right way to praise, and the right way to build enthusiasm, not only within our club, but within our community.

After his retirement Carl expanded his engine collection, mainly specializing in Hercules engines, although he’s always said that he’s never seen an engine he didn’t like. And now that he has the room, his collection has grown to include several engines from horse and ½ to his 9-horse side shaft, some flatbelt equipment, and even some garden and full tractors. And Carl has not only collected this equipment, but has built and outfitted a good sized machine shop on his property with enough tools and machinery to make most professional machinist drool. I know many of our other members have done this, but what has impressed me most about this retired policeman, is the level to which he has perfected his craft