The Three From Moline: Part 3 T&T Mfg. Co./H.C. Tank Aluminum Fan Company

[Mike Kearns]

The Tank manufactured brand of circulator fans has long intrigued collectors, because there has to date not been much information concerning them. Moline, Illinois is a small town if you are a well connected fan maker, though. in 1932, George Tank is elected the Mayor of Davenport, Iowa, not too far from Moline, Illinois, where his cousin, H.C. Tank lives.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Edited July 2, 2023 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

Both cousins had suffered terrible death losses in their respective families:                                                        

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

1931, H.C. Tank gets into his foundry. His partnership with Steeb dissolves later, and Tank is in a partnership with his cousin, George, a silent partner. 

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

In 1933, Hans Tank invests in a company making and distributing beer taps. In the course of selling these in taverns, bars, hotels and restaurants in the Quad City area, Tank establishes his sales route:  

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

In May of 1930, T.ank and T.ank are officially throwing their hats into the circulator fan business: T.&T. Fan Manufacturing Co.:

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

A month later, cousin George is out of it, selling out to Hans: H.C. Tank Aluminum Fan Co.

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

Here's the big factory at 103 22nd Street, Moline, Illinois. What's in the garage?

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

The fans are marketed with moderate success, considering Tank could probably from his rooftop see Kloppenborg and Simko cranking out circulators in his neighborhood, figuratively speaking. 1939 was probably his best year, then the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, we declare war on them, and the Axis Treaty obligates Germany and Italy to declare war on us. World War Two is started in 1941. Harland Duane Tank, Tank's second youngest son is drafted and enlists in the United States Marines, he is third from left on the bottom row:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          And it ends shortly after, tragically, with the Marines at a hellhole called Iwo JIma:                                                                : 

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

One friend of Harland and the Tank family makes it back home by the grace of God and a lot of luck, 1945.

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

With the grief of losing his second son, Tank lingers in the foundry business for a few more years, selling out in 1950. He died in 1957.

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

H.C. Tank circulator fan - Images courtesy of Russ Huber:                                      Leg support underside 1:                                                                                                                                                      Leg support underside 2:                                                             
Leg support underside 3:                                                       
Motor support base underside:                                                                                                                                 

 

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

What appears to be earlier and later 3-wing clover blades - Thanks to Brad Chaney for these images:

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

H.C. Tank Aluminum Fan Co. Circulator motor/blade assembly, Image courtesy of Mike Mirin:

Edited April 16, 2022 by Mike Kearns

[Mike Kearns]

"Flat-front" 3-wing clover blade variety, note how base is flatter, less arched - Sorenson Collection:

[David Allen]

Thanks for the history lesson, and the pictures. Those triangular-blade versions are very neat looking! 

[Louis Luu]

26 minutes ago, David Allen said:

Thanks for the history lesson, and the pictures. Those triangular-blade versions are very neat looking! 

I like this Salami slicer the best.  I must cast these.

[David Allen]

48 minutes ago, Louis Luu said:

I like this Salami slicer the best.  I must cast these.

 

Yep! That's the one I like as well!

[Mike Kearns]

A Tank pedestal has surfaced, chromed pedestal pole, cast aluminum base, motor support and blade, General Electric on/off motor, with an in-line power switch.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 11, 2022 by Mike Kearns