The "Elmer" automobile

The only known example of the "Elmer" automobile is on display at the Kalkaska County Historical Museum.

Elmer F. Johnson was born in Pontiac, MI and moved to Detroit where he was a machinist and artificial limb maker. He and his family moved to Kalkaska around the end of 1892 and by 1893 he had established the Elmer F. Johnson Cycle Works. He was not only a bicycle builder but also a gunsmith, repairman, and bladesmith. He started designing and building a steam-powered automobile around 1902 and subsequently built three more cars and a truck over the next several years. Around 1925 he moved his family to Grand Rapids where he resided the rest of his life. The second vehicle he built is the one on display at the Kalkaska County Historical Museum.

Elmer F. Johnson was a machinist from Detroit where he worked in the artificial limb business before moving to Kalkaska around the end of 1892. He established the Elmer F. Johnson Cycle Works in 1893 presumably out of his house specializing in repairs on guns, sewing machines, and more. By 1896 he began building bicycles and expanding the business and eventually building a new shop around 1901.

The local newspaper reported that Johnson was building a steam-powered vehicle in early 1902. Although there are conflicting reports it appears the vehicle was completed in 1904 and was sold to local druggist and friend H.E. Stover. It was said that Stover was not pleased with the vehicle and Johnson would build him another but with a gasoline engine. This vehicle called the “Elmer” was finished in 1905 and is believed to be the example in the museum. Another almost identical vehicle was built and finished in 1907 being sold to Dr. Pearsall who was the town physician.

The fourth vehicle Johnson would build would be a “touring” car built for his own family in 1908. Although there is no further proof of car manufacturing, a light truck was fabricated and assembled from a wrecked Ford car in 1914. Bicycles were also built throughout the years including the local model “Kalkaska” as it was named by Johnson.

Around 1925 the Johnson family would move to Grand Rapids where Elmer would pass away in 1938 at the age of 72. Years later the “Elmer” would appear in a newspaper ad for sale and would be purchased and driven in parades until 1979 and then put on permanent display in the museum.

Wheels Water & Engines. Accessed May 23rd 2022. www.wheelswaterengines.com.