The invention of the fractional horsepower electric motor in Racine, Wisconsin, is primarily credited to Chester Beach.
In 1905, while working for the Standard Electric Company in Racine, Beach developed a high-speed, lightweight motor that could run on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). This was a major breakthrough because, prior to this, electric motors were large, heavy, and stationary.
Key Milestones in Racine’s Motor History:
The “Universal” Motor: Beach’s invention became known as the universal motor. Its compact size allowed electricity to be used for small, handheld, and domestic appliances for the first time.
Hamilton-Beach Manufacturing Co.: In 1910, Chester Beach teamed up with L.H. Hamilton and Fred Osius to form the Hamilton-Beach Manufacturing Company.
The First Applications: One of the first famous uses for Beach’s fractional motor was the Cyclone Drink Mixer (introduced in 1910), which was developed at the request of William Horlick (of Horlick’s Malted Milk) to mix malted milk drinks at soda fountains.
Dumore Corporation: In 1913, Hamilton and Beach left their namesake company to start the Wisconsin Electric Company (later renamed Dumore Corporation), where they continued to innovate in high-speed fractional horsepower motors and power tools.
Racine’s industrial legacy is deeply tied to this invention, as it paved the way for modern household staples like hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, and food blenders.
Chester H. Beach, 53, vice president of the Dumore Electric company* and a director of the corporation, died at 10 o’clock this forenoon at the Harry Sorenson resort at Chetek, near Birchwood, Wis. Death was due to a heart attack, according to a telegram received here shortly after his death.
Deceased was born near Ives Grove and for many years was connected with the industrial life of the city. He was associated with Louis Hamilton and Fred J. Osius in industrial activity for some years. He was very active in boys’ work, both as a member of the Racine Optimist club and the Y. M. C. A. He was at the head of the boys’ work of the club and a director of the “Y” and spent much of his time in furthering projects which tended to give boys the right start in life. He was also a member of the Uptown Business Men’s association and of the Knights of Pythias, being active in both. His residence was at 1302 Quincy avenue.
Surviving are his widow, two sons, Royal and Chester Jr.; one daughter, Ella; one grandchild, his father, Adelbert Beach of Ives Grove; one brother, Frank, and four sisters, Mrs. C. Brauer, Mrs. A. Baker, Mrs. E. Frank, Mrs. William Koenig.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
The Journal Times Racine, Wisconsin Tue, Apr 3, 1934
*The Dumore Electric company was co-founded in 1913 by Louis H. Hamilton and Chester H. Beach, who also co-founded the Hamilton Beach Company.