Behind every successful venture there is an interesting beginning. Cletrac had a beginning which may be a surprise to many of you.

Rollin H. White was born on July 11, 1872 to Thomas H. White and Almira Greenleaf White. His father, Thomas was a prosperous Cleveland sewing machine manufacturer. Thomas had been manufacturing the White sewing machine in Cleveland, OH since 1866. White also produced roller skates, kerosene lamps, automatic lathes, bicycles and phonographs for a period of time.

Rollin graduated from Cornell University, Sibley College of engineering, Ithica, NY in 1894 with degrees in mechanics and engineering. His graduating theses concerned the gasoline engine. Rollin was especially intrigued by the development of the automobile. After an extensive trip to Europe to study the development of the automobile, he returned back to Cleveland. In the late 1890's his father, Thomas, allotted some space in his sewing machine factory to Rollin where he invented and developed a semi-flash boiler. The development of a steam car was begun in 1898 and by 1900 they sold their first steam cars to the public. Steam drove the 2-cylinder engine, which transmitted its power to the wheels by chains. During the years of steam car production, the line would expand with cars up to 40 HP. Rollin was joined by his oldest brother, Windsor T. White, who shared his enthusiasm in automobile development. Several years later his youngest brother, Walter C. White, also joined the company. In 1901 Rollin entered one of his steam cars and won a ten-mile race at the Detroit Fairgrounds. His best time for one mile was 72.58 MPH. The Whites would enter their cars in many races over the years with some very commendable results.

Automobile production grew rapidly so that the space in the sewing machine factory became inadequate. Automobile production moved to a new facility on Rockwell Avenue in Cleveland, OH around 1904. In 1906 another move was made to a new factory on 79th street also in Cleveland. This also marked the separation of the White Sewing Machine Company and the White (car) Company.

From 1901 to 1911 the White steam car would outsell its nearest competitor by 2 to 1. President William Howard Taft owned a 40 HP White steam car around 1910. William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) was also another well-known individual that owned a White steam car.

But steam was cumbersome and some people considered it dangerous. Gasoline autos were becoming increasingly popular so White introduced their first gas-powered models in 1910. The gas-powered line started with a 20 HP model powered by a 4-cylinder Delahaye engine and would eventually include 30, 40 and 60 HP models. The White automobile was a high-quality and elegant vehicle, which put it in the top price bracket. However, in less than 10 years the White car production would be discontinued altogether and all efforts would be concentrated on the increasingly popular White truck, which were being produced in the large quantities for both military and civilian use.

Be sure to look into every issue of Oliver Heritage for interesting facts about the Cletrac Line!!