First non-electric truck in Canada, circa 1900

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electric truck (Medium).jpg

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Harry Rudolfs has worked as a dishwasher, apprentice mechanic, editor, trucker, foreign correspondent and taxi driver. He's written hundreds of articles for North American and European journals and newspapers, including features for the Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Life and CBC radio.

With over 30 years experience in the trucking industry he's hauled cars, steel, lumber, chemicals, auto parts and general freight as well as B-trains. He holds an honours BA in creative writing and humanities, summa cum laude.


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  • Actually, this vehicle is built by the Winton Motorized Carriage Company of Cleveland. Scottish immigrant Alexander Winton owned a bicycle manufacturing company and turned his interest to motor carriages in 1896. Note the bicycle-like wheels and the tiller for a steering wheel. This probably had a little two cylinder engine. Evidently Winton sold one to James Packard who was dissatisfied with the product. Winton challenged him to do better–so he and his brother did.

  • Mea Culpa. This is actually an electric truck made by the Still Motor Company on Yonge Street, not the Winton as I previously alluded. This was the second truck in Canada and made right here. I’ve got a picture of the Winton around here somewhere, if only I could find it.