Stanley Steamer Automobiles - The Chatham Connection

Contributed by Donald Davidson, Chatham Township Historical Society

It’s a small world when it comes to Stanley Steamer automobiles. I have been collecting antique cars since I was a teenager, and none have captivated my interest more than the steam powered Stanley Steamer made in Newton Massachusetts from 1899 to 1925. Since 1971 I have had the privilege of owning and operating several. My connection to these cars took on a new depth in 1997 when I married Sarah Stanley the great granddaughter of F.E. Stanley who, with his twin brother F.O., invented and produced these amazing machines.

I have lived in Chatham since 1984 in the Mount Stanley District of Chatham, and yes, there is a connection to F.E. and F.O. Stanley. I was a little suspicious when I learned there was a Stanley Park, Stanley Terrace, and Stanley Congregational Church in town, but no one could tell me the origin of these names. In 2006 a local reporter contacted Sarah after learning about her connection to the Stanley Steamer family.

Don Davidson and his 1913 Stanley Steamer.

Photo by Sarah Stanley

We learned that George Shepard Page left his home state of Maine in 1867 and moved to Chatham purchasing several hundred acres. He was 29 years old. His mother was a “Stanley” and his cousins were none other than F.E. and F.O. Stanley. George’s branch of the family was quite prosperous as his father had a successful oil and tar business in Maine. George set up a tar paper mill along the Passaic River here in Chatham. I found it marked as the Stanley Felt Mill on an 1867 map, where Stanley Park is today. Close by, Stanley Terrace still exists with its homes built for the workers. At one time Page employed more than 10% of all Chatham residents. In 1867 George also founded the outdoor Hillside Mission Sabbath School which became the Stanley Congregational Church.

Albion Stanley and his 1903 Stanley Steamer.

Chatham Township Historical Society photo from collection of Betty May San Filippo

George quickly became a man to reckon with as he had the southern part of Chatham renamed Stanley in honor of his mother using her maiden name. He also convinced the Government to establish the Stanley Post Office of which he served as the first Postmaster. Indeed, had Page had his way, all of Chatham would today be called Stanley. It is obvious George was especially proud of his mother, her family name, and the family’s accomplishments.

1908 Model F Stanley Steamer belonging to Albion Page.

Chatham Township Historical Society photo from collection of Betty May San Filippo

George’s son Albion, who with his siblings, took over the family business upon George’s death, was an automobile lover. He purchased a 1903 Stanley Steamer which he drove throughout Chatham and Madison, where he later lived. Albion’s granddaughter, Betty May San Filippo, provided the Chatham Township Historical Society with copies of photographs of Albion and his steamers. He last drove the car in 1938 before selling it to a New Jersey man. Albion also owned a 1908 Model F Stanley Steamer. I do not know who owns it now, but it is not in town.

Today the only Stanley Steamer in Chatham sits in my garage where it is lovingly tended by me and Sarah Stanley.