Whiz-Mow mowers subject of Hancock County Historical Society meeting Saturday

CARTHAGE, Ill. — The quarterly meeting of the Hancock County Historical Society will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at the former Carthage Senior Citizens Center, 301 Main.

Why would a person collect Whiz-Mow mowers? Guest speaker Alex Rickard of Hamilton has the answer. He has always been interested in vintage mowers.

Whiz-Mow Manufacturing Company was started in Hamilton in 1951, then moved to Warsaw in 1960 and remained in operation until 1974. The Whiz-Mow Manufacturing Company was founded by Earl Albert Knipe and Jack Laws as co-founders. They made push mowers and riding mowers. They also made the universal Red Tip mower with a detachable Sulky that was powered by the same engine as the mower.

The Whiz-Mow Rider was patented in 1960 but started in production in 1956. The company had several different designs from steel decks to aluminum. In the final years, they went to a die cast magnesium deck. They shipped their products all over the United States and some even made it to Canada. The mowers are very collectible.

Rickard is a third generation resident of Hamilton, and his family has had multiple Whiz-Mow mowers. He has been collecting Whiz-Mow memorabilia for several years, including two different prototype decks, and several pages of literature. If you drive by his home while he is mowing, you will see one in action.

There will be several displays from his collection and memorabilia. Admission is free with refreshments to follow the program.