Introduction
The Dieter Company's history is a tale of two distinct yet interconnected businesses. Originating as a humble blacksmith shop and foundry in the late 19th century, the company evolved into a respected manufacturer of gasoline engines before transitioning into a successful real estate and vacation rental enterprise. This article explores the Dieter Company's journey, from its early days in metalworking to its current presence in the Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach vacation market.
The Dieter Foundry: A Legacy in Metal
Founding and Early Years
The story begins in 1877 when George B. Dieter established a blacksmith shop that would later become known as the Cherryville Foundry. The foundry's operations were significantly shaped by George's son, David W. Dieter, who began working there as a molder at the young age of 17 in 1900.
Collaboration with Frantz Manufacturing
An important chapter in the foundry's early history involved its collaboration with Frantz Manufacturing. By 1904, the Cherryville Foundry was actively engaged in supplying castings to Frantz Manufacturing, which used them in the production of equipment and kerosene engines.
David W. Dieter Takes Over
A pivotal moment arrived on April 1, 1905, when David W. Dieter took ownership of the foundry from his father, George B. Dieter. This marked the beginning of a new era for the company, one characterized by expansion and innovation.
Expansion and Engine Manufacturing
In 1907, David Dieter undertook an expansion of his foundry, a move likely intended to facilitate the manufacture of engines. This expansion coincided with Rev. Hiram Frantz's decision to sell his kerosene engine manufacturing business to the Luzerne Foundry and Machine Co. in 1908. The first documented sale of a Dieter engine occurred in October 1909. David became known as "The Gas Engine Man" and he had to hire another foundryman to keep up with his orders.
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The Dieter Engine: Design and Specifications
It is believed that the Rev. Hiram Frantz, an inventor and manufacturer, helped design the Dieter Engine. This seems logical, since he sold his engine business around the same time David Dieter started his, and the Dieter Foundry worked with Frantz in the past. The engines were of the water-cooled design, either hopper or tank cooled, from 2hp to 25hp, except for one 1hp air-cooled engine that was built for the Dieters’ own use. All the engines were gasoline, hit-and-miss governed and battery coil with spark plug ignition. It appears that the 25hp engine cylinder was cast with an ignitor boss but was built for a spark plug. Except for the 1hp air-cooled, all the engines had double-rimmed flywheels. On the 2hp and the 25hp engines, the exhaust push rod was bent to go around the intake pipe and the spark plug on the 25hp. From what I have seen, the larger tank-cooled engines were probably fitted with a water pump that was belt-driven from a pulley machine on the inside of the pulley side flywheel. The smaller tank-cooled engines were fitted with a tin funnel-type hopper.
Transition and the Cherryville Machine Works
In September 1914, David Dieter sold his machine shop to his foreman, Thomas T. Matchett, son of Civil War Capt. Joseph Matchett, who would continue to make engines known as the David W. Dieter Gasoline Engine built by Thomas Matchett. I could not find any reports of a new Dieter engine being sold after this date, only used engines at public auctions. In May 1915, Joseph Matchett and sons went under the business name of the Cherryville Machine Works and manufactured engines from 4hp to 12hp, while also doing general repair work. They greatly increased their output of high-grade gasoline engines that found a ready demand in the local territory. In December 1917, Joseph Matchett, Capt. Matchett’s son, left Cherryville, where he was foreman at the Cherryville Machine Works, and took a new position at a large machine shop in nearby Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Nothing else is known about what might have happened to the Cherryville Machine Works and the Dieter engine.
Later Years and Closure
In 1941, the foundry was taken over by six of David’s children: Harold, Leon, Laird, Merritt, Roland and Orpha, all equal partners. Three other children were not involved in the business. In 1943, the foundry caught fire when a hot casting ignited fuel oil being tapped for a large 2-cylinder diesel engine that supplied power to the foundry. The front part of the foundry, along with the core and pattern room and the Dieter homestead next door, burned to the ground. Leon bought out his partners in 1955. Vince Dieter, Leon’s son, took over as plant manager in 1961. After losing a large customer base because of a strike in 1983 and environmental regulations, the foundry’s assets were auctioned off in 1987.
Dieter Engines Today
At the time of writing, there are 11 Dieter engines known to exist: a 1hp air-cooled, two 2hp tank-cooled, two 3hp hopper-cooled, a 6hp hopper-cooled, a 9hp hopper-cooled, a 12hp tank-cooled, two 15hp tank-cooled, and a 25hp tank-cooled. I do not think there were any engines built between the sizes of 15hp and 25hp.
The Dieter Company: Vacation Rentals & Sales
A New Direction
While the legacy of the Dieter Foundry is rooted in metalworking and engine manufacturing, the Dieter Company of today is primarily known for its vacation rental and real estate services. This transformation represents a significant shift in the company's focus and operations.
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Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach Specialists
The Dieter Company specializes in Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach rentals and sales. Properties are located in North & South Litchfield Beach, Litchfield by the Sea, Inlet Point & The Peninsula and most local golf course communities. From luxurious oceanfront homes to quaint condos, our rental accommodations are available any time of year. Long term rentals are also available. With the largest selection of annual Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island Long Term Rentals, we are able to accommodate guests staying from three months to a year. We have been building relationships with guests since 1974, working hard to provide a Pawleys Island or Litchfield Beach vacation that will evoke wonderful memories and exemplary services.
Real Estate Services
The Dieter Company also provides Pawleys Island Real Estate services. From Myrtle Beach to Georgetown, our sales team maintains an excellent choice of listings for oceanfront, off-ocean, a golf community homes, condos, and homesites. Our Real Estate Sales specialize in Resort, Investment, Year Round, Commercial, and Interval Ownership Properties.
Pawleys Island: A Vacation Destination
Discover why Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach have been a favorite vacation destination for family generations! Our rental houses and condos are all located along the quiet sandy beaches twenty miles south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Pawleys Island is a short drive to historical Georgetown and Charleston. There are plenty of activites to enjoy with the entire family… fishing in the ocean, award winning golf courses, top rated tennis courts, surfing, paddling kayaks in the creeks, great shopping and incredible dining. Let the major event of the day be strolling the beach collecting shells with your family. Take a look at the many beach activities that our paradise has to offer.
Vacation Accommodations
Pawleys Island Vacation Accommodations All of our Vacation Rentals are in the Litchfield and Pawleys Island area. This includes the Litchfield Beaches, Inlet Point & The Peninsula. From Oceanfront 7-bedroom homes to 1-bedroom condos, our rental accommodations are available any time of year. Be sure to view our Vacation Rental Specials and don't forget to bring your dog to one of our pet friendly houses. Like most of our guests, we hope to your family will return year after year.
Real Estate Sales
Pawleys Island Real Estate Sales We invite you to view our current sales listings or search the MLS from Georgetown to Myrtle Beach. If it is the dream of retiring to an award winning golf course or purchasing an oceanfront home for both rental income & family vacations, we want to help. Let our 37 years of real estate experience work for you when buying or selling property.