How on earth does someone with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin become known as “Wacky?” Apparently, a young Stanley Howard Arnolt II purchased the rights to a small marine engine from a manufacturer who went bust during the Depression – more on that later. Arnolt felt that he needed to draw attention to the usefulness of his small engine, so he set out one foggy, windy day from St. Joseph, Michigan, in a 13-foot rowboat powered by his Sea-Mite engine. His four hour journey, and arrival at the Navy Pier in Chicago, was mentioned in the Chicago Daily Newswhich used the headline “Wacky Comes Through the Fog; Crosses Lake in 13-Foot Boat,” after the reporter heard someone on the pier hail him with “Hallo there, Wacky!” as he appeared out of the fog. It stuck. And he apparently liked the nickname.
Stanley Howard “Wacky” Arnolt II
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