One of approximately 200 pumps was manufactured in Tidioute at a machine shop near the mouth of Gordon Run. The pumps were invented around 1916 by Fred Grettenberger, and most of their parts were patterned and machined by Fred and his sons Bill, Charlie, and George. Most were sold in Pennsylvania, but one was shipped to Oklahoma. Using a vacuum and suction principle, the pumps drew material from the ground and transported it to and from storage tanks. They were usually belt-driven by a separate engine and a large wooden wheel.