Clatsop Power Equipment, located just across the bay from downtown Astoria, Ore., is the cover story for PET’s December 2017 issue. It has been a local lawn and garden power equipment fixture for 31 years. Owner Fred Mestrich opened his shop at the Miles Crossing Hwy. 101 intersection in 1986.

Northwest Oregon is a beautiful part of the world and features compelling small engine market conditions. For example, some of the world’s most productive and well-managed forests are just outside Clatsop Power’s back door. Despite increased mechanization pro timber fallers remain a big part of the business. Meanwhile, just outside the front door is a world of water, where the mighty Columbia River plunges into the Pacific Ocean. This creates a myriad of opportunities for the outboard engine dealership. It sells to traditional customers such as fishermen and duck hunters, but also to niche markets such as oyster farms.

Mestrich’s wife, Ann, and two sons, Bryan and Gregg, all play important roles in the business. Ann helps with the bookkeeping; Gregg manages the sales and service efforts of Clatsop’s longtime Evinrude boat motor dealership; and Bryan is in a leadership role in the showroom.

Saw display shows decades of small engine technology—and don’t forget the misery whip!

Clatsop Power Equipment Collection

During their long careers in the family business, both Gregg and Bryan have put their hands on lots of equipment, some of it old and antique. They’ve held on to some of the older stuff, and in their spare time have done some restoring and displaying. Many dealerships have a piece or two of older equipment here or there, but the Clatsop Power Equipment collection is notable because it’s larger than most dealerships. Plus, the older outboard motors offer a nice touch. Like most dealerships, there’s not much time or space to create museum-quality displays, but the saws and outboards provide a nice window into small engine history.

Antique boat motor display includes restored Johnson Sea Horse.

The headline piece might be the 8 ft. Disston two-man saw that’s so big it lays across the top of the parts cabinets behind the parts counter. Other notable saws include an IEL two-man unit, Orline “Mustang” chain saw, Pioneer Farmsaw, Homelite C-91 (among multiple early Homelites) and early Stihls. (And don’t forget the “misery whip” saw on display as well.) The outboard collection, though smaller, includes a fully restored Johnson Sea Horse among several antique Evinrudes.