Decades of Dependability: Cornell Pumps from the 1950s Still in Service Today

At Cornell Pump, we occasionally receive calls that reach back more than 70 years. A customer might need a wear ring or gasket for a pump they’ve been using since the Eisenhower administration. Many of these inquiries relate to our early Rain-O-Flow irrigation models—pumps that have quietly powered farms and fields for generations here in the Willamette Valley near the factory.

These units, often used seasonally, continue to perform reliably in agricultural applications in Oregon and across the country. Despite the passing decades, they’ve proven remarkably resilient. Their continued use is not just a point of pride, but a testament to the build quality, engineering standards, and attention to detail that have defined Cornell since the beginning.

 

A Legacy Found in Ledgers

Finding replacement parts for a 1950s-era pump isn’t as simple as typing into a search bar. Our parts department turns to handwritten paper ledgers and archived binders to locate original build records and specifications. While our digital inventory systems date back to the late 1980s, these early models predate even our first computer system—yet we remain committed to supporting them.

 

Whether it takes a few extra minutes of research or contacting one of our longtime team members with deep institutional knowledge, we treat every legacy pump with the same care and support as a brand-new model.

 

Built to Last for Generations

Cornell’s reputation for rugged, long-lasting pumps is well earned. The fact that units from the 1950s and 1960s are still in active service speaks volumes about the quality of materials, thoughtful design, and robust construction that have always been Cornell hallmarks.

 

We expect these calls to continue well into the future. Our customers know that when they choose Cornell, they’re not just purchasing a pump—they’re investing in a product that will stand the test of time.

After all, when something is built right, it doesn’t need to be replaced—it just needs the occasional part to keep going for another few decades.

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