Fred Todd

Fred Todd: Inventor, Artist, and Community Leader

Fred Todd, son of Stan and Myrl Todd, grew up in Granger where his parents owned and operated S&M Skating Rink. He attended Monroe and Cyprus schools and showed remarkable mechanical talent from an early age. By the time he graduated, he had built over 150 model airplanes, many powered by motors, and was also an accomplished oil painter.

In 1938, Fred began serving the Granger and surrounding areas through his business, TWAMCO (Todd Welding And Machine Company), located at 1970 W 3500 S. He initially focused on farm equipment repairs and later expanded into heavy equipment trailers, working on trailers and trailer parts from across the country. Fred once estimated: “If they were put end to end, they would reach well over two miles.” His mechanical creativity extended to building a 40 mph ice boat and a seven-foot model airplane.

During the draft, local farmers protested his notice, recognizing how essential his skills were for their farms. Their efforts succeeded, and Fred was not called to serve.

Fred was deeply involved in the community, serving as part owner of the Valley Loan Corp Bank and IDEAL National Insurance Co. He was a lifelong learner with passions spanning religion, physics, math, history, archaeology, astronomy, art, and aviation. Newton, Galileo, and Einstein were among his favorite thinkers.

Above all, family was Fred’s priority. He provided educational and memorable experiences for his children, often saying: “I have the best children on earth and I could say something good about each and every one of them.”