Wisconsin GenealogyFounded in 1904 in Racine, the Arnold Electric Company grew from a one-room operation into a major manufacturer of motor-driven household devices and small power motors. It pioneered products such as vacuum cleaners, massage vibrators, hair dryers, drink mixers, washing machines, electric signs, and phonograph motors, and now employs about 250 people with worldwide sales.
The American Skein Foundry Company helped establish Racine’s reputation as an industrial and manufacturing center. Founded in 1900 and reorganized in 1904, the company operates a modern five-acre plant producing wagon skeins, drop-forgings, jackscrews, anvils, and piano plates. Employing 170 workers, it sells nationwide and is known for quality products and sound business practices.
The American Seating Company of Racine, founded in 1899 as the American School Furniture Company, grew from the former Thomas Kane Company plant into a major furniture manufacturer. By the early 1900s, it employed 300 workers, shipped school furniture and opera chairs worldwide, and was known for fair wages, employee welfare programs, and progressive labor practices.
Founded in 1903 by Willis L. Cahoon and E. E. Cahoon, the American Mangle Roller Company of Racine manufactures laundry mangles and handles all kinds of laundry machinery. Based at Racine Junction, the company sells nationwide by mail and through jobbers, supplying hotels, public buildings, and institutions with complete laundry equipment.
Racine has called to her midst many captains of industry, men who are controlling extensive and important commercial and industrial interests, and their efforts have given to the city its well earned reputation as a great manufacturing center. One of the important undertakings of Racine is that conducted under the name of the Racine Tool & Machine Company, which was organized in 1908. In December, 1910, it was purchased by J. M. Jones, who is the president, treasurer and general manager of the company, with F. E. Koebler as vice president and L. Jones as secretary. The company manufactures high … Read more
Among the important business enterprises of Racine which have contributed in large measure to the substantial development of the city is the Racine Shoe Manufacturing Company, which was organized in 1902 with Sands M. Hart as president, L. J. Elliott, secretary and treasurer, and Fred C. Goff as general manager. The plant of the company was located originally at the corner of Wisconsin and Seventh streets, but with the demand for larger quarters, a removal was made in 1906 to 1320 Clark Street. In 1914 Mr. Goff was elected president of the company and in 1916 Jens Jensen became president, … Read more
The Racine Rubber Company was organized March 12, 1910, its first officers being C. F. U. Kelley, president ; Frank L. Mitchell, vice president ; Stuart Webster, treasurer, and J. H. Dwight, secretary. Mr. Kelley severed his connection with the business in 1912, at which time George B. Wilson became the president and so continued until January, 1914, when he, too, withdrew from connection with the business. At that date H. L. McLaren became president and advertising manager and in that position so continues, with Stuart Webster as vice president, general manager and treasurer ; H. C. Severance, secretary ; … Read more
The Racine Puttyless Window Company, one of the recent additions to the business circles of Racine, was organized in 1914, at which time Gustave Bahnemann was chosen president, with Walter S. Goodland, secretary and treasurer, and Dr. J. S. Beech as vice president. There has been no change in the personnel of the firm since that time. The business is conducted at No. 1117 Main street, where they occupy a building two hundred by one hundred and fifteen feet and two stories in height with a four story factory on the west side of the street that is fifty by … Read more
The Racine Paper Goods Company was organized in 1894 by Lucius J. Elliott, Byron B. Blake, Richard T. Robinson and O. L. Parmenter. This was started as a partnership affair, the plant, being located at No. 612 Wisconsin Street. They manufacture paper cigar pockets, patented by O. L. Parmenter. The company was incorporated in 1902 with L. J. Elliott as president; R. T. Robinson, vice president, and O. L. Parmenter, secretary and treasurer. The company also manufactures packages for putting up silk, chocolates and other kinds of candy, etc. Their product is sold all over the world and this business … Read more
The business now conducted under the name of the Racine Manufacturing Company was organized about 1910 under the present form but was established about 1902 under the name of the Racine Novelty Company by George W. Jagers. The business was thus conducted until December, 1909, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and in 1910 the company was reorganized with George W. Jagers, F. K. Bull and Fred F. Blandin as the incorporators. Since that time changes in ownership have occurred and the present officers are: John Reid, Jr., president: Charles F. Barndt, vice president, and F. J. Kidd, secretary … Read more