BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER COMPANY

Plant c. 1911Image courtesy: Center for Dubuque History, Loras College and http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2926

Photo courtesy: Jim Massey

Brunswick Recreation Building. Image courtesy: Joe Jacobsmeier

A talcum powder dispenser for pool halls. Photo courtesy: Jim Massey

BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER COMPANY. By 1884, Brunswick a Chicago-based company, joined with rivals to become “The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company,” the largest billiard equipment operation in the world, larger than all its competitors combined. Expansion of the product line included elaborate and ornate front and back bars made of rich woods, flawless mirrors, and stained glass. Originally offered as special order items, demand from taverns grew so great that in 1911 a new factory in Dubuque, Iowa at Jackson Street and Peru Road manufactured and shipped the bars around the world. The bars won design awards at international exhibitions. Many are still in use in popular bars and restaurants around the country.

With the passage of PROHIBITION, the company converted to the production of wooden phonograph cabinets. Purchased by Warner Brothers in 1930, the factory was eventually the property of FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

A bar produced by the company.

Craftsmen near their work. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Located on the corner of 32nd and Jackson, the Brunswick Recreation Building offered a bowling alley, gymnasium, and restaurant. Illustration by Norman Zepeski.

This bar background was constructed in the 1880s for the Louisville Inn located in Louisville, Colorado. Built to fit, this enormous piece has no nails used in its construction.

Pool rack produced by the company.

Trade token-face

Trade token-back

Beautiful wooden cabinets were produced by the Brunswick-Balke-Colender Company. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Salesman's sample bar display.

Employee picture, December 11, 1922. Photo courtesy: Marleen Tulas. Photo editing: John Pregler

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Source:

http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/our_rich_history/important_events/index.html