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Encyclopedia Dubuque

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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.




BRUNSWICK-BALKE-COLLENDER COMPANY

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Plant c. 1911Image courtesy: Center for Dubuque History, Loras College and http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2926
Photo courtesy: Jim Massey
Bbcplant.png
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, these items developed such demand that in 1911 a new factory was built in Dubuque, Iowa. Work began in June and when completed the plant encompassed 35 acres. The property was conveyed by the CHICAGO GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD from land which had been used division terminals in the city. The company agreed to construct a building costing at least $150,000 of which &75,000 was to be given by the DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION with the remainder provided by the company. The company also agreed to hire five hundred male employees the first year. (1) The company insisted that those employed belong to the union affiliated with the line of work for which they were hired. By January 1913 the company hoped to have 1,000 workers. (2)

In 1912 the first shipment of new machinery and supplies arrived on 25 railroad cars. (3) People on the north-end of the city soon became accustomed to the plant whistle that sounded the beginning of the workday, noon break and 30 minutes later to signal back to work, and the end of the day. (4) Located at Jackson Street and Peru Road, this plant manufactured and shipped bar equipment around the world. Billed as the "Largest Bar Fixture Factory in the World," the company employed five hundred people. (5) The bars won design awards at international exhibitions and were used in popular bars and restaurants around the country.

The company began the production of radios in the 1920s. On April 1-4, 1930 the plant closed for inventory and was purchased by Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc. on April 10th. It was announced that three thousand workers would be employed after expansion. (6) The new company, called Brunswick Radio Corporation, manufactured radios, phonographs and loudspeakers. Employment averaged between 400-500 people. As the GREAT DEPRESSION, continued fewer and fewer people could afford the machines. The plant closed in December 1931. (7)

The factory remained empty for several years before Warner Brothers refurbished the grounds with the intent to lease it. 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:

1. "Brown Tells of Contract Terms," Dubuque Telegraph Herald, February 26, 1911, p. 15

2. "Cabinet Makers Needed," Dubuque Telegraph Herald, August 20, 1912, p. 3

3. Kruse, Len. "Memories of Brunswick," Over 49 News & Views," December, 1991, p. 3

4. Ibid.

5. "Way Back When," Telegraph Herald, Undated article. Courtesy: Diane Harris

6. "Dubuque Will Be Main Distributing Point For Concern," Telegraph-Herald, April 4, 1930, p. 1

7. Kruse


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