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: Difference between revisions
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[[File:brunswick.jpeg|300px|thumb|right|Brunswick Recreation Building. Image courtesy: Joe Jacobsmeier]] | [[File:brunswick.jpeg|300px|thumb|right|Brunswick Recreation Building. Image courtesy: Joe Jacobsmeier]] | ||
[[Image:talc.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A talcum powder dispenser for pool halls. Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]] | [[Image:talc.jpg|left|thumb|250px|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 | 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. | ||
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.]] | 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 of land including a 115-foot high smokestack on the power plant building. One year later the first shipment of new machinery and supplies arrived on 25 railroad cars. (1) People on the Northend soon became accustomed to the plant whistle that sounded at the beginning of the workday, at the noon break and 30 minutes later to signal back to work and again at the end of the day. (2) 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. (3) The bars won design awards at international exhibitions and were used 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.]] At its peak, the plant employed 1,300 people. (4) | |||
[[Image:bar.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A bar produced by the company.]] | [[Image:bar.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A bar produced by the company.]] | ||
[[Image:imp499.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Craftsmen near their work. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] | [[Image:imp499.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Craftsmen near their work. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] | ||
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Source: | Source: | ||
1. "Way Back When," ''Telegraph Herald'', Undated article. Courtesy: Diane Harris | 1. Kruse, Len. "Memories of Brunswick," Over 49 News & Views," December, 1991, p. 3 | ||
2. Ibid. | |||
3. "Way Back When," ''Telegraph Herald'', Undated article. Courtesy: Diane Harris | |||
4. Kruse | |||
http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/our_rich_history/important_events/index.html | http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/our_rich_history/important_events/index.html | ||
Revision as of 23:52, 9 November 2016
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 of land including a 115-foot high smokestack on the power plant building. One year later the first shipment of new machinery and supplies arrived on 25 railroad cars. (1) People on the Northend soon became accustomed to the plant whistle that sounded at the beginning of the workday, at the noon break and 30 minutes later to signal back to work and again at the end of the day. (2) 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. (3) The bars won design awards at international exhibitions and were used 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. At its peak, the plant employed 1,300 people. (4)
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Source:
1. Kruse, Len. "Memories of Brunswick," Over 49 News & Views," December, 1991, p. 3
2. Ibid.
3. "Way Back When," Telegraph Herald, Undated article. Courtesy: Diane Harris
4. Kruse
http://www.brunswickbilliards.com/our_rich_history/important_events/index.html