Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
PRITCHARD, C. L.
PRITCHARD, C. L. (Ct-Unknown). The firm of C. L. Pritchard and Company beginning in 1877 manufactured an inexpensive top for wagon seats for summer use. This company became the BUGGY-TOP MANUFACTORY. Increasing demand led to the manufacture of a more durable top that the company patented.
In 1880 the company employed forty men during the busy season, and had five men on the road soliciting orders. They shipped their goods to every state and to Canada.
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Source:
Oldt, Franklin T. The History of Dubuque County