The Sepia Saturday theme photo this week features a woman factory worker making paper boxes, a great photo showing the industrious spirit of those hard workers of the past. Just this past week I had the great fortune of scoring a great buy on eBay of 175 photos for a steal. A large box arrived just a few days ago and what a treasure trove it has turned out to be! I'm still sorting through all these wonderful, old photographs, and shockingly the subjects are actually identified on a large number of them. There was one photo though that I knew I had to use this week for my Sepia Saturday entry.
It features a group of thirty-six individuals (if I counted correctly) in front of a concrete block building with the name "The Markey Bronze B" showing. The photographer was Elton Studio, Delta, O. Note the two well dressed gentlemen flanking both sides, obviously executives, and the woman who I am guessing was a secretary for the company. Unfortunately, there is no identification of any of these subjects. I am not sure of a time frame for this photo but I am guessing in the 1930's. See the full photo below which has Art Deco frame.
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| Markey Bronze Bushing Co, Delta, Ohio ca 1930's |
My research tells me this was The Markey Bronze Bushing Company of Delta, Ohio. Obviously they made bushings, which while not very exciting, were a necessary commodity. I could not find much information on this company such as when it was started or if it even still existing although I do not think it is. I found quite a number of obituaries on Google of men who worked at Markey Bronze, many before WWII. Delta, Ohio is a village in Fulton County with a population of about 3,103 people according to Wikipedia. It is near Toledo and Bowling Green.
I found a great genealogy site for Fulton County with lots of great photos and an active historical society. I think I will contact them to see if there is an interest in this photograph. Perhaps someone will be able to identify of these people.
Wait, there's more! Please check out Sepia Saturday for more great stories and photos this week!
How wonderful that your box contained such treasures. I've never thought of Ebay as a source of old pictures but it seems you made a good buy.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought on looking at the photo before reading your post, was that the missing word was BRONZE CASKET CO. which would be a perfect match for the theme. But Bushings are useful things too.
ReplyDeleteThese old photos of employee groups can be important records of industry by showing the number and makeup of workers. And this kind of small manufacturer provided the component parts for building motors, engines, etc. that were installed in everything from household appliances to industrial machines.
Ah, nice post, I learned something new- great photo too. Sometimes you just never know what a name can mean.
ReplyDeleteAs a metallurgist in my first industrial job I learned a bit about alloys for bushes and not just bronze. Mike is quite right about the importance of such photos to industrial history.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting photograph. I'm looking forward to seeing the remaining items in your treasure box.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful sharp and clear photograph, more than likely the work of a professional photographer although I am surprised that he/she didn't get the full company name in.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm excited to see what else is in that eBay box!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun purchase!
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see what else is in your big box.
ReplyDeleteWhat a goldmine you scored! I may yet get into this photo/postcard collecting hobby.
ReplyDeleteGood buy on the forgottens..hope you have some reunions:)
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