Horton Mfg. Co. Factory Sign & Advertising

[Bill Muth]

Finally got a couple of my favorite non-reel items displayed. The metal sign hung outside the Horton Mfg. Co. plant and was acquired as part of the William I. Treadway Horton company archive collection. The advertising piece came from another collector last year. Always looking for tough Horton pieces for the collection.

[David Lehmann]

Those look great Bill!

[RonG]

Wonderful signs Bill. I am curious about the 1925 date on the one sign. Was it on an older building?

[Bill Muth]

I am curious about the 1925 date on the one sign. Was it on an older building?

The family was not sure what the years designated. My best guess would be either that (1) the sign was commissioned in 1925/26 and commemorated the company's 1888 startup, or (2) it was placed on a new plant or building associated with the original plant as an historical marker. I started some research but have not dug very deep yet.

[kyreels]

Tremendous!

[reelsmith.]

.
Lookin' Good !

Dean.

[Jim Schottenham]

Looks Awesome, Bill,

Always great to see important pieces land in the collections where they belong, and with collectors such as yourself willing to share with others. There simply isn't a better place for these historical items!

Jim

[Steve]

Bill, I'm curious about that 1888 date. Here's a hunk of page 411 in Bristol, Connecticut (In the Olden Time "New Cambridge") Which Includes Forestville by E.N. Smith et al., Hartford, Conn.: City Printing Co., 1907:

Is this just wrong, or is 1888 the date of incorporation?

[john elder]

Nice display, Bill!

[Bill Muth]

Is this just wrong, or is 1888 the date of incorporation?

The company formed in 1887, likely in anticipation of acquiring Everett Horton's business, but the transaction was not finalized until 1888. The clip above is from Everett Horton's obituary in the Hartford Courant, February 22, 1912.

[Biggamereels1988]

Reely cool stuff Bill. That sign really ties things together and that huge piece on the wall. Neato!