The majority of what I’ve written in my
blog posts over the last few years has dealt with what took place while wagon and
western vehicle manufacturers were still building and selling wooden
wagons. That said, not all of these
companies ceased doing business when the market for these products finally ran
its course. Of those that survived, some
evolved into the furniture business.
Others began building trailers.
Some went into the auto body and accessory trade. Still others went back to their roots.
Such is the case with a company still
headquartered in the city where it began nearly 125 years ago. Known for building a host of agricultural equipment
during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Electric Wheel Company (EWC) of Quincy,
Illinois carved out a broad product line and rich history after its
incorporation in April of 1890.
Beginning with a capital stock of $25,000 to manufacture steel wheels†,
the firm has grown well beyond its enthusiastic beginnings. While the name – Electric Wheel – may sound strange
today, when the business was started, electricity as a welding source was
cutting edge technology. The term had a
similar impact as words/phrases like ‘digital’, ‘LED’, ‘touch screen’, and ‘wireless'
often have today. Hence, the use
of the name ‘Electric’ drew attention to the firm as an innovative and trusted
leader known for its commitment to quality.
As you’ll see, it’s a legacy deeply rooted in this organization.
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This rare, circa 1900 image shows a very early “Handy” wagon from EWC. The company's early literature shared their role as the originators of this type of vehicle. It was lower to the ground, making it more stable and easier to work off of than wagons with high wheels. |
From their earliest days through the 1950’s, the company patented and produced a wide variety of products. Included within that list are steel wheels, tractors, wagons, truck bodies, crawlers, trailers, front end loaders, semi-trailer fifth wheels, house movers, circular saws, surge brakes, scoop boards, short-turning trailers, and much more. The company was also involved in fulfilling military contracts during World War II. In 1957, the business was acquired by Firestone and the product line shifted a bit to include recreational trailers for products like snowmobiles and boats.
Today, the firm is known as Titan International of Quincy, Illinois. While
under a different name, incredibly, the business is still focused on the
product categories that gave it its start in 1890. After building so many metal wheels, wagons,
tractors, crawlers, and other equipment in its early days, the business has significantly
grown; taking on a worldwide leadership role in the manufacture of tires and
wheels for the most demanding of industries.
In fact, as shared on their website, Titan is the only company who designs, tests and manufactures both wheels and tires
for agriculture, construction, forestry and mining. Building tires and wheels for well-known mega-brands
like John
Deere, Case, New Holland, Kubota, AGCO, and Goodyear farm tires, Titan also
makes trailer components like brakes, hubs, couplers, and actuators for
numerous other manufacturers.
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Our Wheels That Won The West® collection of materials related to the Electric Wheel Company spans almost three-quarters of a century. |
Recently, our extensive collection of
early EWC literature and history was tapped by Titan to help share the rich heritage
of the firm. Celebrating their 125th anniversary
in 2015, Titan International is making plans for an interpretive center with
highlights of early products, innovations, and promotional efforts. Individually and collectively, the pieces
outline their legendary and innovative role in the manufacture of quality tires
and wheels. So, the next time you run
across an “Electric” wagon, gear, or other product, consider the rarity of the
piece as well as the foundation it laid for one of today’s most recognized
leaders at the farm, forest, field, trail, and mine. Their slogan, ‘Titan Moves
The World’ is reinforced by the video link below.
† “The Electric World”, Vol 15, no. 18,
p.306, April 26, 1890
