Keystone Wagon Works, Reading, Pennsylvania

entering the machine works of John Cather, served four years at

machinist.s blacksmithing, and afterward gained a good idea of

nights to study, to make up the educational advantages denied him

in his boyhood. In the Fall of 1876 he borrowed $50.00 at the

exorbitant interest of 10 per cent., and started business as a wagon

builder in n small shop 12 by 12 feet. It is not strange that he

succeeded. His business doubled every six months until, in 1886,

he removed to Reading, where his ambition has had a fuller swing

at the head of the Keystone Wagon Co., whose wagons and gears

KEYSTONE WAGON Co., Reading, Pennsylvania, have

increased their capital stock to $150,000. This concern is under

the general management of Mr. James A. Klees, a thorough

James A. Klees ; secretary, Harry T, Shick; treasurer, W. H. Shick.

These works were established in 1876, and the plant has been

increased in a phenomenal manner. It consists at present of 3

three-story brick buildings, making a total floor surface of 49,250

feet. The following new machines are being added: 150 pound

upright Bradley hammer, a plunging machine, weighing 12,000

pounds, and having two heating surfaces, Numerous other new

machines are about to be added Mr. A. L. Kern, a specialist in

forged iron working, has patented an improvement on upright

hammers for plating singletrees and carriage clips and similar

work. This invention will be put in operation in the above

company.s factory. A very pleasant still enjoyable event was the

occasion of the banquet, February 29, tendered to the

stockholders by the directors of this company, Rev. W. J.

Stevenson being the invited guest. A beautiful and artistic model,

in cut flowers, of their leader, the Keystone Dumping Wagon,

graced the center of the board. Mr. George Grim, the popular

salesman of this company, on the occasion of his birthday, which

occurred on even date with the banquet, was admitted to the

company, and was presented with a fine gold headed cane in

One of the most active representatives of the wagon

industry in the State of New Yokk is Edward Hofheins, who

represents the Keystone Wagon Co., Reading, Pennsylvania,

in an important territory in the city of Buffalo, New York. Mr.

Hofheins has been building up his trade for years, and is regarded

as one of the popular men in the industry. He has done

much to make the products of his company well known throughout

Keystone Wagon Works, Reading, Pennsylvania

The length of this body is nearly 10 feet without the foot board;

depth of sides, 21½ inches without the side boards, and depth of

riser including thickness of seat board. The construction

represents the highest quality of workmanship. The timber used is

of the very best. All panels are recessed; the body riser is molded,

and there is a molding across the front, including the striping. This

makes a very attractive finish. The construction of the gear is

similar to most gears, being well ironed and having heavy pole

futchels. The usual platform wagon springs and Sarven patent

wheels are used.

Painting--All panels, including seat panels, deep green,

striped and scrolled white and pale green; all moldings black.

Gear, deep green, striped black and white. Other prevailing colors

are various shades of carmine for body and gear, lined and

scrolled with black and shaded with deep Indian red.

Finish--Foot-board stays, side-board stays, brake lever, brake

rod, axle centers all black, side handles brass and chain on rear

gate.

Also published in Hitch Wagons for City Driving and More by the

Works, Reading, Pennsylvania, were originally established

in 1890, and subsequently incorporated in

1899. Their capacity is 5,000 vehicles annually. Of

the present output carriages represent 50 per cent.,

and wagons 50 per cent. The officers are Nathaniel

Ferguson, president; John Hendel, secretary and treasure;

page 69.

Keystone Wagon Works, Reading, Pennsylvania

Plate No. 990 MODERN STANHOPE, SUSPENDED ON

Keystone Wagon Works, Reading, Pennsylvania