Encyclopedia Dubuque
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H. B. GLOVER COMPANY: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Glover. | [[Image:Glover.png|left|thumb|250px|]]H. B. GLOVER COMPANY. H. B. Glover was one of the oldest manufacturers of men's wear west of Chicago and one of the oldest companies of its type in the nation. Founded prior to 1863 as a small auction room on Main Street, the company began large-scale manufacturing of clothing in 1876. (1) Its factory, listed in the 1878-79 ''Dubuque City Directory'' was 744 to 752 Main. It had forty-eight steam-powered sewing machines. In the production of sixty dozen garments, the company used 2,600 yards of material daily. | ||
The 1880s saw company expansion. By 1895 the firm employed three hundred fifty of which three hundred were women. The company pioneered adjustable pajamas, and sweat-proof pockets. A "pocketeer" in overalls provided many pockets for holding tools. | The 1880s saw company expansion. By 1895 the firm employed three hundred fifty of which three hundred were women. The company pioneered adjustable pajamas, and sweat-proof pockets. A "pocketeer" in overalls provided many pockets for holding tools. | ||
Revision as of 02:17, 19 October 2014
H. B. GLOVER COMPANY. H. B. Glover was one of the oldest manufacturers of men's wear west of Chicago and one of the oldest companies of its type in the nation. Founded prior to 1863 as a small auction room on Main Street, the company began large-scale manufacturing of clothing in 1876. (1) Its factory, listed in the 1878-79 Dubuque City Directory was 744 to 752 Main. It had forty-eight steam-powered sewing machines. In the production of sixty dozen garments, the company used 2,600 yards of material daily.
The 1880s saw company expansion. By 1895 the firm employed three hundred fifty of which three hundred were women. The company pioneered adjustable pajamas, and sweat-proof pockets. A "pocketeer" in overalls provided many pockets for holding tools.
By the 1920s, Glover introduced leather jackets. Depending on the jacket ads and labels read "Tailored By Glover", "H.B. Glover", or "Glover Sportswear". Glover had an endorsement deal in 1925 with the "Four Horsemen" of the Notre Dame football team, who sported their leather jackets. (2)
The first full color double spread advertisement of any product in a nationally known magazine was run by the H. B. Glover Company in the December 3, 1927, issue of the Saturday Evening Post. The company was also one of the first clothing manufacturers to choose the Midwest over one of the coasts in which to establish itself.
A strike at the company in 1890 was the basis of a book entitled 7 1/2 Cents, written by Richard BISSELL, son of the company president. (3) This story was made into the hit musical Pajama Game.
The 1886-87 Dubuque City Directory listed 103 to 121 6th.
The 1916-1917 Dubuque County Directory listed 470-490 Iowa as the company address.
The 1939 Dubuque City Directory listed 480-498 Iowa. ---
Source:
1. Riechman, Leona. " 'Glovers' Known All Over U. S. A.," Telegraph Herald, April 30, 1930. p. 8
2. Stewart, Spencer. "The Art of Vintage Leather Jackets," Online: http://vintageleatherjackets.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-hb-glover-company-dubuque-iowa.html
3. "Susan Adams Bissell," The Stone City Art Colony and School 1932-1933, Online: http://projects.mtmercy.edu/stonecity/otherartists/adams.html
