Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
FOCKLER, Charles
FOCKLER, Charles. (Pennsylvania--Unknown). Chas. Fockler, the senior member of KEY CITY CARRIAGE TOPS invented the adjustable buggy tops in 1876 and the following year established the business. the business increasing, his brother and present partner became associated with him.
They were the first to manufacture the adjustable buggy top in this country. They are the largest manufacturers of their goods in this country and occupy three stores of three stories each. The timber used in their business is selected and bought in Indiana, and consists of the second growth of ash; they cut it up with their own machinery there. They have a steam room where the bows are bent and a drying-room; shops where the ironwork is made; enameling-room, paint-rooms and trimming-rooms. They employ about fifty to seventy-five hands and ship their goods, the adjustable buggy top and the carriage extension tops, to every State in the Union. The company had a large trade on the Pacific Coast. They have one of the largest and most important industries in the city. Charles had charge of the manufacturing department, and his brother, L. Fockler, had charge of the office and finances of the firm.
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Source:
Oldt, Franklin. The History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Western Historical pg. 788 & 791