Shawnee Garment factory workers. c. 1903
Introduction
The year is 1903.
Oklahoma is still a territory, 4 years before statehood.
The Spanish-American War recently ended and Teddy Roosevelt is president. The Wright brothers will make their first flight at Kitty Hawk before the year is out, while Henry Ford designs his first automobile.
Shawnee springs up as a railroad boomtown, thanks to early settlers who cleverly entice major railroads to pass through as they build westward.
Introduction
Shawnee Garment factory workers. c. 1903
The year is 1903.
The Spanish-American War recently ended and Teddy Roosevelt is president. The Wright brothers will make their first flight at Kitty Hawk before the year is out, while Henry Ford designs his first automobile.
Shawnee springs up as a railroad boomtown, thanks to early settlers who cleverly entice major railroads to pass through as they build westward.
Shawnee Garment
Round House begins as the "Shawnee Garment Manufacturing Company", making anything someone will buy!
Hoping to sell to the hordes of railroad workers in town, Shawnee Garment begins making work clothing and under the "Round House" brand- named for the "round house" railroad repair station.
Round House company picnic. Benson Park, OK. 1908 or before.
Shawnee Garment
Round House company picnic. Benson Park, OK. 1908 or before.
Round House begins as the Shawnee Garment Manufacturing Company, making anything someone will buy!
Hoping to sell to the hordes of railroad workers in town, Shawnee Garment begins making work clothing and under the "Round House" brand- named for the "round house" railroad repair station.
Original articles of incorporation, 1903. (We don't know who the Bonwell, Lachland, and Walker on this document are. Maybe the men in this picture?)
Invoice, 1905. (Be thankful no one counts in '1/4 dozens' anymore!)
Original articles of incorporation, 1903. (We don't know who the Bonwell, Lachland, and Walker on this document are. Maybe the men in this picture?)
Invoice, 1905. (Be thankful no one counts in '1/4 dozens' anymore!)
Jan 16, 1903 edition of The Labor Signal. (First mention of Shawnee Garment we've found.)
Jan 29, 1903 edition of The Edmond Enterprise. For a few months, Shawnee Garment made 'Choctaw' brand to appeal to the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Texas RR.
Jan 16, 1903 edition of The Labor Signal. (First mention of Shawnee Garment we've found.)
Jan 29, 1903 edition of The Edmond Enterprise. For a few months, Shawnee Garment made 'Choctaw' brand to appeal to the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Texas RR.
Factory workers, 1909.
Factory workers, 1909.
Cotton bales being unloaded from trains. Shawnee, OK. 1909
Cotton market day. Shawnee, OK. 1909
Cotton bales being unloaded from trains. Shawnee, OK. 1909
Cotton market day. Shawnee, OK. 1909
Original Round House building. Shawnee, OK. c.1903.
Factory workers. Early 1900s.
Original Round House building. Shawnee, OK. c.1903.
Factory workers. Early 1900s.
Factory workers. Early 1900s. (It's important to wear your vest and tie when stacking overalls!)
Original Round House building on Main St. Shawnee, OK
Factory workers. Early 1900s. (It's important to wear your vest and tie when stacking overalls!)
Original Round House building on Main St. Shawnee, OK
By 1909, business was so good that Round House had to expand into a new building.
New Round House building on Bell St. Shawnee, OK. Round House would stay here for the next 80 years!
By 1909, business was so good that Round House had to expand into a new building.
New Round House building on Bell St. Shawnee, OK. Round House would stay here for the next 80 years!
In case you didn't know, this is a round house. The middle section spins so it can put locomotives into the repair stalls.
Arial photo of Shawnee with location of Round House building and Rock Island round house in 1910.
In case you didn't know, this is a round house. The middle section spins so it can put locomotives into the repair stalls.
Arial photo of Shawnee with location of Round House building and Rock Island round house in 1910.
Round House building on Bell St. Shawnee, OK. c 1910.
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Round House building on Bell St. Shawnee, OK. c 1910.
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