Monarch Cycle Building, Santa Fe Building
Life Span: 1892-TBD
Location: Lake, Halsted and Fulton streets
Architect: J. M. Van Osdel
- Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1899
Monarch Cycle Mng Co 42 N Halsted, 122 Dearborn and 89 Ashland boul
Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1900
Chicago Sewing Machine Co 42 and 44 N Halsted
The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, November 20, 1891
The American Bicycle and Specialty Co., of Chicago, have named their new machine the New Monarch. The firm anticipate removing to larger quarters in order to increase their output.
The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, February 12, 1892
The Monarch Cycle Co. plant is located at Nos. 42 to 52 North Halsted Street. The building is of red brick 125×127 feet, six stories and a basement with a floor space of 90,000 square feet. This company started into business last year, late in the season, manufacturing Empire safeties, ladies and gentle- men. Only a few machines were placed on the market at that time. They have recentlv expended a large sum of money on new machinery and material and now employ about 125 hands, all experienced workmen. In addition to the Empire cycles they are manufacturing ladies and eentle- men’s strictly high grade patterns. The Empire safeties are supplied in solid and cushion tires at $100 and $110. The Monarch in cushion and pneu- matics at $135 and $150. The pneumatic to be used has not yet been definitely decided on but will be the best money can buy. The officers of the Monarch Cycle Co. are John S. Emmeret, president; Chandler Robbins, vice-president; J. W. Kiser, secretary and general manager. A specialty of these wheels will be a dust cap for the ball bearings which will enable the rider to take the axle from the wheel without danger of balls rolling out. This does not in the least wav prevent the balls taken out for cleaning. The entire process of wheel manufacture is done in the factory. Their tubing is all imported raw and frames are made in the factory. The very best Credenda steel tubing is used. Not an ounce of cast material is used in the manufacture of the Monarch safeties.
The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, April 1, 1892
Monarch Cycle Company.
A new company which has rapidly gained a position in public favor is the Monarch Cycle Company, situated at 42 to 52 N. Halsted Street, Chicago. The reason for this is due to the determination of the company to put on the market a wheel that shall be in reality a “Monarch” in cycle construction. The large number of tradespeople who have visited their factory have sung its praises, and left with a high and largely increased respect for both wheel and makers.
Your correspondent called at the factory and was shown through by Mr. J. Jay Ross, who has charge of the office affairs. Mr. Ross is a young man whom few would suspect of having seen very nearly twenty-six Summers, but such is the case, nine of which he has been an enthusiastic cyclist, and there are few who are better posted. We first visited the nickel plating department, a very complete plant having recently been put in. Here all the bright parts are plated on copper and the operation is very interesting. In the machine shop all the connections, such as the head, crank bracket, hubs and all drop forgingsare drilled out from the solid and finished off. This company has one of the most complete sets of jigs for this pur- pose, and all the forgings are drilled so that all parts are exactly alike, and therefore interchangeable. The machine shop is a mammoth beehive of industry. In the brazing-room a large jig is used in which a complete frame is put, being held in proper position at the head saddle post, rear forks and crank hanger, these are then pinned together, taken into the furnace- room and brazed. Five large gas furnaces are to be used, two of which are now in running order. The work done in this department is of the highest class. On this floor are situated the three large ovens in which the enamel is baked. A peep in the assem- bling room, where the machines are put together, showed a very roomy department. It is under the direct supervision of an inspector, who is the busiest man in the factory, as it is his duty to see that each and every wheel is perfect in alldetails. He also pre- pares for each machine a guarantee covering any de- fect in workmanship or material, which is put in the saddle bag. The stock-room was the last stopping place of a very interesting visit. Here are the numerous parts, each kind occupying an appartment of their own. Tubing of various sizes is aiso stored here.
The Plant.
Your correspondent called at the factory and was shown through by Mr. J. Jay Ross, who has charge of the office affairs. Mr. Ross is a young man whom few would suspect of having seen very nearly twenty-six Summers, but such is the case, nine of which he has been an enthusiastic cyclist, and there are few who are better posted. We first visited the nickel plating department, a very complete plant having recently been put in. Here all the bright parts are plated on copper and the operation is very interesting. In the machine shop all the connections, such as the head, crank bracket, hubs and all drop forgingsare drilled out from the solid and finished off. This company has one of the most complete sets of jigs for this pur- pose, and all the forgings are drilled so that all parts are exactly alike, and therefore interchangeable. The machine shop is a mammoth beehive of industry. In the brazing-room a large jig is used in which a complete frame is put, being held in proper position at the head saddle post, rear forks and crank hanger, these are then pinned together, taken into the furnace- room and brazed. Five large gas furnaces are to be used, two of which are now in running order. The work done in this department is of the highest class. On this floor are situated the three large ovens in which the enamel is baked. A peep in the assem- bling room, where the machines are put together, showed a very roomy department. It is under the direct supervision of an inspector, who is the busiest man in the factory, as it is his duty to see that each and every wheel is perfect in alldetails. He also pre- pares for each machine a guarantee covering any de- fect in workmanship or material, which is put in the saddle bag. The stock-room was the last stopping place of a very interesting visit. Here are the numerous parts, each kind occupying an appartment of their own. Tubing of various sizes is aiso stored here.
Three Distinct Novelties.
The company have recently been allowed the claims made by them for patents on three very important inventions of their own, viz : the improved method of fastening cranks and sprocket wheels to crank axle, two devices that recommend themselves instantly, as loose cranks and sprockets with these machines will be things unknown. The third in- vention is the “Monarch Ball Holder and Dust Resister. This little device consists of a sheet steel cap, inserted in the bearing case, covering the balls, completely protecting them from dust and retains the oil, thereby a:iving a perfect bearing. In cleaning a wheel the holder will be found to be of great value and assistance, as the axle and cones can be removed without in any way disturbing the balls. It maybe removed at will, however, by simply withdrawing with the fingers. In replacing the balls it is only necessary to insert the holder in the bearing case, place the balls in, and “the deed is done.”
They invite inspection of their plant and a vicit there ought to be part of the programme of everybody interested to any degree of cycle building,
The company has received some large orders for the Monarch, and deserves all the praise accorded as their product is not only high grade, but of very handsome design.
An aggressive looking lion’s head within a pneu- matic wheel stands out boldly on the cover of the catalogue of the Monarch Cycle Co., of Chicago. This comparatively new concern manufacture the Monarch cycles, with cushion and pneumatic tires, a high grade, diamond frame machine, and the Empire safety, for both ladies’ and gentlemen. The feature of these machines is an ingenious arrangement for fastening the sprocket wheel, and a device for pro- tecting the ball bearings.
Chicago Tribune, April 27, 1892
New Incorporations.
The Monarch Cycle company, Chicago; capital stock, $25,000; incorporators, J. W. Kiser, Chandler Robbins, and J. S. Emmert.
The Wheel and Cycling Trade Review, January 20, 1893
- Monarch Bicycle Catalog, 1894
Chicago Chronicle, June 16, 1895
The excavation is about to be completed for the new building of the Monarch Cycle Company, Fulton and Halsted streets, mentioned in last Sunday’s Chronicle. The building will front 100 feet on Halsted and 125 feet on Fulton, and will cost $80,000. J. M. Van Osdel has prepared the plans for a red brick and terra cotta structure of eight stories and basement. The building will be adjacent to the company’s present plant on the south, and will practically double its capacity. It will be completed early in September.
- Monarch Cycle Company
Lake, Halsted and Fulton Streets
Seven-story Addition
1895
A building of seven stories, containing over 90,000 square feet, divided into very spacious and well lighted departments, fitted up with the most modern automatic machinery, especially designed for the production of high-grade bicycles.
From 300 to 400 skilled mechanics are employed, and no Monarch machine passes the shipping department before being submitted to the closest examination by an experienced inspector. Bliss and Lumsden, Managers.
- Monarch Cycle Company
John M. Van Osdel
Accounting Book Entry
1895
- Monarch Cycle Manufacturing Company
1896
- Monarch Retail Store
SE Corner of Wabash and Van Buren Streets
This establishment is second to none on what has come to be known as “Cycle Row.” A complete line of Monarch Bicycles of the finest finish always on exhibition, with over sixty feet of plate glass frontage to furnish light by day, and one hundred and twenty-eight incandescent electric lights, besides several large arc lights, at night.
The Bearings, January 9, 1896
Truth, 1896
The Bearings, January 23, 1896
The Bearings, August 26, 1897
The framed panorama of Chicago, issued by the Monarch Cycle Mfg. Co., is attracting considerable attention. The Monarch company announces that it will send one of the pictures to any cycle organization or club sending in a request.
- 1896 and 1898 Monarch Cycle Co. Catalogs.
Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1899
FINALLY FORM BICYCLE TRUST.
New Corporation as Completed Includes Nine Chicago Firms and Has $30,000,000 Capital.
New York, Aug. 31.—[Special.]—The bicycle trust, which has been in process of formation for two years, was finally completed today by the election of the following officers and directors:
- President—Albert G. Spalding.
First Vice President—Colonel George Pope.
Second Vice President—J. E. Bromley.
Treasurer—A. L. Garford.
Secretary—C. W. Dickerson.
Directors—Albert G. Spalding, Seabright; Colonel Albert A. Pope, Boston; A. Featherstone, Chicago; R.L. Coleman, New York; J. W. Kiser, Kiser; E. C. Stearns, Syracuse; R. S. Crawford, Hagerstown, Md.; Charles L. Ames, Chicago; R. Phillip Gormully, Chicago, and Harry A. Lozier Sr., Cleveland.
The other members of the Board of Directors which will consist of fifteen will be elected at a subsequent meeting.
The title of the new trust will be the American Bicycle Company.
Chicago Concerns Involved.
The concerns that have been purchased and have become part of the company include the following from Chicago:
- Ames and Frost company.
H. A. Christy & Co.
Fanning Cycle company.
A. Featherstone & Co.
Gormully & Jeffery company.
Hart & Cooley Manufacturing company.
Monarch Cycle Manufacturing company.
George M. Thompson Manufacturing company.
Western wheel works,
Other Companies Purchased.
The other concerns that have been purchased are the following:
- Acme Manufacturing company, Reading Pa.
American Saddle company, Cleveland.
Barnes Cycle company, Syracuse, N.Y.
Black Manufacturing company, Erie, Pa.
Buffalo Cycle Manufacturing company.
Cleveland Machine Screw company, Cleveland.
Colton Cycle company, Toledo.
Crawford Manufacturing company, Hagerstown, Md.
Columbus Bicycle company, Columbus, O.
Fay Manufacturing company, Elyria, O.
Geneva Cycle company, Geneva, O.
Grand Rapids Cycle company, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Hartford Cycle company, Hartford, Conn.
Hartford rubber works, Hartford, Conn.
Indiana bicycle works, Indianapolis.
Indiana Novelty Manufacturing company, Plymouth, Ind.
Indianapolis Chain and Stamping company, Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Rubber company, Indianapolis.
Lamb Manufacturing company, Chicopee Falls, Mass.
H. A. Lozier & Co., Cleveland.
A. D. Meiselbach, Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Engineering company, Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Manufacturing company, Milwaukee.
North Buffalo Wheel company, Buffalo.
Nuttal Manufacturing company, Nyack, N.Y.
Peoria Rubber and Manufacturing company, Peoria, Ill.
Pope Manufacturing company, Hartford, Conn.
Shelby Cycle Manufacturing company, Shelby, O.
C. J. Smith & Sons company, Milwaukee.
E. C. Stearns & Co., Syracuse, N.Y.
Sterling cycle works, Kenosha, Wi.
Stover Bicycle Manufacturing company, Freeport, Ill.
Syracuse Cycle company, Syracuse, N.Y.
Viking Manufacturing company, Toledo.
White Sewing Machine company (bicycle department), Cleveland.
For the purchase of these various plants there will be issued $10,000,000 5 per cent twenty-year gold debenture bonds; $10,000,000 7 per cent preferred stock, and $20,000,000 common stock, leaving in the treasury ample means for the purchase of such additional plants as may be desirable and for the extension of the business, especially in foreign countries.
The manufacturers have taken all the $10,000,000 preferred stock and the $20,000,000 common stock, and have subscribed for a substantial part of the debenture bonds.
- Monarch Cycle Company
1900
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