Chicago Flexible Shaft Co. | Stewart & Clark (Stewart Warner)
Stewart & Clark Building, Stewart-Warner Factory
Life Span:
Location: 502 Diversey (1826 W. Diversey)
Architect: L.G. Hallberg & Co.
Chicago Tribune, April 14, 1905
New Corporations.
Stewart & Clark Manufacturing company, Chicago.; $25,000; general manufacturing; incorporators, Charles S. Burton, Homer L. Kraft, and Edward T. Wray.
Chicago Tribune, January 12, 1907
Building Permits.
502-04 Diversey blvd., 1 story brick rear addition, Stewart & Clark.
Inter Ocean, February 3, 1907
The Stewart speedometer, shown for the first, time at the New York show, where it aroused the greatest interest, and most favorable comment, is exhibited at the Coliseum annex, space 107. It is doubly interesting from the fact that it is a local manufactured by the Stewart & Clark Manufacturing company, 67-69 Wells street, and 502-520 Divereey boulevard. Their exhibit is a very attractive one. The Stewart speedometers are in operation under the same conditions as on the road, which glves the visitor an opportunity to test the true merits of the instrument.
It is of the centrifugal force type, and very handsome in appearance, and sturdily. built throughout. Its mechanism is so well designed and of such high grade, serviceable construction that the manufacturers furnish with each Stewart speedometer an unqualified guarantee for five years from date of purchase. This guarantee covers the instrument, flexible shaft, universal point, and all connections and parts against wear, breakage, and inaccuracy. This seems to be what the automobilists have long wanted—an instrument that would not get out of repair, and one on which the manufacturers could give a broad guarantee.
The shafts are mounted on ball bearings, and the pivots in hardened steps, and both studs and steps are highly polished to reduce friction. All swinging members are mounted on long, hardened pivots, with step bearings at both ends. The scale divisions are equal over the whole range, which end la attained by a its of patented mechanism.
The No. 1 (one mile a minute) instrument has a four inch dial and registers up to sixty miles. It is combined with mileage recorder. The No. 2 (two miles a minute) has a four inch dial and registers up to 120 miles. This is also with mileage recorder. The figures, are large and readable. The diameter of the case is 4¼ inches by 2½ inches. The case is a one piece construction polished in brass and covered with a heavy French glass plate.
The Stewart flexible shaft, invented by J. K. Stewart, president of the Chicago Flexible Shaft company, is of very substantial construction, as is made of hardened steel that hook one into the other without riveting. In case of breakage by accident the shaft can be repaired on the road in less than one minute without tools of any kind. The connected links are encased in a coil ribbon of hardened steel, which is covered with highly polished brass dust proof case. This construction prevents crystalization, wear, and breakage.
The Stewart Universal Joint is of unique and ingenious design. and permits the flexible shaft to hang at any angle, obviates short bends, and prevents crystalization.
the Universal wheel attachment is so designed that it can be attached to more than 90 per cent of all cars sold in America without special fixtures. This arrangement obviates carrying special fixtures for every make and model car in stock by the dealers.
“A better speedometer” is what the manufacturers claim for the Stewart, and it looks the part.
Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal, 1907 & 1909
Chicago Tribune, February 3, 1907
The Stewart Speedometer, advertised as the Truth Teller, shown for the first time at the recent Madison Square garden New York show, is exhibited in space 107. This instrument is doubly interesting from the fact that it is a local production, manufactured by the Stewart Clark manufacturing company, 67-69 Wells street, who are now erecting and equipping a plant for the manufacture of these instruments at 502-520 Diversey boulevard.
The Stewart Speedometer is in operation under the same conditions as on the road. It is attached to an automobile wheel in the regular way so that it can be turned either be hand or power. This gives the visitor an opportunity to test the true merits of the instrument under variable speeds.
Chicago Tribune, July 16, 1907
Thomas J. Clark. the Glidden tourist from Chicago, injured when his car was wrecked near Bryan, O.,. last Thursday, died at 10 o’clock last night at the Christman hotel at Bryan. His wife had been with him since Friday. The body will be brought to Chicago this morning and taken to the residence at 1938 Diversey boulevard.
The accident occurred when Mr. Clark was steering round an abrupt curve in a muddy road. His three companions escaped injury, but he was carried with the car down an embankment and crushed under the heavy machine. Mr. Clark was 38 years old. He was treasurer of the Chicago Flexible Shaft company and of the Stewart & Clark Manufacturing company.
Inter Ocean, December 1, 1907
STEWART SPEEDOMETER.
The Stewart Clark Manufacturing company, makers of the famous Stewart speedometer, have a moat interesting exhibit in the Coliseum Annex. This company has the only speedometer factory in Chicago, and, with the usual Chicago “I will” spirit. has gotten to the top in their line, although this business was started but one year ago.
They have been reducing speedometer prices step by step, and now are marketing a guaranteed full sized equipped with inclosed odometer and with their famous Stewart flexible shaft and swivel joint, at $25 making it possible for every automobile owner to equip his car. The recent state law passed regulating the speed of automobiles and similar laws being enacted In nearly every state make speedometers an actual necessity, and there is little doubt that an ood. popular priced Thy shaft was patented for O’Brien by a lawyer named Stewart and soon it began to pay large profits. It wad placed on the market as the John K. Stewart speedometer, the name of the lawyer furnishing part of the title and that of a race horse, “John K,” furnishing the remainder.
O’Brien later decided to adopt as his own the name of the device he had placed on the market, and from that time on was known is John K. Stewart will be a big seller. The features of this model arc the inclosed odometer, direct flexible shaft drive, and simple mechanical construction.
Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal, January 1, 1912
The above cut illustrates the addition recently added to the Stewart & Clark Company’s factory, and which is to be used exclusively for the manufacture of drop-forged swivel joints. Heretofore this Company cast its swivel joints, but for the 1912 season they will be of drop forgings. It is said that this factory will be one of the best equipped drop-forged plants in the country. The equipment is to cost $100,000.
Inter Ocean, December 27, 1912
SPEEDOMETER MERGER.
The Stewart-Warner Speedometer corporation, recently organized under the laws of Virginia, has acquired all of the speed Indicator patents owned by J. K. Stewart of Chicago and A. P. and C. H. Warner of Beloit, Wis., and has also acquired all of the capital stock of the Stewart & Clark Manufacturing company and the Warner Instrument company, manufacturers of speedometers. The new corporation owns all of the patents of every kind covering speed indicators operated on the magnetic principle.
The capital stock of the Stewart-Warner Speedometer corporation is $10,000,000 common and $1,000,000 per cent cumulative preferred stock, redeemable at $110. All the stock is outstanding.
White, Weld & Co. will nance the proposition and will represent the new corporation in its financial transactions. J. K. Stewart, president of the Stewart & Clark Manufacturing company, will be the president of the new corporation, and C. B. Smith wIll be secretary and treasurer.
Organization and management of each of the plants of tbe new corporation will remain as heretofore and the product of each factory will be handled separately.
Stewart-Warner Stock Certificate
About 1915
Chicago Tribune, June 15, 1916
New Officers for Stewart-Warner.
Directors of the Stewart-Warner Speedometer company met yesterday and elected Charles B. Smith president to succeed the late J. K. Stewart. Mr. Smith has been treasurer of the company and generally in charge of its affairs during the times when Mr. Stewart was not actively directing the business.
Other changes made at yesterday’s meeting were: W. J. Zuker, sales manager, was elected to the board of directors and made vice president and secretary; L H. La Chance, vice president, was made chairman of the board of directors; and T. T. Sullivan was made vice president and treasurer.
Talking Machine World, December, 1917
American Architect and Building News, March 6, 1918.
Stewart-Warner Buildings
1826 W. Diversey
1918
Chicago Tribune, November 11, 1924
A $34,000,000 merger, involving two of the largest concerns in the automobile; accessory field, the Stewart-Warner Speedometer corporation and the Bassick-Alemite corporation was announced last night.
The Stewart-Warner corporation has acquired a majority of the stock of the Bassick-Alemite corporation through an exchange of stock on tht basis of approximately 7 shares of Stewart-Warner for 10 shares of Bassick-Alemite Minor-it), stockholders of the Bassick-Alemite corporation will be offered the same terms. Notices to stockholders will be sent out in a few days on completion of details of the consolidation. The Stewart-Warner corporation bas total assets of about $28,000,000 and authorized capitalization of 600,000 shares of nonpar stock, of which about 475,000 shares are outstanding. The Bassick-Alemite corporation has total assets of about $5,600,000 and 200,000 shares of nonpar common stock and $1,175,000 of preferred.
Oakland Tribune, September 20, 1929
Backed by almost a quarter of a century’s experience in the manufacturing field, the Stewart-Warner Corporation with its vast financial resources now steps out as a leader In the radio industry, according to local dealers.
The company was organized 33 years ago, and since the early days of the automobile, has been the leading manufacturer of automotive accessories and equipment. Today It is known the world over and the products of its Chicago plant alone are in the hands of over 24,000,000 users.
Another Stewart-Warner factory manufactures 80 percent of all furniture hardware made in the United States; half the casters used throughout the world and hardware equipment for 98 percent of the American automobiles, excluding Fords. Over 5,000 skilled workers are employed in the plant.
Officials of the Corporation pride themselves on the fact that it is the largest manufacturer of six different commercial lines in the United States and In four different commercial lines, the largest in the world. Besides its Chicago plants it has factories in Bridgeport, Conn., and in Canada.
Stewart-Warner’s subsidiaries include the Alemite Manufacturing company, which makes the well known Alemite lubricating equipment The Stewart Die Casting Corporation, which operates the largest individual diecasting plant in the world, and the Bassick Manufacturing company Resources of the Stewart-Warner Corporation are well over $80,000,000 giving the company an exceptionally favorable financial position.
With the advent of radio, the corporation became one of the pioneers in that line. Experience in precision made products proving helpful, it soon ranked as one of the leaders in that growing industry. Many of the departments turning out refinements for automobiles are now also being used to advantage in the production radio receivers.
W. J. Zucker. vice-president of the corporation, said:
- Quite naturally the manufacturing experience through the years has been helpful to us in making radio receivers,” “Methods and policies that were responsible for the success of the Stewart-Warner speedometer and our other lines of diversified products, have been followed by our radio engineers. We have enjoyed a reputation as the builder of precision-made products and, of course, have been equally efficient in turning out accurately made radio parts for our receivers.
It has always been the corporation’s policy to use nothing but the best raw materials in the manufacture of its products and we have adopted this same rule in regard to radio equipment.
Stewart-Warner, according to Zucker, recently completed several now assembly lines in its Chicago factory which provide for a dally capacity of more than 1,500 receiving sets. Additional lines are now being installed with the expectation that its production in radio receivers will be more than trebled before the end of the year.
Stewart Warner Factory
1930
The clock had been removed and is now on display at Portillo’s o Clark and Ontario streets.
Chicago Tribune, April 4, 1948
The John K. Stewart Story
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 3, 1916
John K. Stewart.
John K. Stewart, 46 years old, inventor of the Stewart speedometer for automobiles, died suddenly from a stroke of paralysis Thursday night in his apartments at 12 East Eighty-seventh street, Manhattan. His funeral services were held private in the chapel at Greenwood Cemetery this afternoon. Mr. Stewart’s home was in Chicago, but he spent the summer months on Long Island and in the winter lived at Altadena, Cal. At the time of his death he was planning to erect a new house on an estate which he had recently purchased at Centreport, L L, and was also about to build an additional speedometer factory in Long Island City, adjacent to the Ford factory. Mr. Stewart was head of the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company and the Chicago Die Casting Machinery Company. At the time he bought out the Warner Speedometer Company of Beloit, Wis., It was said that he paid $1,750,000 for the business. It was consolidated as the Stewart-Warner Speedometer Company. Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife and two children.
Cook County Herald, December 9, 1921
Chicago.—Litigation over the $5,257,343 estate left by the late John K. Stewart, founder and president or the Stewart-Warner Speedometer company, bared a “family skeleton”
Search of records of the Surrogate court in Riverbend, L. I., in which one of the two wills made by the Chicago millionaire was filed, revealed that his name was really Terence O’Brien. Under this name he had been a mining prospector in the West, always without much success.
Fron prospecting, O’Brien turned his hand to clipping horses, following county fairs. In Seattle he met Arthur and Michael Conlon. Together they invented a horse clipping machine. This contained a flexible shaft, which served as the basis of future automobile accessory appliances.
Soon Brings In Blg Profite.
Thy shaft was patented for O’Brien by a lawyer named Stewart and soon it began to pay large profits. It wad placed on the market as the John K. Stewart speedometer, the name of the lawyer furnishing part of the title and that of a race horse, “John K,” furnishing the remainder.
O’Brien later decided to adopt as his own the name of the device he had placed on the market, and from that time on was known os John K. Stewart.
With the acquisition of his fair fortune, O’Brien, now known as Stewart, moved to Chicago, introduced the speedometer and soon his wealth grew to great proportions. He purchased a residence at 3217 Sheridan road and bought a mansion at Center Point, L. I., to which he later moved with his wife and two daughters Marion and Jean.
He was in his early forties when he died, leaving an estate of five to seven millions.
Both Stewart and his widow, who died nine months after him were eccentric in handling money. First a clerk in the office of the Speedometer company discovered some deposit slips on Chicago banks calling for $1,800,000 which it was not known that Mr. Stewart possessed. This money was found in six banks and turned into the estate. Shortly afterwards Leander H. La Chance, now chairman of the board of directors of the Stewart-Warner Speedometer company, and trustee of the Stewart estate, received a bill for $7.50 for the rent of a safety deposit vault of which he knew nothing.
Daughters Get Estate.
In the deposit vault $250,000 more was discovered. At another time a suitcase which Mrs. Stewart, who died in Aiken, S.C., had left in a hotel there was opened and $600,000 in currency, in $5,000 and $20,000 gold certificates rolled out. This suitcase also contained $206,000 in certified checks. The suitcase had been carried around the country without more than the usual care.
The fortune left by Stewart was originally divided between his two daughters, but Jean died October 10 last, while still a child. Marion married Robert B. Honeyman Jr., of New York City, and inherited the entire estate.
It was her action in filing, through her father-in-law Robert B. Honeyman a New York lawyer, a suit charging incompetence and general mismanagement of the estate, that led to the discovery of her father’s career.
Chicago Tribune, January 17, 1922
Riverhead, N. Y., Jan. 16.—Mrs. Robert B. Honeyman Jr., 20, daughter of the late John K. Stewart, wealthy speedometer manufacturer, today won her fight to have revoked the letters of guardianshly held by Martin Taylor of New York and Leander H. La Chance of Chicago.
Mrs. Honeyman claimed that having moved to Chicago since her marriage she now was entitled to handle her own affairs, because she was a resident of Illinois, where the legal age for women is 18.
Surrogate Robert S. Pelletreau un held the clalm. but ruled that it was unnecessary to consider charges of mismanagement which Mrs. Honeyman had preferred against her former guardian.
The surmigate granted letterg o ad. ministration to Mrs. Honeyman’s husband and father-in-law and the Suffolk County National bank of Riverhead.
Dropped Name of O’Brien.
Stewart died in June. 1916, at his country home near Huntington, L. I., leaving an estate valued at more than $6,000,000, with his interests located chiefly in Chicago. In the course of the litigation it was brought out that, born Terence O’Brien, he had changed his name on rising to power in the financial world.
The court held that the laws of New York state setting 21 as the legal age applied only to a ward domiciled in New York an! that a principle of comity decreed that one state should make effective in its courts the legislation of another
Won’t Contest Decision.
Leander La Chance, uncle of Mrs Robert B. Honevman. declared last night that he would not appeal from the decision of the New York courts He said that the late John K. Stewart did not own any of the stock of the Stewart-Warner Speedometer corporation at the time of his death and that the present litigation would in no way affect that company.
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