The Milburn Wagon Company
Toledo Ohio
1869 - 1923
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The Milburn Wagon Company was incorporated on August 23, 1869 and soon became the largest manufacturer of farm wagons in the world. Milburn Wagon Company was completely mechanized and only needed employees to operate the machines.
From 1915 to 1923 the company produced over 7,000 electric automobiles called The Milburn Light Electric. The Roadster Model 151 sold for $1,285. It had a range of about 50 miles and could travel at a speed of about 19 mph.
The Milburn plant was destroyed by fire in 1919 but production began again a few months later on the grounds of Toledo University. In 1923 General Motors bought Milburn Wagon Company for $2 million dollars and shortly thereafter Buick moved into the plant and the Milburn Light Electric was discontinued.
Interesting history, but what really strikes me is that the electric cars that are currently being produced only have a range of about 50 miles! So, in the span of an entire century we have actually made very little progress in electric car technology! Wow! Unbelievable!
Well, history lesson aside and back to the image. I really love this Milburn ad - the soft colors used and the beautiful building in the background (could that be Toledo University?). Let me know if you what building that is!
I hope you enjoyed the history lesson and today's image!
