“The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942” is written by researchers and historians at Krause Publications in Iola, Wisconsin. The publication also sponsors and is home to one of the largest vintage car shows in the United States.
The catalog reflects Klaus’ vehicle knowledge, experience and collected information.
The catalog’s early automotive chronology lists business partners in Ripon and Berlin who produced cars driven by these two communities.
About business alliance
Deibler & Johnson Automobile Co. began assembling cars in Berlin in 1900 by manufacturing its own car parts on a small scale.
The Deibler family owned a bicycle shop in Berlin, which may have contributed to their expertise in machine shops, parts manufacturing, and assembly.
Deibler & Johnson organized a corporation that could be owned by a large number of investors. motor age magazineIn the Summer 1908 issue of , it was quoted as saying, “The partnership between Deibler and Johnson would eventually lead to a large-scale automobile manufacturing operation.”
One of the partners, Ed Deibler (1868-1947) of Berlin, completed production of the car in 1908 and later changed the company name to “Russell Deibler” rather than “Deibler & Johnson.”
Russell Deibler Automobile Manufacturing was in operation from 1908 to 1909. Frank Russell (1869-1924) was a glove manufacturer in Berlin. As early car enthusiasts, the two decided to build cars together in addition to their day jobs.
Their first hand-built automobile was a small two-seater “touring car” completed in 1908. His second car was more ambitious, with a 116-inch wheelbase, 40 horsepower, Ruthenbar engine, and his complete four-seater car. It began to be used in late December of the same year. The large four-seater vehicle was reportedly sold to the Mayor of Ripon.
Russell Diebler realized that his business could not be a full-scale endeavor given the scale of hand labor and machinery required to complete a car. berlin evening journal The newspaper reported in 1909 that “Russell was selling a personal 40-horsepower Pope Toledo car, a four-wheel, front-engine automobile that he had purchased and built in Ohio; “Because I liked driving.” -manufactured (instead of) a car. ”
Around the same time, Russell was developing another six-cylinder car concept, but his car activities came to an abrupt halt.
That’s because Russell invited Ripon car enthusiast William Schaefer (who had built one of his own cars) to help solve the carburetor problem.
While working together, Russell and Schaefer accidentally broke a headlamp bulb near a gasoline carburetor, igniting the oil-soaked workshop floor and causing Russell’s glove factory to burn down in 1910. I did.
Russell quit his auto job and instead focused on rebuilding his glove factory business at the corner of West Park Avenue and North Capron Street.
personal life and interests
Deibler was born in Berlin and his family lived at 107 Webster Street but later moved to Washington Street. Deibler spoke German and English and was known throughout Berlin for walking around with a live parrot on his shoulder as an adult.
The U.S. Federal Census lists names of divers who work as school teachers and bicycle store clerks.
In 1893 she married Vern Elmer (1867-1947) and lived with her parents at 425 East Ceresco Street. Her parents divorced in her 1920s. Deibler moved to Chicago, where he died on May 10, 1928. He is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin.
Niels Johnson (1841-1905) established his own machine shop and foundry, specializing in metalworking, blacksmithing, and repair.
Immigrant from Denmark, Johnson served in the Civil War beginning in 1861 and was mustered out with a disability in 1863.
Johnson moved to Ripon and ran a machine shop. In 1880, he returned to Berlin and opened yet another machine shop business at the corner of Park Avenue and Water Street. Niels and his family are buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin.
Russell was born in Poygan, Wisconsin and attended school in Berlin, the eldest of three children.
His first business job was as a newspaper carrier. berlin journal In 1882, he was paid a weekly wage of 60 cents (equivalent to $18.06 today). He then became a grocery store clerk, earning $10 a month (equivalent to $333.72 for him today). In 1891, he became a partner and eventually owner of the Russell Grove manufacturing business.
Russell’s brothers later owned WC Russell Moccasin, which continues to operate today at 285 SW Franklin St. in Berlin. Russell and his family are buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin.
Schaefer (1857-1926) owned a garage in Ripon and founded the Berlin Foundry Company in 1908.
Schaefer, which later became known as the Schaefer Manufacturing Company, manufactured engines for Fox River trading boats with financial support from four individuals.
Schaefer and his family are buried at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Ripon.
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