Western Holly
| Company type | Defunct |
|---|---|
| Industry | Appliance |
| Founded | 1920 |
| Fate | closed down: early 1960s (approx.) |
| Headquarters | , United States |
| Products | gas ranges, electric ranges, built-in gas cooktops and ovens |
The Western Holly (sometimes written Western-Holly) stove was a brand manufactured by Western Stove in Culver City, California, which later became part of Rheem. Gas ranges and stand-alone ovens marketed under the Western-Holly brand were particularly popular in Southern California from the 1920s to the 1950s.
History
[edit]Western Stove opened its factory in Culver City in 1922.[1] By 1947 Western Stove employed 720 employees on 11 acres, a significant increase from its beginnings in two small buildings with just 20 employees. [2] By 1947, it sold its appliances in eleven Western states, expanding to Texas by opening an office in May of that year.[3] It 1948 it acquired the Bluebonnet Ordnance plant near McGregor, Texas and converted it into a factory for gas ranges.[4] The company then had facilities in both California and Texas.[5]
Rheem purchased stovemaker Western Holly in 1956.[6] It then sold the brand in 1958. [7]
Features
[edit]Many Western Holly stoves feature porthole circular windows for their ovens, as opposed to the traditional rectangular shape.
Popularity
[edit]In 1952, the Western Holly stove received a design and color award.[8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Masters, Nathan. "Culver City: From Barley Fields to the Heart of Screenland".
- ^ Cooper, Lucille (April 10, 2011). "The Hayden Tract is rich in history". Culver City News.
- ^ "Western Stove Announces Plans For New Factory". Gas Appliance Merchandising: 30. January 1948.
- ^ "Industry News". Gas Age: 58. 1948.
- ^ Western Stove Co. v. Geo. D. Roper Corporation. 82 F. Supp. 206 (S.D. Cal. 1949).
- ^ "News Notes From Manufacturers". Gas Appliance Merchandising: 6. November 1956.
- ^ "Rheem Manufacturing Company Historical Time Line" (PDF).
- ^ "Western Holly wins color & design "Oscar"". American Gas Association Monthly: 33. 1951.