This is a foundry/company I had never heard of until recently. It caught my attention since my last name is Beach. We did some genealogy on John H Beach and believe there may be some family connection. We hope anyone that reads our info will send us more info. Anything you know or have that we do not show here. Newspaper clippings, documents, etc. Especially on the man, but also on this company in general.
1838 to ?
Foundry in St Louis, Missouri – (Some records have it at 43 North Main and 120 North Main st
Old directories indicate clerks at 43 N Main. Perhaps that was offices and the foundry was at 120 N Main?
Here is an article that has some interesting information StoveHistory.Blogspot
It is an excellent article with references to facts all documented.
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The Founder of the Company was Hudson Erastus Bridge (b.1810 d.1875). Opened his foundry around 1838 in St Louis at the age of 28 or 29. The foundry at that time was called Empire Stove works. Not an inventor he used others patterns and patents.
1842 the name of the Company changed to Bridge and Brother after his brother Harrison became part owner.
1850 Harrison Bridge dies.
1857 John H. Beach became an associate and the name was changed to Bridge, Beach & Company.
1860 John H Beach was listed in the 1860 St Louis Directory:Beach John H(Bridge, Beach & Co) r.221 Chestnut
1860 Hudson E Bridge was listed in the 1860 St Louis Directory:Bridge Hudson E (Bridge, Beach & Co)r 32n, 8th.
1872 John H Beach retires
1875 Hudson E Bridge dies
1875-1876 Eliot Bridge becomes influential and then made president of the company.
1879 The name changed once again from “Bridge, Beach & Company” to “Bridge & Beach Manufacturing Company”.
1887 Sketch Drawing of Bridge & Beach Manufacturing Company after a large expansion, exists in archived records.
1888 Several Patents appear for Bridge and Beach Manufacturing
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We have a collection of photos, some of which are of the following:
Cast Iron Cookware
Bridge Beach & Co cast Waffle Irons and Muffin pans.
Cook Stoves
Superior Cook Stoves 1800’s?
Superior Stoves & Ranges
Parlor stoves:
Superior Circulator No. 338 circa 1925
Superior No 240 Parlor Stove
JEFF 4750 Model #7 Pearl Cast Iron Parlor Stove circa 1869
Indio No 16 Parlor Stove
Other Stoves
Wood/Gas Combo with top broiler and second gas Oven. No 888
Cast Iron Fireplace
Cast Iron Fireplace Bridger Beach No. 2
Please send us info on history and photos of items you have found bearing this foundry name. Email us your photos and info directly at info@toponautic.com