Baker Forge/Steel Car Forge - Ellwood City PA

The Baker Forge Hardware Company, which manufactured wagon hardware and forgings, was built on 2nd Street & Franklin Avenue in 1894. It was a joint venture between blacksmith Jesse H. Baker and city founder Henry W. Hartman. In 1898 the plant employed thirty-eight men but was on the verge of an major expansion. (c1895)

In late 1899 the company was purchased by the Standard Steel Car Company of Butler and was reorganized as a subsidiary known as the Steel Car Forge. It was greatly expanded as it upgraded its operations and began making steel forgings and other fittings for railroad cars. The company was quite profitable and by 1916 employed about 600 men. (c1915)

The view of the Steel Car Forge plant at the southeast intersection of 2nd Street & Crescent Avenue. (c1902) Full Size

The management of the Steel Car Forge company. At the left end is plant superintendent C.A. Martin, who also served as a teacher in the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian Church. The remainder (from left) are John Nye, a young Tom McDonald, Mr. Frampton, William E. Renner, unknown, Bill Thompson, and Bill Kern. (c1910) Full Size

Employees of the Steel Car Forge. (c1910) Full Size

In 1934 the company was formally merged with Pullman Car & Manufacturing to form the powerful Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company. The Ellwood City plant was soon closed and most of the equipment was relocated elsewhere. What remained at the plant was dismantled and sold off. In 1939 the neighboring National Tube Mill purchased much of the former Steel Car Forge property along 2nd Street in Ellwood City. (c1910) Full Size