Interesting history about the sign companies here in coshocton but i don't have the time to post it all. But in 1912 Mr. Beach bought the Spellacy-Raiff Co. which was a large manufacturer of enamel kitchenware. The Spellacy-Raiff Co was converted into the Beach Enameling Co. Then the production of porcelain signs and thermometers started. Beach enameling produced millions of porcelain signs from 1912 until the plant was closed in 1939. Now in 1952 the building was sold to Edmont latex gloves company.. The gloves are still baked in the same ovens as the signs were to this day. Now as many people also think American artworks was the first advertising plant which is false. In 1886 Jasper Meek formed the Tuscarora Advertising company. Later in 1896 H.D beach formed the standard advertising which was located right across the tracks of Jasper's plant. In 1901 the companies merged forming the Meek & Beach company. Then Mr. Beach sold his share of the company back to Jasper. Beach then made the H.D Beach company. For some reason Jasper waited until 1905 to change the company name to the Meek company then once again in 1908 he changed the name to The American Art Works. And then of course Mr. Beach changed the name of his company to the Beach enameling company which is what it stayed until the day it closed. Many people believe there were 6 individual companies here in coshocton but really there were two HUGE companies that had different branches. Much more history but my hands already tired.
Last edited by oilman514; Wed Jun 15 2011 06:39 PM.
