Minwax
Arthur B. Harrison invented a cotton waterproofing that became widely used in tunnels, bridges, and foundations. The company he launched is even better known. Minwax began in 1904 in Brooklyn, when Harrison developed the earliest version of “the Rolls-Royce of wood finishing products.” He eventually took over the business on his own, trademarking the name in 1914. It remained a family business for close to a century.
Schaefer Beer
Schaefer Beer seems like it should be a Milwaukee stalwart, but it started out in New York City — Manhattan to be specific. The F & M Schaefer Brewing Company, founded by Frederick Schaefer and his brother Maximilian, goes all the way back to 1842. Their first expansion was to Park Avenue and 51st Street, which is hard to imagine holding a brewery at any time. In 1916 they moved again, to bigger digs at the corner of Park and Kent Avenues in Williamsburg. They stayed on into the 1970s before finally leaving New York City for good.
Kickstarter
Although not the first crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter expanded the original concept to a wide range of creative projects. It remains a major force, responsible for more than 20% of the market. Some $7 billion has been pledged through the site. The company was born in New York City in 2009 and is still based in Brooklyn.
Source: Source: “Made In NYC,” by Ethan Wolff, March 2024, City Guide New York
Contributed by Bobbie Roggemann
To be continued . . .