MEMA's Founding Members
The founding members of the Motor and Accessory Manufacturers Association, established in 1904, played a pivotal role in the dawn of the automotive industry. They helmed companies that were key to the sector's expansion, laying the groundwork for what would become a global powerhouse. Below is a brief look at each founding member and the contributions of their companies.
David (D.J.) Post - Veeder Manufacturing Company, Hartford, Conn.
- President
- D.J. Post led Veeder Manufacturing Company, known for producing high-quality mechanical counters and devices crucial for various applications, including automotive.
Howard E. Raymond - B.F. Goodrich Company, Akron, OH
- First Vice President
- Howard E. Raymond was associated with B.F. Goodrich, a major American tire company initially engaged in manufacturing rubber-based products, including automotive tires.
- Served as Director and Vice Chairman of the Board at B.F. Goodrich. (Raymonds of New England)
- New York Times obituary (October 9, 1928): “For twenty-five years Mr. Raymond directed the expansion of the company’s business in domestic and foreign fluids, and also supervised its advertising. Meanwhile, the company became one of the largest producers of automobile tires in the country. Mr. Raymond established the B.F. Goodrich Company, Limited, of London; the Société Francoise B.F. Goodrich of Paris, and the Yoko [indiscernible] Rubber Company of Tokio, of which he was Vice President.”
H.W. Chapin - Brown-Lipe Gear Company, Syracuse, NY
- Second Vice President
- H.W. Chapin was part of Brown-Lipe Gear Company, involved in producing transmission and gear components, essential for the burgeoning automotive industry.
- Severed as President of Brown-Lipe-Chapin Co. and General Manager of the Brown-Lipe-Chapin Division of General Motors Corp. (The Ithaca Journal)
- Memorial monument for Chapin and wife Marie Arnold Chapin in Syracuse, NY. (Flickr)
Phineas Jones - Phineas Jones & Co., Newark, NJ
- Third Vice President
- Phineas Jones' company was involved in manufacturing and supplying automotive parts or accessories, contributing to the industry's supply chain.
Gov. F.E. Castle - Twentieth Century Manufacturing Co., New York City
- Secretary
- F.E. Castle's involvement with Twentieth Century Manufacturing Co. produced innovative automotive components or machinery during the early 20th century.
W.S. Gorton - Standard Welding Company, Cleveland, OH
- Treasurer
- W.S. Gorton's Standard Welding Company played a crucial role in providing welding solutions and services, a foundational manufacturing process in automotive production
H.T. Dunn - Fisk Rubber Company, Chicopee Falls, Mass
- Fisk Rubber Company was known for its production of tires, contributing to the automotive industry's growth by providing essential components for vehicles.
- Served as President of Fisk Rubber Company.
H.H. Timken - Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company, Canton, OH
- H.H. Timken's company, now known as Timken Company, is renowned for its high-quality bearings and steel, critical for the reliability and performance of automotive machinery.
- Co-Founder, President and Chairman of the Board at Timken. (Encyclopedia.com)
- Son of founder Henry Timken; founded company with father and brother William in 1899. (Timken)
- The Timken Company is a member of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers to this day.
H.O. Smith - G&J Tire Company, Indianapolis, ID
- G&J Tire Company, associated with H.O. Smith, was involved in the tire manufacturing sector, supplying necessary parts for automotive vehicles.
R.H. Welles - Badger Brass Manufacturing Company, Kenosha, WI
- Badger Brass Manufacturing Company, led by R.H. Welles, specialized in brass components, which were integral in various automotive applications.
P.L. Hussey - Hussey Drop Forging & Manufacturing Co., Cleveland, OH
- P.L. Hussey's company focused on drop forging, a process essential for creating strong, durable metal parts used in automotive manufacturing.
F.C. Billings - Billings & Spencer Company, Hartford, Conn
- Billings & Spencer Company, associated with F.C. Billings, was known for its hand tools and other metal products that served the automotive and other industries.
V.G. Apple - Dayton Electrical Manufacturing Company, Dayton, OH
- V.G. Apple's company was involved in the early development and manufacturing of electrical components for vehicles, contributing to automotive innovation.
- Apple was the Founder of Dayton Electrical Manufacturing Company.
- In 1902, he introduced what is thought to be the first electric self-starter for an automobile. (Find a Grave)
- In 1903, his magneto ignition system was used by the Wright brothers in their flyers at Kitty Hawk. (Wikipedia)
- He was a pioneer in automobile electric lighting systems, introducing his tungsten bulbs in 1907.
These founding members and their enterprises were central to the formative years of the automotive industry, introducing technologies, parts, and breakthroughs that drove the sector's advancement. Their initiative to establish an association highlighted the critical role of unity and advocacy in tackling the industry's challenges and seizing its opportunities.
Several founding members of the Motor and Accessory Manufacturers Association made significant historical contributions, both within and beyond the automotive industry. Here are notable examples:
H.H. Timken - Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company, Canton, OH
Henry Timken, founder of the Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company, is perhaps one of the most historically significant figures among the founding member companies. The Timken Company is renowned for its innovations in the field of bearings, which revolutionized various industries, including automotive. The tapered roller bearing, a key innovation, significantly improved the performance and reliability of vehicles and machinery. His son H.H. Timken was one of the founding members of MEMA, then MAMA.
Howard E. Raymond - B.F. Goodrich Company, Akron, OH
The B.F. Goodrich Company, with which Howard E. Raymond was associated, made history by developing the first tubeless tire in 1947, a significant advancement in automotive safety and performance. The company's contributions to the space industry, including the production of space suits for NASA, further highlight its historical significance.
W.S. Gorton - Standard Welding Company, Cleveland, OH
W.S. Gorton contributions to the welding technologies and techniques developed during the early 20th century have been foundational across manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, construction, and shipbuilding.
V.G. Apple - Dayton Electrical Manufacturing Company, Dayton, OH
Vincent G. Apple was a prolific inventor, rivaling Thomas Edison. He received more than 350 patents during his lifetime. At the time of his death, he had another 130 applications pending at the Patent Office. He was also working on another 265 inventions when he died. (Dayton History Books)
The innovators behind the foundation of MEMA and their companies have significantly impacted the world, proving that innovation in one area can drive progress across various sectors. Their work has advanced not just automotive technology, but also manufacturing processes and space exploration. These leaders have shown that technological progress is interconnected, with their contributions reaching far beyond the supplier industry. Their legacies highlight the broad influence of innovation, linking different fields and shaping our future.
