The Drury Mansion--Drury manufactured the first kerosene stove that led to the propane grill we enjoy today!

Most people throughout the country and most in Cleveland, Ohio would not recognize the name, Francis Drury and his Perfection Stove Company founded around 1900. Francis Drury was the manufacturer of the first kerosene stove which eventually lead to the Coleman Stove and eventually to the propane grill which we all thoroughly enjoy.

Fate shinned nicely on Francis Drury for one day a man walked into his hardware store and showed him a stove which he made from sheet metal and used kerosene as it’s fuel. Keep in mind during this period in our history all were cooking with wood stoves. Francis knew he had something but needed help with the funding of a factory to build his perfection stoves, who might he talk to?

A fellow by the name of John D. Rockefeller of Cleveland just happened to be in the kerosene business and per chance took an extreme liking to Drury’s dream. Rockefeller being the genius that he was not only helped in getting Francis Drury into production; but also opened up Standard Oils Customer Base to Drury. At the time Standard Oil was delivering kerosene to homes and businesses for use in kerosene lamps. Rockefeller knew that with use of the Drury Stove the demand for this kerosene would increase substantially and it did.

In my writing to date I have talked about the White Family of White Motors and their impact on Cleveland and the world. The Whites knew Francis Drury all too well for they were neighbors having their huge estates in the same community of Gates Mills, Ohio. Francis in building his estate from 1922-1924, actually wanted to out do all of his neighbors. His goal for this Cedar Hill Farm was to build the grandest estate in Ohio. Francis accomplished his dream. Spending 2 million dollars on his home (estate) Drury still had over 50 million left and thus died in 1932 an extremely wealthy man.

Francis Drury was a major factor in the grand old days of Cleveland, 1875-1929. The largest manufacturer of kerosene stoves in the world Francis became so successful that he was quoted saying that “the money was coming in faster than water gushing out of his water tower.” Drury for most of his life lived in and loved Cleveland. His innovation like so many others at the time made Cleveland great creating thousands of good manufacturing jobs during this fabulous period. Could it be that Francis Drury and history hold the key to a great Cleveland again?

Photo shows the Heated Door Mat in 10°F. weather, and 6" of fresh snowfall.

The new Greener Heat™ Heated Door Mat melts snow and ice at your door, on porches, decks, and around hot tubs. Measuring 36 x 39 inches, the heated doormat produces a 40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit rise in surface temperature over the ambient temperature, melting snow and ice 24/7.

Features & Benefits

• Economical, using only 35 watts per square foot.
• The molded rubber mat features heavy-duty construction that is made to last for years. Weighing over 14 lbs, most winds will not move it.
• Measuring 36 x 39 inches, the Greener Heat doormat will help prevent thick ice build up when properly used. Designed to stay on all winter, the mat may also be used without power in warmer periods, making a very nice entrance mat all year round.
• G.F.C.I. attached to the 15 foot cord. The mat is E.T.L. approved.
• These heated entrance mats are an ideal size for residential use – use outdoors to melt snow and ice, or indoors as a heat source in non heated areas.

Outdoor Uses

• Door Front
• Porch
• Around Hot Tub
• Decks

Indoor Uses

• Garage (will dry off wet shoes over night)
• Shed
• Barn
• Basement Work Area

The Greener Heat Heated Doormat provides safer footing during snowy winter months by melting snow and slush for pennies a day. Additionally, they provide radiant heat indoors, helping reduce heating costs while providing warmth and helping to dry the floor during winter months.

White Manufacturing Workers

I believe it safe to say that most of us love a good story. Stories can entertain, as well as inform, enlighten and, in some cases, motivate people to an action.

Knowing the power of a good story, I have decided to embark on a mission: the telling of the great story of Cleveland, Ohio from 1875-1929.

Cleveland was considered by many to be the wealthiest city in the world – home to John D. Rockefeller and the grand Euclid Avenue, “Millionaires Row.”

If our reader knows Cleveland only through nationally-used, uncomplimentary stereotypes, our story will be particularly enlightening and fascinating.

Most important to our story is the examination of what led to this great success, and our answer will be found in the not so obvious: the grand families of Cleveland and the philosophies they held, which together made Cleveland the heart of the Industrial Revolution.

Many families made Cleveland’s heyday happen.

One of the most prominent of the time was the White family of White Sewing Machine fame and who eventually built the vast White Motors Empire, rival to Henry Ford. (Talk show host Jay Leno owns a White Steamer as part of his vast auto collection).

I chose the White family for a reason: they embodied characteristics that are universal in achieving success. Their philosophy and their work ethic, if duplicated, remain keys to success, regardless of where we are in history.

The Whites loved Cleveland and worked hard to make it the great city of their time. The story of the White family is one of those gems we sometimes find in the past – a gem because the reader will find contemporary application in many of the things the Whites did and believed in. They were an example of what made America great.

Our story, I believe, will unlock keys to success and, hopefully, move our reader to look at Cleveland, Ohio in a somewhat different light.

We invite our readers to respond and share with us their reactions as our story unfolds over time.

Consistent throughout our tale will be a common thread that ran throughout America during this period, Individuals of great talent going into business and creating thousands of manufacturing jobs that made Cleveland the center of the industrial revolution.

It was a time when risks were taken and job creators took personal responsibility for their actions, when customer was king and quality was sacred. How refreshing!

Could it be the Whites and their contemporaries knew something we have worked hard to forget? We will let our reader be the judge.

Winter Warmth Heated Desk Mat

Heated, under desk floor mats provide warmth and in cold climates and winter months. Winter Warmth Mat generates a radiant heat which creates an extremely comfortable even heat while reducing fatigue and stimulating circulation.

Even should the Winter Warmth Mat be left on, it assures safety and lower energy costs than space heaters. Ideal for people who spend long hours on their feet or in cold environments, including bank tellers, toll booth operators, machinists and any other users of space heaters.

Increased economy and safety! The timer accessory assures that never again will an owner or manager need to return to the office to make sure space heaters are turned off. It also provides on-off function so the mat does not have to be plugged/unplugged to control function.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of room (space) heaters. More than 300 persons die in these fires. An estimated 6,000 persons receive hospital emergency room care for burn injuries associated with contacting hot surfaces of room heaters, mostly in non-fire situations.

Mooreland Mansion at Lakeland Community College

Cleveland in 1885 was one of the most innovative and wealthiest cities in the world.

Euclid Avenue, dubbed “millionaires’ row” and by many accounts one of the most prestigious avenues in the world, was home to John D. Rockefeller and some 500 mansions, each more outstanding than the last.

Looking at this time in depth, we begin to see a pattern for success. Examination of one Cleveland family in particular, with its White Motor empire, further refines why Cleveland was so successful during this time period.

That being said, we need to on occasion address a current entity that we feel exhibits the qualities of the White family. We have found one in Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio.

The college is located just 25 minutes east of Cleveland on land formerly owned by Edward Moore. This location, encompassing nearly 3,000 acres, was his country estate in the early 1900s. Edward knew the Whites, for they rode and hunted, socialized and did business together.

Edward Moore was a dreamer with credentials; he, with partners, developed an inter-urban electric rail system which connected Cleveland and the surrounding farms. Moore and his partners had recognized the need for such a state-of-the-art transportation system.

Edward Moore was rewarded for his vision, for he lived in a fabulous home now located on the Lakeland campus. This beautiful piece of history could easily have been demolished to make room for the new construction.

Instead, Lakeland recognized the value of preserving the history and went about the work of restoring this magnificent structure. Thousands of folks now enjoy Mooreland Mansion, taking in a grand patron of Cleveland’s past.

Lakeland Community College, a junior college, appreciates the role history can play in the development of its students. The college set an example by preserving Moore’s home, showing its philosophy that we in this country are too quick to destroy that which can never again be duplicated. Lakeland teaches by setting the example -  not by expanding a philosophy of “Do as I say, not as I do.” How refreshing in this day and age.

Through innovation, filling today’s need and living by example, Lakeland is doing it right – and will play a major role in returning Cleveland to greatness.

3M Safety Walk Wet Area Matting for Pools or Hot Tubs

Have you ever noticed how smooth cement and concrete becomes very slippery when wet? We have two 3M products that can help solve this problem whether it be an indoor or outdoor application.

For indoor applications we have the 3M Safety Walk Matting 3200. This matting has a z-web design and is unbacked to allow water to flow right through it. It’s available in 3’ widths up to 30’ in length in brown and blue. Also has a built in fungicide to help prevent mold and mildew. Easy cleaning and maintenance use mild soap and a hose. Easy to roll up and move when not in use.

For outdoor applications we have the 3M 8100 Wet Area Matting. This matting is made of a vinyl spaghetti weave and is unbacked allowing water to flow through it. It’s available in 6’ widths up to 60’ in length. Available in blue, black, brown and gray. Easy to clean with mild soap and a hose. Easy to roll up and move when not in use.

Safety-Tape Holds Mats in Place

Sick & tired of your mats being kicked around or tripping over them because the corners have been flipped up? We have the solution.

Our Safety-Tape made from 3M Safety Walk is a clear vinyl tape designed to tape down your floor mats. This tape is pressure sensitive–just peel and stick. Unlike ugly duct tape often used for this purpose, this clear tape has memory, keeping your mats in place for long periods of time.

Installation should be done on a dry, clean floor. Just peel of the paper liner and stick 1″ of the tape to the clean floor matting edging and 1″ of tape to your floor. Once down, roll the tape with a rubber roller to remove any air pockets. The tape will become clearer as you roll.

Our Safety Tape has an anti slip surface and is made to last. By taping your mats you will be complying to A.D.A. standards. Because this tape is so effective, dirt and moisture cannot get under your mat, keeping the floor under dry and clean. When you need to remove the Safety Tape, just pull up from one end. There will be no sticky residue left on your floor or mat unlike other tapes.