There was a young fellow named Henry Parsons Crowell.  By the time Henry was 25 years old, he had already successfully founded 2 business ventures.  A relative suggested to Henry that Henry should purchase the Quaker Mill company.

The previous owners fared very poorly in running the Quaker Mill.  This was an opportunity just waiting to happen.

At the time, oats were considered horse food, but Henry saw where rolled oats from the Quaker mill could become a part of America’s breakfast table. In 1881, Henry bought the Quaker Mill company.

Enter Stage Right:  Henry has a second wife.  Here name was Susan Coleman who knew a fellow named FRANK DRURY.  Frank Drury was working on a ‘lamp stove’ invention at the time.

Susan, who was very sharp business wise, introduced HENRY (her husband) to FRANK.

Together they founded the CLEVELAND FOUNDRY COMPANY. They produced and sold Perfection Stoves.  The business continued to grow and by 1918 it was estimated that there were 5 Million (yes, million) heaters in use in America.  The golden years for Perfection was roughly 1916 - 1950. An incredible run!

The rest is history and now you have a piece of history in your home.  I’m always amazed and impressed with the workmanship and quality of products that were made during that time frame in America.  The workers definitely believed in ‘BUILT TO LAST’.

Henry Crowell died in 1943 at the age of 82 having given away roughly 70 percent of his income for over 40 years. He was one of the wealthiest and most influential Christian businessmen in Chicago at the time. The more money he gave away, the more he prospered.