KUPFERLE

The Kupferle Foundry Company of St. Louis, Missouri was started in 1857 by John C. Kupferle. The Foundry was known for manufacturing all sorts of items from shoe lasts, saw clamps, counter stools, well wheels, laundry irons, to saloon door hinges. About thirty years after Kupferle opened their doors they started manufacturing water hydrants. The first water products that were manufactured are still being manufactured today such as the Eclipse Hydrant #1, #2, and the #36 Street Washer. In 1948, Leo Filstead (grandfather of Dan McKeague) & Joseph Ebling purchased Kupferle and moved to Hempstead St. This was also the year the foundry operations ended and all foundry work was outsourced. In 1950, Leo bought Joseph out of his shares and became sole owner, but only three years later Leo became sick. The company was going bankrupt and was sold for one dollar from the courthouse steps. Four years later, the same man sold the Kupferle Foundry to Walter McKeague, husband of Patricia (daughter of..

Also known as: hydrants

Primary location: Louis United States