|
of Warren County and Bowling Green Many industries have called Warren County home during the last two hundred years. They include flour and feed mills, automotive parts and assembly plants, tool and die makers, a tire manufacturer, canneries and soft drink bottlers. Today, many area industries are becoming increasingly high-tech; using robotics and computers to perform many of the tasks once assigned to employees. During the late 1910s and early 1920s, the county experienced an oil boom. After World War II, Bowling Green saw a real period of industrial growth and a number of factories and plants located in the area. The local transportation system helped make the area attractive to businesses. In 1877 James Woolworth established an ax-handle factory in Bowling Green. The handles produced were made out of hickory wood. In 1884, Woolworth consolidated his company with the Turner - Day Company, which went on to become the largest manufacturer of Hickory Striking Tool Handles. Turner - Day's slogan "We handle the world", was appropriate as they sold ax handles in every state in the United States and also had a large export market. Unlike other companies, Turner - Day experienced no labor problems and was also able to make their payroll and other financial obligations during the Depression. In 1951 the True Temper Corporation acquired the Turner - Day Company. From the 1870's to the
1930's, quarrying limestone was big business in Warren County.
The oolitic limestone quarried in Warren County is famous worldwide
because of its resistance to weathering and discoloration. It
also naturally bleaches whiter over time than other building
stone. CARRIE BURNAM TAYLOR'S DRESSES Carrie Taylor began designing dresses in 1880 and established Bowling Green as the "Fashion Center of the South" at the turn of the century. At the height of her business, Taylor employed 275 women, sent out mail-order catalogs twice yearly to 24,000 customers living in 48 states and a number of foreign countries, and earned $50,000 a year. Union Underwear, the makers of Fruit of the Loom, BVD's, and Underoos, was founded in 1926, and in 1941 opened a plant in Bowling Green. The manufacturing headquarters also moved to Bowling Green that year. By 1950, the plant had doubled in size. During World War II, 85% of Union Underwear production went to the Armed Forces. In 1980, the world headquarters of Union Underwear moved to Bowling Green. Holley Carburetor Company
opened their Bowling Green plant in 1951 to produce ignition
and carburetor small parts. Holley carburetors were a standard
part on many American-made cars. In 1964, cars with Bowling Green
carburetors came in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the NASCAR Grand
National 500-mile race at Daytona Beach. |
