Worts-Kirk-Bigelow Bakery Fine Crackers & Cakes Crate

This Toledo based crate dates between 1873-1890. The crate labels are very brittle, but they are still visible. The hinges are missing as well. This company began in the manufacture of crackers with Albert Kirk and George Worts, the business at first being very small, but as their capital increased they increased the business until 1866, when the firm was changed to Worts & Co., and so continued until 1873, when the firm was changed to Worts, Kirk & Bigelow, and was operated under this name until 1890, when it was merged into the United States Baking Company. The plant was situated on St. Clair Street, and the machinery was driven by a neat twenty-five horse-power engine. Constant employment was given to thirty-or forty employes, and five traveling salesmen represented the concern in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan prior to its becoming amalgamated with the United States Baking Company. After having continued uninterruptedly in business for twenty-six years, the partners finally, sold out their business, in 1890.