In the early 1900's there really was a magic circle.
Less than 100 miles of two states held all the names we know and love and then some. Competition was strong and only a handful would survive the test of time.
While some of them were "jobbers" and not manufactures they were having their products produced within the circle.
In the 1920's the following companies existed in that 100 mile range
Union Cutlery, Olean, NY Cattaraugus Cutlery, Little Valley, NY W.R. Case & Sons, Bradford, PA
Coleman Cutlery, Titusville, PA Schatt&Morgan, Tiyusville, PA Kinfolks, Little Valley, NY
Cuba Knife Co., Cuba, NY Jess V. Crouch, Titusville, PA Queen City, Titusville, PA
K. Corp, Titusville, PA Robinson Knife Co., Bradford, PA Chris Wolf, Titusville, PA
Baldwin Cutlery Co, Tidioute, PA Standard Knife Co. Bradford, PA
With the great depression looming in the near future and such intense competition in a small area Baldwin Cutlery is sold to Vern Atkins, a local cutler. It was renamed the Penn Cutlery & Tool Company of Tidioute, PA.
This is one of my favorite areas to visit. Imagine what it must have been like when all those companies existed with 100 miles of one another. Imagine the knives that are still in that area and yet to be discovered in grandpa and grandmas attic and basement.
Thank you David Anthony for having such a wonderful reference book of that area, makes visiting up there a lot of fun :)
Jan Carter
So does anyone else dream of being able to spend time in this area?
Jan 13, 2013
J.J. Smith III
(I call shotgun.)
Jan 13, 2013
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Craig Henry
I've got my Wayback Machine fired up!
Jan 13, 2013
Steven Matthew
why yes.....yes i do
Jan 13, 2013
Rick Hooper
I would like to visit the area also. After reading again, the last chapter of Brad Lockwood's CASE XX history, it sounds as if the locals are not very friendly. Except the local librarian and county historian. I believe Little Valley is missing a great tourist and financial opportunity!
Jan 14, 2013
Rick Hooper
Sounds good to me!
Jan 15, 2013
Lee Smith
Sounds like a great vacation spot to me. Hmmmmm
Jan 15, 2013
Jan Carter
We take the opportunity every year to visit Great Eastern during their annual open house. It is always fun and the surrounding area is just packed with things to do. This year Queen will have their open house the same weekend and I am also looking forward to that one. One of our favorite things to do up there is visit the antique shops we find off the main roads. We have found a few odd pieces that are just wonderful
Jan 15, 2013
Lee Smith
Keep us posted about when it is so we can plan ahead.
Jan 15, 2013