Ideal Manufacturing Company

Detroit, Michigan

The Ideal Manufacturing Company of Detroit, Michigan was organized in 1887 and incorporated on October 1st, 1888 with a capital stock of $125,000.  The officers were listed as Henry P. Cope (President), Hiram T. Bush (Vice President) and John H. Bissel (Treasurer).  The foundry was located on the South-East corner of Franklin and Dubois.

Henry P Cope and his brother George W. Cope were born in New York, New York.  In 1875 Henry moved to Detroit, and in 1876 George followed.  They both found employment, first as carpenters, and then for with the Detroit Stove Works where they were pattern makers.  In early 1884 Henry Cope designed and patented a Router Plane that could be used by woodworkers.  Later that same year he sold the patent rights to the Stanley Rule and Level Company.  Stanley marketed this tool as their No. 71 Router Plane.

In 1886, likely using the money gained from selling his tool patent, Henry left the Detroit Stove Works and formed the Excelsior Stove Pattern Company which specialized in stove patterns, machine patterns and model making.  He also produced wood slat window shades.

George followed his brother’s lead in 1887, leaving the Detroit Stove Works and together organized the Ideal Manufacturing Company where they managed as the Cope Brothers.  At approximately the same time this company was formed, the Ideal Window Shade Company was established with John H. Bissel as President and Henry Cope as Secretary.  Both companies shared the same address.

There were some significant changes in 1892.  In that year, Henry was listed as President of the Ideal Manufacturing Company and the Ideal Window Shade Company ceased to exist.  Brother George also went off on his own and formed the George W. Cope Pattern Works.

The 1896 Detroit City Directory lists the products of the Ideal Manufacturing Company as plumber’s supplies, sanitary specialties and iron toys.

On April 15, 1898 the Ideal Manufacturing Company and the Electric Gas Stove Company merged into a new corporation known as The Ideal Manufacturing Company.  The officers of the new company were: president, James N. Wright; vice-president, Hiram T. Bush; secretary, Frank T. Dwyer; treasurer, John H. Bissell.  This reorganization extended its line in gas stoves and sanitary supplies, as well as a line of novelties that included iron toys.  In October of 1898 they purchased the adjoining Henry C. Hart Manufacturing Company located at 570 – 590 Franklin.  The H. C. Hart Company was also known for making iron toys and banks.

In May of 1902 The Ideal Toy Company was spun off from the parent company and relocated to 121-129 Champlain.  The officers of the new company were: president, George L. Fleitz, vice-president, Frank T. Dwyer, and John B. Padberg as secretary, treasurer and General Manager.  In 1904 the venture ceased and toy production was moved back to The Ideal Manufacturing Company at 546-590 Franklin.  Toy production continued until 1909.

In November of 1912 the Ideal Manufacturing Company was purchased by the Coldwell Lead Company of New York City.