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Manufacturers Index - Motor City Machine Co.
History
Last Modified: Jul 8 2017 10:19PM by Jeff_Joslin
If you have information to add to this entry, please contact the Site Historian.

In the 1920s or thereabouts, the Motor City Machine Co., of 6631 Theodore St., Detroit, made a "Jewel" grinder. The one example we have seen has been sufficiently modified that its original purpose is uncertain.

Information Sources

  • Searches on the name "Motor City Machine Company" came up completely dry. Searching on the street address gave us a couple of alternate names beginning in "Motor City", as indicated below.
  • 1920-01-24 Michigan Manufacturer & Financial Record.
    MOTOR CITY TOOL ELECTION—The following officers were elected at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Motor City Tool Company, of Detroit: Edward Schwochow, president; Frank Nichols, vicepresident and general manager; Arthur Totz secretary and treasurer; Albert Leshle, assistant general manager.
  • Thanks to OWWMer Jeff Horton for letting us know of his oscillating spindle sander made from a repurposed "No. 2 Jewel Grinder" made by this firm.
  • The 1921-22 Polk's Michigan State Gazetteer and Business Directory lists "Motor City Tool Co. (Inc.) E A Schwochow pres, F J. Nichols v-pres and gen mgr, Arthur F Totz sec and treas. 6631 Theodore". The company's name appears under "Tool Mfrs".
  • 1952-05-26 Detroit Free Press mentions "MOTOR CITY TOOL & DIE CO. 6631 Theodore St."
  • 1953-06-17 Detroit Free Press.
    ... MEANWHILE, Local 157 pickets blocked an attempt by Chrysler Corp. and the Army Tuesday to remove some equipment from the struck Motor City Tool Co., 6631 Theodore. The equipment was for Army vehicles made by Chrysler at the Detroit Tank Arsenal. Union officials said a court order should be obtained before the jigs, fixtures and die could be taken out.