Here stands the Brunswick, a name synonymous with innovation. By the beginning of the 1850s, John M. Brunswick and his half-brothers started crafting billiard tables. They were in Cincinnati, Chicago, and other bustling cities.
In 1873, Brunswick Bros. evolved into the J. M. Brunswick & Balke Co. Their Chicago factory on Lake Street employed about 60 workers. Imagine them diligently producing two billiard tables each day.
By the mid-1880s, it became the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. This company was the world’s leading billiards equipment manufacturer. Louis Sullivan designed their large Chicago production facility. It stood at Huron and Sedgwick Streets. By the early 20th century, around 700 men worked there.
Chicago became the official headquarters of Brunswick in 1908. Benjamin E. Beninger, John Brunswick’s grandson, led the company then. In the 1910s, Brunswick diversified into phonographs and automobile tires. These new ventures boosted annual sales to about $30 million by the late 1920s.
The Great Depression caused revenues to plummet. However, the company rebounded during World War II. After the war, Brunswick thrived as a bowling equipment supplier. During the 1950s bowling craze, Brunswick and AMF sold countless automatic pinsetting machines. Annual sales skyrocketed from $30 million to $400 million by 1960. The company changed its name to Brunswick Corp.
During the 1960s, Brunswick ventured into various recreational equipment. The bowling craze declined, leading to losses. But the company recovered somewhat in the 1970s. Annual sales reached $1 billion. Brunswick employed over 1,200 people in the Chicago area and around 25,000 worldwide.
In the late 20th century, Brunswick focused on making boats and boat engines. By 1993, its headquarters moved to Lake Forest. As the century closed, Brunswick generated over $4 billion in annual sales. They employed about 1,000 Chicago-area residents.
Brunswick was founded by John Moses Brunswick. He emigrated from Switzerland to the United States at 15. The J. M. Brunswick Manufacturing Company opened in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 15, 1845. Brunswick initially intended to make carriages. Yet, he became fascinated with billiards. He decided billiard tables would be more profitable.
Brunswick billiard tables became a commercial hit. The business expanded to Chicago in 1848. By 1860, it was renamed J. M. Brunswick & Brother. Their slogan was “The oldest and most extensive billiard table manufacturers in the United States”.
In 1874, Brunswick merged with Great Western Billiard Manufactory. It was owned by Julius Balke. They became the J. M. Brunswick & Balke Company. In 1879, the company incorporated. The same year, they merged with H. W. Collender Company. In 1884, they formed the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company.
The company diversified its product line. Large ornate bars for saloons were popular. Bowling balls and equipment led a growing line of sporting goods. Brunswick popularized manufactured bowling balls.
In the early 20th century, Brunswick made toilet seats, tires, and phonographs. In the late 1910s, they launched Brunswick Records. In 1930, they sold the record company to Warner Brothers.
During World War II, Brunswick-Balke-Collender made target drones. After the war, Brunswick introduced school furniture.
In 1995, a historical marker was dedicated at 623 S. Wabash Ave. in Chicago. It marked Brunswick’s headquarters from 1913-1964. Today, Columbia College Chicago uses the building.
The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company officially became the Brunswick Corporation on April 10, 1960. In 1961, sales reached $422 million. Brunswick acquired Mercury Marine in 1961.
Brunswick’s story reflects American industry. It shows adaptation, innovation, and enduring success. From billiard tables to marine technology, Brunswick has left its mark.