C.E. Ward

D

daniecaw

Registered Guest
Today I found an Edwardian style black overcoat with the label "C.E. Ward London, Ohio". Has anyone heard of the store? I found out it was founded at the turn of the century but not much else. If you have any other information it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
A quick search reveals:

The CE Ward Company, London, Ohio appears to be a manufacturer, rather than a store, who specialised in lodge regalia (ie for masonic and other fraternal societies), and costumes and band uniforms.

A biography of the founder gives details: http://www.onlinebiographies.info/oh/nco/ward-ce.htm

A 1914 catalogue is described here: http://www.oldcatalogues.com/fraternal.htm

Also see ebay numbers: 260853590419, 310316082713, 380289523822 for postcards of the building from 1910 and 1913, and a fraternal hat by them.

I found references to them in the 1950s, then in 1980 they were bought by Oak Hall, who describe them as "one of the largest manufacturers of academic and choir apparel in the Midwest" http://oakhalli.com/history.php
 
Thanks Ruth. I found the same links earlier. I was just hoping to figure out the purpose for this coat. It must be masonic or something along those lines. I really appreciate your time and the posted links. That was wonderful for you to do.

xo
 
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