HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded AgeProgressive & Modern Era

Boyertown Burial Casket Company

Boyertown, Berks County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

Established here in 1893 by C.A. Mory and Associates, it was among the largest casket manufacturers in the world and earliest traded on the N.Y. and Phila. stock exchanges.  The company secured numerous patents for innovative improvements and designs and was renowned for its fine craftsmanship. Progressive marketing techniques led to international sales. After the company's sale in 1987 and closure in 1988, the factory was demolished.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

Founded in Boyertown in 1893 by C. A. Mory and associates, the Boyertown Burial Casket Company grew into one of the largest casket makers in the world and among the first in its trade listed on the New York and Philadelphia stock exchanges. Renowned for craftsmanship, it patented numerous design innovations and used progressive marketing to build an international market. The firm was sold in 1987, closed in 1988, and its factory was later demolished.

Why it matters

The company reflects how specialized Gilded Age manufacturing, patents, and modern marketing could carry a small Pennsylvania town's goods into markets around the world.

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Themes & tags

Industry & InventionMill / Factory

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