First Ward in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The H-O Oats Elevator
The Industrial Heritage Trail
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
1. The H-O Oats Elevator Marker
Image Source: Historic American Engineering Record. Jet Lowe, photographer, 1994.
Development at the H-O Oats site began in 1893, with the construction of a wood-framed cereal mill and a feed mill built for Edward Ellsworth. Ellsworth was a pioneer in the manufacture of prepared breakfast food. In addition to H-O Oats, Ellsworth developed Force Toasted Wheat Flakes and Presto Self-Rising Flour. In 1896, a brick and frame elevator was added to the cereal mill.
Hecker H-O purchased the company in 1909, and added a four-story mill building, and concrete and steel elevators between 1912 and 1914. Standard Milling bought the company in 1925. In 1931, a 580,000 bushel concrete elevator was constructed. The elevator was built by the Monarch Engineering Company of Buffalo, under the design of H.R. Wait.
In 1963, all production at the site ceased. The warehouse was briefly used as a tire warehouse, until a fire in 1987 destroyed most of the complex. The concrete silos were demolished in 2006.
Erected by The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 42° 51.389′ N, 78° 52.123′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Marine "A" Elevator (here, next to this marker); The Lake and Rail Elevator (here, next to this marker); The Perot Malting Elevator (here, next to this marker); The Saskatchewan Pool Elevator (here, next to this marker); The Spencer Kellogg Elevator (here, next to this marker); The Wheeler / GLF Elevator (here, next to this marker); The Standard Elevator (here, next to this marker); The American Elevator (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
2. Marker and Companion Image Panels
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
3. Southward
Marker is on the center cylindrical rebar skeleton. It faces southbound traffic.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 493 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.
