Somerset Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Robert A. Gilmour
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 31, 2021
1. Robert A. Gilmour Marker
This fountain and the adjoining Gilmour Bypass are dedicated in memory of Robert A. Gilmour by his widow, Romaine Lohr Gilmour.
Mr. Gilmour, born October 14, 1896, in Vintondale, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, came to Somerset Borough in 1926 and resided here until his death on December 21, 1980.
He was widely recognized as an industrialist, inventor, real estate developer and philanthropist. His first insight into the business world came during World War I with the 821st Aero Squadron when he helped to build airplanes in Indianapolis, Indiana, and to train British Royal Air Force pilots to fly them.
This fountain is located on ground previously occupied by Gilmour Manufacturing Company, the original home of the "Hosemaster" pistol-grip garden hose nozzle, which was patented by Mr. Gilmour. During his lifetime, Mr. Gilmour held more than 30 patents.
Gilmour Manufacturing Company, which has contributed significantly to the economic and cultural well-being of Somerset County, was founded by Mr. Gilmour in 1950. Under his able guidance, the company grew to distribute a variety of garden products, which have been recognized throughout the World for their quality.
Mr. Gilmour was a leader in his community, astute, innovative and always willing to help others. A number of Somerset Countians have credited
this page online
Robert A. Gilmour was living proof that one man can make a difference.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is October 14, 1896.
Location. 40° 0.976′ N, 79° 4.677′ W. Marker is in Somerset, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. It is in Somerset Township. It is at the intersection of North Center Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 601) and North Pleasant Avenue, on the left when traveling south on North Center Avenue. Marker is located beside memorial fountain at the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 926 North Center Avenue, Somerset PA 15501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Time Capsule (approx. 0.4 miles away); Somerset County Korean War / Vietnam War Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Court House (approx. half a mile away); Somerset County World War II Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Somerset County World War I Memorial (approx. half a mile away); County Jail & Sheriff's Residence
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 31, 2021
2. Robert A. Gilmour Marker & Fountain
Also see . . .
1. A history of innovation and quality.
Watering changed forever in 1949 when Robert Gilmour began Gilmour Manufacturing Company and introduced the first pistol grip nozzle. Other Gilmour firsts include the original clamp-style hose repair, the exceptionally adjustable Pattern Masterฎ sprinklers, Select-A-Sprayฎ nozzles, no-pre-mix sprayers and rotor sprinklers with multi-jet nozzles. Gilmour has been manufacturing hoses at our plant in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, since the 1950s.(Submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Manufacturer to shut doors in Somerset.
(The Tribune-Democrat, March 4, 2009) Gilmour Manufacturing Co., a longtime stalwart in the Somerset County business community, is closing its doors. Approximately 330 employees are losing their jobs at the Drum Avenue facility that specializes in making hoses and accessories. The announcement was made Wednesday by Gilmours owner, Robert Bosch Tool Co. Gilmour Manufacturing was founded in Somerset in 1949 by Robert Gilmour. The company was purchased by Vermont American Corp. in 1984. Robert Bosch Tool Co., based in Mount Prospect, Ill., acquired the operation in 2000.(Submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. CPL Robert Albert Gilmour Jr. (Find A Grave).
(Somerset County Memorial Park, Somerset, Pennsylvania)(Submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 569 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
