Kokomo in Howard County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Kokomo Rubber Tire Company

— Industrial Heritage Trail —

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, August 13, 2023

1. Kokomo Rubber Tire Company Marker

Inscription. The first pneumatic rubber tire was invented by David C. Spraker in October, 1894. The tire consisted of strips of three-ply rubber, canvas and other wrappings of vulcanized rubber formed around a slender pole. The Kokomo Rubber Tire Company he founded began making bicycle tires in 1895. Later that year, the company became the first producer in the U.S. of pneumatic auto tires and tubes. The Kokomo Rubber Tire Company building, located at 1008 S. Main Street, was completed in 1919. The company closed in 1930, after the Haynes and Apperson Automobile Companies went out of business.

Erected by Howard County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 40° 28.562′ N, 86° 7.856′ W. Marker is in Kokomo, Indiana, in Howard County. It can be reached from South Main Street. Marker is on the Industrial Heritage Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1008 South Main Street, Kokomo IN 46902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Haynes Automobile Company (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kokomo Opalescent Glass (approx. 0.3 miles away); Apperson Brothers

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Delco Radio Plant / Lake Erie & Western Railroad (approx. half a mile away); Haynes International (approx. half a mile away); Rotary Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); Apperson Jack Rabbit (approx. 0.6 miles away); Kokomo High School (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kokomo.

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, August 13, 2023

2. Kokomo Rubber Tire Company Marker

looking south down the Industrial Heritage Trail

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, August 13, 2023

3. Kokomo Rubber Tire Company Marker

Back of marker can be seen next to the bike rack

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, August 13, 2023

4. Kokomo Rubber Tire Company Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 862 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.