Ranson in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Victor Products
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Dixie-Narco
Ranson Lost History Trail
In the years after World War I, the US began switching over from horses and mules to automobiles and none suffered more in the transition than the Goetz Harness Factory. By the start of World War II, the factory had ceased production and the building stood vacant.
In June 1943 the Farmer's Advocate reported that industrialist Raymond J. Funkhouser "has leased the Goetz Harness Factory in Ranson.". During the Second World War Funkhouser had a contract to make machined airplane parts and set up this operation in his Ranson factory. At war's end, his company, Victor Products returned to the production of coolers, ice makers, etc. Because the old harness factory was not suitable for the production of a commercial refrigeration products, in 1947 Funkhouser built a new plant in this area for production of "Quickfreezers (now designed for home use)".
In the early 1950s the plant began production of refrigerated vending equipment. Victor Products was acquired in 1957 by Dixie Foundry. Narco Sales Group was in charge of selling vending equipment made by Victor Products, and when Victor purchased Narco Sales in 1967, the company was renamed Dixie-Narco. For the next two decades Dixie-Narco was the nation's leading manufacturer of vending machines. When traveling the country, every time local folks spotted a
this page online
Erected by Ranson West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jefferson County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1943.
Location. 39° 17.524′ N, 77° 51.818′ W. Marker is in Ranson, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It is at the intersection of West 2nd Avenue and North Lawrence Street, on the left when traveling west on West 2nd Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 W 2nd Ave, Ranson WV 25438, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in the Eastern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Goetz Harness and Collar Factory (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Emancipation In Jefferson County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Martin Robison Delany (approx. 0.2 miles away); Office of Charles Washington (approx. Ό mile away); Charlestown Mining, Manufacturing & Improvement Company Building (approx. Ό mile away); Ranson Veterans Memorial (approx.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 837 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
