Portage County Historical Society

THE REVERSIBLE TIRE PROTECTOR CO.

The members of this Company are D. E. Frost, T. J. Anders and C. E. Van Hecke, the three men shown in the automobile. They have just started a factory for the manufacture of

This improvement, which will add much to the durability of automobiles, was invented in 1906 by C. E. Van Hecke. The Company already has a good start made toward the building up of an important industry.

There is a wide field and an almost incalculable demand for an article that so effectually overcomes the one prominent difficulty with automobiling, viz.: the destruction of pneumatic tires. The Reversible Protector entirely eliminates all danger of puncture, bruises or cuts.

Several of these Protectors are now in use in various parts of the country where the company purposely scattered them to test under the varying conditions that different localities present. One car that they equipped with them is now on a trip to New York and has already made nearly 2,000 miles without puncture or injury. Others are being tested with like results in the City of Chicago and various other localities.

The Protector is ornamental and surprisingly strong. A novel feature is the method of fastening whereby it is held so securely that it cannot shift position, yet is free to "creep" and "spring," thus relieving the sudden strain caused by contact with track obstructions.

The Company has several orders on hand, a considerable crew at work, and that their product is awakening the interest of the automobile fraternity is evidenced by the fact that already one of the largest automobile tire manufacturing concerns in America has asked to negotiate with them with a view of taking their entire output.

RINGNESS THE SHOE MAN

The shoe industry in large or small cities takes a very prominent place in the world of trade, and the greatest activity in this quite essential industry is noticeable at all times. The shoe store of Mr. Ringness was opened for business in 1902, and it has been marked with success from the day of its opening. Mr. Ringness came to Stevens Point when quite young and has been continuously in the shoe business since 1882; he is a practical, prudent, progressive merchant and stands well and favorably among the businessmen of the city. He is receiving his full share of trade along this line, and constantly adding to his already complete stock.

THE SMOKE SHOP

If there is one habit which has grown more largely than others of recent years it is the tobacco habit, and with it has grown the tobacco business until to-day it ranks as one of our foremost and greatest commercial pursuits.

If the reader will step into the Smoke Shop of Margraf & Johnson and look over their stock of tobacco and pipes, which is the best and most extensive in Portage county, they can obtain a somewhat accurate idea of its value as a trade factor. This company was formed more than a year ago and these men are among Stevens Point’s most active, energetic and progressive young men.

STEVENS POINT LIGHTING COMPANY

No one can deny the cleanliness and convenience of gas when used for fuel or the superiority of electricity as a power, while combining all the characteristics of gas in the matter of economy, cleanliness and convenience.

Stevens Point, like many other enterprising cities and towns of the state, has one plant which adds more luster to the commercial life of the place than all the others combined.

This company owns and operates an electrical and gas plant and they are giving entire satisfaction to their customers. Their electric power plant is located on the Plover River, five miles from the city and has 550-horse power. This company furnishes gas for cooking and lighting purposes giving their customers the convenience of all modern advantages along this line. This company guarantees to furnish electric power for manufacturing purposes at Stevens Point at as low a rate as it can be furnished at any other point in Wisconsin. Both plants are under one management and up-to-date in every respect.

Stevens Point is fortunate in having one of the best lighting and electric power plants in the state. The time has come in the development of Stevens Point when nothing but electricity will keep step with her rapid development.