JOHN TORRANCE AND SON FOUNDRY (LA CROSSE, WIS.).   RECORDS, 1887-1933.   1.8 cubic feet (2 archives boxes and three volumes)

Abstract

John Torrance and Son Foundry and Stove Manufactory was founded in 1876. During the firm’s early years it did a great deal of repair work on river barges and steamboats but in later years it moved on into construction work. The company is still in business under the name Torrance Casting and Fabricating.

Records of the John R. Torrance and Son Foundry consist exclusively of financial records, namely ledgers, journals and account books, dating from 1887-1933 and provide information about the company’s customers and products. The account book in particular provides detailed information about work done by the company.

Acc. No. X-17a
Donor unknown
Processed by Amy Groskopf, 1987

History

John Torrance and Son Foundry and Stove Manufactory was founded in 1876. During the firm’s early years it did a great deal of repair work on river barges and steamboats but in later years it moved on into construction work - including the manufacture of steel beams and other iron work. The company’s founder, John R. Torrance died in 1897 and his son William Torrance took over the business. In turn M. A. Torrance became head of the company when his father William Torrance died in 1934. The company is still in business under the name Torrance Casting and Fabricating.

Scope and Content

The records of the John Torrance & Son Foundry consist exclusively of financial records dating from 1887 to 1933. Three bound volumes contain daily journal entries dating from 1890 to 1896, but though they overlap in dates not all the entries are the same. Two ledgers date from 1893 to 1895 and from 1916 to 1920, while an account book dates from 1900 to 1917. Finally, the records include two cash books from 1907 to 1918 and from 1918 to 1933, and a folder of miscellaneous bills and receipts dating from Feb. 11, 1887 to Nov. 12, 1892. The financial records offer information about the company’s customers and products. The account book, especially provides detailed information about work done by the company - such as remodeling done at the La Crosse “Poor House” or a new fire escape at the Indian School at Tomah. The foundry also did work for a number of churches in the area as well as on a number of City and County government buildings.

La Crosse Area Clipping File:
    Industries - Torrance, John and Son Foundry