Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2017.017.002 |
Object Name |
Whistle, Steam |
Title |
ESB Stokes Steam Whistle |
Description |
The object is a black cylindrical metal steam whistle. The base of the whistle is hexagonal in shape, with a sphere positioned above it. At the center of the sphere is an elevated hexagonal shape. Above the sphere, there is a larger half-sphere, followed by a very small and thin cylinder. Above this cylinder, there is a larger, wider cylinder that is open at the bottom, revealing the interior. At the top of the larger cylinder, there is a small cylindrical horn. The bottom of the whistle is open, exposing its inside. According to a document found in the Trentoniana collection, Joseph Stokes founded what would become ESB Stokes in 1897. The company primarily manufactured rubber-based products, particularly molds. Stokes was also involved in several other rubber companies run by his sons, including the Home Rubber Company and the Trenton Rubber Company. In 1946, the Electric Storage Battery Company (hence the ESB) acquired Stokes after a labor dispute nearly forced the company out of business. ESB Stokes eventually went out of business in 1988. According to Joseph Marrone, this steam whistle was the last active one in the city of Trenton. Citations: Trenton Free Public Library. (2024). History of Stokes Molded Products. Trenton, NJ. |
Year Range from |
1946 |
Year Range to |
1988 |
Material |
Metal |
Artist |
ESB Stokes |
Height (in) |
21.500 |
Length (in) |
6.500 |
Width (in) |
6.500 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Green corrosion, scratches, and accretions throughout. Front: There is green corrosion all over. There are white accretions on the center near the middle. And finally, there are scratches on top near the right side. Right Side: There is green corrosion all over. Also, there are white accretions all over the top and the middle. Back: There is green corrosion all over. There is a scratch on top near the middle. And finally, there are white accretions all over. Left Side: There is green corrosion all over. There are red accretions on the bottom near the left side. And finally, there are scratches all over the top. Top: There is green corrrosion all over. There is a brown discoloration on the side. And finally, there is dust all over. Bottom: There is green corrosion all over. |
People |
Joseph Stokes |
Classification |
Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Rubber Rubber industry Metals |
Search Terms |
Joseph Stokes Rubber Battery Battries Metal Black Green 1946 1988 Steam Whistle Whistle ESB Stokes Joseph Marrone William Miller Electric Storage Battery Company Trenton ESB Stokes Steam Whistle |
Provenance |
This item was donated to the Trenton Free Public Library by Joseph Marrone. It became part of the Museum collection in June of 2017. |