Vacuum Oil Co. began as a manufacturer of harness oil, changed to machine lubricants; famed Brewster Body Co. made carriages; the Studebakers, wagons. By their adaptability, these companies survived. Because of reluctance to change, J. B. Sickles Co., oldest business concern in St. Louis, last week prepared to close its books and pass on to corporate ghost-land.
J. B. Sickles began making harness in 1834, expanded for many a decade. During the War, Government contracts swelled its gross to $1,500,000 a year. Then, although the company tried making automobile seat-covers, tops and side-curtains,...
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