Founded in 1878 the company was originally only a foundry operation solely owned by Selden Gladwin North.
Next, in 1897, they acquired the Forest City Screwdriver and Drill Company of Portland, Maine and its prolific designer Zachary T.
He brought with him patents related to a spiral ratchet screw driver and considerable experience in tool design.
Furbish alone would eventually amass 30 patents related to hand tools produced by North Bros., despite passing away in 1906, and his designs would become the backbone of their product lines for years to come.
In later years the Yankee name would become synonymous with the spiral ratchet screw driver invented by Furbish but it was originally seen on everything from bench vises to cutting tools.
Building upon the line of tools originally made by Forest City, North Bros. soon expanded their selection of offerings.