Phoenix Manufacturing Company

The company specialized in producing equipment for the sawmill and logging industries, which played a critical role in the establishment and growth of Eau Claire.

The company began in 1861 when Robert Tolles and his brother-in-law, Hiram P. Graham, partnered to manufacture sashes, doors, blinds, and general woodwork.

To recover and secure further investment, the business was incorporated as the Phoenix Manufacturing Company, symbolizing its rebirth after the fire.

[1] The same year, the company established a new foundry and machine shop on the west bank of the Chippewa River at Forest and Wisconsin Streets, which became its permanent home.

[4] A major breakthrough came in 1903 when Phoenix began manufacturing a steam log hauler under patent rights from Orlando Lombard.

By 1907, the company expanded its facilities, adding a larger machine shop and boiler room to meet increasing demand.