Justus Roe was a surveyor and tape-maker by trade in 1870 started what is still today one of the most successful industries in Patchogue, New York. He had a desire to give his customers a full measure so he started his own wire tape company to insure a correct measurement.

His tape measure company began in a one room shop located over a store. His first tape measure was constructed of a flat length of metal tape on which he placed rivets at designated intervals which created a type of braille tape measure. He began using his new tape in his own surveying work and found it very satisfactory. As he shared information about his tape with friends, they ask if he would make them one and so the Justus Roe Steel Measuring Tape Company became a reality.

Like so many, he only intended the business to be a part time operation. He was already into many other pursuits like The Roe Hotel, real estate, surveying and county and state government work. More and more people became aware of his tapes and the demand increased causing him to devote more and more time to tape making.

As the business continued to grow, his four sons became involved. Nathaniel Roe was the inventory, Howard was the business director, Austin and Henry were in charge of production.

During the second world war the Roe plant reached its peak output. Three shifts were running and much of the business was for the U.S. Government. The business had gone from a one room operation to a 10,000 square foot plant in Roe Court. Tapes that were made by hand at first were now being made from 18' to 500 feet in approximately on forth the time it took in 1900.

In 1947 the company finally incorporated with Nathaniel and Henry Roe as being the major stock holders. They operated until 1958 without a board of directors. Since 1958 an enlarged board of directors including now stock holders were running the company.

A large portion of the output of the plant was being done for four major purchasers. Montgomery Ward, Millers Falls, and Western Auto. They also continued to make tapes for the government.

The company is know today as U.S.Tape and is well know for their Private Label Program allowing you to custom label tape measures for your own business.

While out lately I found this nice ROE  PRECISION CHROME 50' steel tape.

This tape was made in the early '60's.

This one is in very good condition.

The tape is in very good condition and it comes in and out very easy. This was a very nice find and excited to add it to my measuring collection.

In 1956 Justus Roe made the longest measuring tape at 600 ft. This tape was used in Yankee Stadium to measure Mickey Mantle's home runs. The tape was personally presented to Mantle at Yankee Stadium. The tape measure was gold plated and it now resides behind glass in the entry area of Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City.

Out Patriot Picking.

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John Moody
Site Administratorhttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.†Shaker Saying

Old tools are so cool

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Charles Nicholls
Site Host
nicholls61@att.net
Proud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRA

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks

Need a $2 tool boxHas all them fancy trays insideCost me about $2 for this box, plus a few other treasures today..

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Planer? I'm the 'planer', and these are what I use...

John,

I've been doing a little "picking" myself.

I've been helping our new neighbor clear out a warehouse full of another "pickers" 35+ years of picking.

Today I ran into this.

It's a Will-Burt Co. Versa-Vise from Orrville Ohio. This is the tall jaw version. I couldn't find much information about it.

I did find The Will-Burt Co. which is still located in Orrville Ohio, but today they make telescopic towers, masts, etc.

Here's a snip from their history page.

The "stuff" we're removing from the warehouse was moved to the basement about 5 years ago, and the basement flooded with almost 2' of water. A lot of the antique furniture we're finding is beyond saving, but we"re saving what we can. So far we've loaded almost half of a 53' semi trailer. We've barely put a dent in the amount of stuff in there.

This vise was laying on the floor under some of the mess. It's pretty froze up, but I'll be able to save it.

It's rather neat in it's design, which allows the vise to be turned on it's side by putting the mounting post through the hole in the side.

The price?,.................................................................$0.00.

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

That is a cool piece Larry. Thanks

Larry Buskirk said:

John,

I've been doing a little "picking" myself.

I've been helping our new neighbor clear out a warehouse full of another "pickers" 35+ years of picking.

Today I ran into this.

It's a Will-Burt Co. Versa-Vise from Orrville Ohio. This is the tall jaw version. I couldn't find much information about it.

I did find The Will-Burt Co. which is still located in Orrville Ohio, but today they make telescopic towers, masts, etc.

Here's a snip from their history page.

The "stuff" we're removing from the warehouse was moved to the basement about 5 years ago, and the basement flooded with almost 2' of water. A lot of the antique furniture we're finding is beyond saving, but we"re saving what we can. So far we've loaded almost half of a 53' semi trailer. We've barely put a dent in the amount of stuff in there.

This vise was laying on the floor under some of the mess. It's pretty froze up, but I'll be able to save it.

It's rather neat in it's design, which allows the vise to be turned on it's side by putting the mounting post through the hole in the side.

The price?,.................................................................$0.00.

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

My dad was an electrical contractor and died in 1991.  In my toolbox is a take identical to this one.  I have fond memories of olding the "dumb" end of this tape on several occasions.  Thanks for posting this John.  It brings back special memories.

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Ron Dudelston
Site Administrator

Above and Beyond WoodWorks