48. former Joel Turney and Co.
Built in 1897, after a fire damaged the original buildings
501 N. 8th Street

The famous "Charter Oak" farm wagons and others were manufactured here.

Advertised as "Built to Wear and Savers of Horse Flesh," the wagons featured rugged construction and quality workmanship.

Founded in 1856, Joel Turney & Company moved here from Trenton, Iowa, in 1887 at the invitation of, and with financial support of, city leaders.

Having two railroads, north to south, and east to west, meant the factory could expand yearly production from 500-600 wagons per year to 5000-6000 per year.  For several years they were Fairfield's largest industrial employer.

The present brick and stone building was built in 1897 after a major fire destroyed the factory complex. This enabled them to bring in even more modern production machinery. Scroll down to see an old postcard.

Production ceased in 1932 as demand for wagons slowed.     Scroll down to see Turney Company catalog pages.

See photos of an original Turney "CHARTER OAK" wagon on display at
the Maasdam Barns complex in Fairfield, IA, and read about its history.

Postcard of Joel Turney & Company factory - unknown date.
The factory had access to both the Rock Island and the CB & Q Railroads.

This is the same building in the postcard foreground, although it has been modified.  Dec 2010.

The other end of the building.   Dec 2010.

Advertisements and catalogue pages, from Joel Turney & Company

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