Standard Manufacturing Company Records

The Standard Manufacturing Company was founded in 1909 and began operations in Cedar Key, Florida, in January 1910. The factory was located at the eastern tip of Cedar Key at Fenimore Mill Point. The principal stockholders during most of its history were Dr. Daniel Andrews, Sr., one of the company founders, and his brother Forrest. The company operated from 1910 to 1952. Due to a shortage of workers, it shut down during World War II and did not reopen until 1950. A hurricane that year destroyed much of the factory and the company never fully recovered. It ceased operations entirely in 1952, and the company was dissolved in 1954. The Standard Manufacturing Plant was one of three factories, all in Florida, that harvested the fibers of the Sabal Palm. Standard Manufacturing Company sold the fibers to brush manufacturers in North America, Europe and Australia. The company also produced its own line of brushes sold under the Donax label, but this accounted for only 5% of its trade. Cheap synthetic fibers introduced in the 1950s brought an end to the palm fiber industry. [For additional information on the Standard Manufacturing Company see Cedar Key Fiber and Brush Factory by John W. Andrews, M.D. A copy of the book is included in the collection.]