Note: The Icon acquired a manuscript titled “A Brief History of Bluffton’s Industrial Developments.” This publication was prepared by the classes in Marketing and Small Business Administration from Bluffton College, under the director of Dr. Howard Raid. Publication date is May 1959. We’ve updated some current addresses so viewers may identify locations.
Stein Electric Fence Charger (started in 1938)
and Meta-Fold Awning (started in 1941)
Manufactured by Roy Hauenstein and Myron Moyer
Roy Hauenstein of Pandora and proprietor of the bakery in Bluffton, (in 2017, The Sports Warehouse) was the originator of an electric fence charger and with Myron Moyer, a co-originator. The two also also developed a metal awning.
Mr. Hauenstein made the Stein Electric Fence Charger from about 1938 to 1940. He had two salesmen on the road and also sold it through a distributor, Auburn Hardware, of Auburn, Indiana.
The main selling territory was northwestern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and eastern Indiana. As demand increased approximately 1,000 chargers were produced in a year. Two employees and Mr. Hauenstein did most of the work by hand.
In 1939 the Stein Electric Fence Charger was displayed at the Ohio State Fair. Production reached its climax in 1940. But because of the rationing that took place during World War II, the production of the transformers was limited and Mr. Hauenstein was forced to stop production.
In partnership with Mr. Moyer, Hauenstein also produced a folding metal awning, which they called Meta-Fold. For three years the partners produced the awnings where the Bluffton Body Shop is located (in 2017 it is 152 E. Cherry St.). Most of the work was done by hand.
The patent was bought from Rhine Bolheimer of Ft. Loramie, Ohio, and was later sold to Macklin Stamping Co., of Toledo. These awnings were a pet interested of the president of that firm. Production was kept in Bluffton until the Acklin president died and the firm lost interested in the product.
During World War II the awning was transformed into a blackout awning, which would cover the complete window in case of an enemy attack. There were many inquiries about the blackout awnings, but never a great demand.
An example of the Meta-Fold awning can be seen in Bluffton at the A to Z Market and Locker, (in 2017 CG Pro Bikes) Rexall Drug Store (in 2017 Curling Iron) and the Western Auto Store (in 2017 Diller Flooring).
The Stein Electric Fence Charger can be seen on many local farms.
Reference: Roy Hauenstein
Interviewers: James Mohr and Gary Yoder
