Contents Company Overview Company Progression Diners Past & Present Links Newspaper Articles Employees

   Lee Dickinson lived in Silver Creek and made his money on land speculations, especially in Florida and Texas, and oil well drilling.  He was definately the financial backbone of the company.  During the hayday of the company in 1925-1927, Mr. Dickinson was mayor of the village.  Charles A. Ward previously came from Clyde, Ohio to run the Powers Hotel in 1921.  Although, before that, he was in Colorado and West Virginia.  Somewhere along the line he got interested in building diners and got out of the buisness of running the Hotel.
  The Ward and Dickinson Dining Car Company was begun in late 1924 by Lee F. Dickinson and Charles A. Ward. The company slogan was, "They're built to last."  The first diner was built in the back of the Kofoed Garage.    The local newspaper claims that their first diner was ran by a Mr. Payne on the Kraeft lot.   Actually, three diners were built in this lot, the first going to Loctport to be run by Gerald Blanding and hte second most likely going to Bryan, Oh.  during the first year of building the diners, 1925, their diners became metal paneled.  This was probably due to the competition of the Mulholland Dining Car co, who previously made automobile bodies, and first introduced metal outside panels to the dining car, in western New York.  The company had a well acclaimed band, and a baseball team called the Diners in the first couple of years.  Lee F. Dickinson, was also Village President and one of the best local golfers.
    The first dining car built in their actual factory was in early 1925 and was said to be heading to Florida.  Unfortunately, the car was deemed too large to make such a long trip, so instead it headed to Toledo, Oh.  This diner's ownership was originaly credited to Howard Dickinson, but either way, it was run by the Roger McCraig family, who moved to Toledo.  The Silver Creek Times also mentioned that by the end of 1925, they had built 50 diners, and by the end of 1926, they had built a total of 100.  At this time, they said that 96 were in business. This includes a shipment of 30 going to Cleveland, Ohio for a chain of diners.  The company's first diners were moderately similar to the Closson model, only much longer.  It is more important to state that these diners were very close to Earl Richardson's later models, who did imitate Closson's with some, if not many, regards of appearance.
[Picture here]  Again, they shortly moved to the metal clad(outside and partially inside) and a row of monitor windows instead of just the pair on each end of the monitor part.  I am presuming this became what is known as the Ward Dining Car as Charles Ward patented this design.  Back to the monitor windows;  Albert Closson originally started out with a row of minotor windows, but it seems that only the first two on each end actually had the function of opening.  It looks like Richardson removed the idea of non-functioning monitor windows and just used two monitor windows on each end of the monitor area.
  Their business was constantly expanding the first few years.  Here is their Net income for these years.
  Year ended Dec, 31. 1925 -- $60,258.84
  Year ended Dec, 31. 1926 -- $99,792.53
  Year ended Dec, 31. 1927 -- $78,832.89
  7 mo. ended July, 31. 1928 -- $68,791.63
 The company had term payments set up so that owners could afford to get the diner started.  In late August of 1928, the company Incorporated with Lee F. Dickinson President.  Charles A. Ward having had his share of the business bought out by Mr. Dickinson due to Mr. Ward's bad health.  About a year and a half later, Lee Dickinson also retired from the company.  It seemed that the dining car business was out of the limelight, and Ward & Dickinson would have to go through the depression without its two namesakes.
  Ward & Dickinson were also agressive at finding future owners for their diners.  Bob McKendrick was a salesman for the company.  Unfortunately, when the depression decreased the new dining car business, Bob was let go.  He did, though, buy a Ward & Dickinson in Erie, PA.  Howard Clute, a Silver Creek resident, was also a traveling saleesman for the company.
  For more indepth information on the company and a list of some Silver Creek residents who went into the business, check out the Newspaper articles and blurbs.

  Charles Ward & Lee Dickinson built three lunch cars, most likely, all three out in the open.  The first went to Lockport, NY for Gerald Blanding, the second most likely went to Bryan, Ohio, for Charles Yonk.

November 6 : Payne's new lunch car on the Kraeft Garage property will be opened for business this afternoon.  This car, built by Dickinson & Ward, of Silver Creek, contains many improvements over cars formerly built in this section, and is a step forward in the lunch car industry in Silver Creek.  Regular 35 cent dinners are to be served daily as well as short orders.  Howson coffee, Smith Bros. milk and cream and a good cook assures the public of A-1 service.  Mrs. George Van Dusen of this place will be in charge of the cooking.  Mr. Roy Payne, the owner, anticipates a thriving business and solicits your patronage. - Silver Creek Times

January 15 : The first lunch car finished by Dickinson & Ward since moving into their new factory is now on display on the corner of Central Avenue and Main street.  It is a wonder of modern ness and convenience.  It is expected that this car will be shipped to a buyer in Florida. [The very next week, the Grape Belt announced that this diner was instead going to Toledo, Ohio, as it could not fit on a train going to Florida.] - Grape Belt & Chautauqua Farmer

A W&D lunch car built in February, 1925.
 

March 3 :  Walter Plum has placed a new lunch car on the lot occupied in the summer by the alligator and ostrich farm. - Grape Belt & Chautauqua Farmer	Buit in Feb, 1925
May 12 : The carpenter gang of the Nickel Plate Road, under the supervision of Bob Wasmond has been building this past week, a platform at the station to assist in the loading of lunch cars. - Grape Belt & Chautauqua Farmer

November 12 : Ward & Dickinson Plant Pride of Silver Creek

  On the Banks of Silver Creek an industry destined to be an industrial leader in the community started operations.  Few have noticed the progress of this enterprising concern until within the last few months their product and plant have developed to such proportions and perfection that they are now looked upon as the "Pride of Silver Creek."  With the selection of a master workman and contractor, plans for the first car were made about fifteen months ago and on a small plot of ground in the rear of Peter Kofoed's Case Good's Factory and in the open air, their first car was constructed.  Success crowned their initial efforts and a second order was secured.  Several orders necessitated the construction of a building to house this fast growing business.  Now by virtue of several improvements and additions, the factory stands out as one of Silver Creek's leading industries.   That the people of Silver Creek might familiarize themselves with the construction and possibilities of the Dining Car, the doors of the plant were thrown open to the public for inspection Armistice Day.  Flag raising exercises together with an Armistice Day Program as conducted on the grounds by Don Martin Post, No. 147, American Legion. Dr. Dudley delivered a fine address.  What is believed to be an unprecedented occasion in Silver Creek's Industrial Life occurred when the employees of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Company so grateful for their excellent treatment and working conditions feted their employers at the First Annual Banquet of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Company which was held at the Hotel Powers in the evening.  The Dining Room was very appropriately decorated with the Stars & Stripes.  The Tables were beautifully decked with bouquets of poppies.  Miniature Dining Cars served as name cards.  Dainty Flags protruding out of red, white and blue favors added to the picturesque ness.  Covers were laid for 40 guests and a sumptuous three course Chicken dinner was served.  The Silver City Orchestra provided entertainment for the occasion.  Lester Colberg, Past Commander of Don Martin Post, acted as toastmaster.   The many fitting responses from the employees indicated the personal pride, which the employees took in their work as well as their great respect and best feelings for their employees.  The proprietors, C.A. Ward & L. F. Dickinson, were very pronounced in their efforts to provide a factory, working conditions and wages that their employees might support themselves and families and live as American people should live.  A Theatre Party at Geitner's Theatre were the Ten Commandments were exhibited marked the close of an eventful day in the lives of the employees and all were unanimous in pronouncing that it was "a great party." - Silver Creek Times

  A completed car ready to send to Miami, Fla., stood in the yard and lady visitors were exclaiming over the conveniently arranged interior.  A double, nickel plated coffee urn, a nickel cream container, roomy ice box and plenty of cupboard and drawer room were all a delight to a housekeeper.  The outside of the car was cream colored enamel over sheet iron.  This factory which was just beginning its existence a year ago when three cars were built at the rear of the Peter Kofoed shop on Central avenue, has increased so fast that their output is a car a week now and orders are ahead of that.  In the spring, they will erect another large building on the lot and the payroll will have fifty names not counting office force. - Grape Belt & Chautauqua Farmer

December 17 : Who’s Who in Silver Creek - A Silver Creek industry which is making a name for itself throughout the country, is The Ward & Dickinson Dining Car business, which has already obtained very favorable recognition.  This firm manufacturers Dining Cars of the modern type, in demand today among the busy folks who must have quick service.  Cars of this type are now used more extensively than ever before, and in many instances take the place of the regulation restaurant, which formerly supplied the needs of the people.  The Ward & Dickinson plant is the premier factory in the making of Ward Dining Cars, where sanitation and attractiveness vie with conditions in many of the high class eating places.    This firm is equipped with the most modern machinery for turning out their product, and the cars made by them have earned a special rating for their convenient features and durability.  These cars are not only fine and sanitary in construction, but wherever you find them, you will find a clean wholesome reputation associated with their management.    That is one factor of the service that goes with them.  These manufacturers are not content with a quality reputation for their product, but sell only on the assurance that the character connected with each car will make it a pleasure for men and women of every class to patronize them.  Everything about the Ward & Dickinson plant indicates an efficiency in operations pointing to real executive ability at the source of things, and this accounts for the rapid progress and growth of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car business.   What is the cost of these Ward Dining Cars?  How many cars were manufactured here last year?

Answer:  cost $5,500.  and 50 cars built last year.  - Silver Creek Times

Jan 14, 1926 : In the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Factory, 40 people are now employed as against 10 one year ago. having a weekly payroll of $1,750.00 .- Silver Creek Times.

Big Order for Dining Cars

Mar 25, 1926 : What is probably the largest order for dining cars ever placed in America or anywhere else has been received by Messrs. Ward & Dickinson.  This order is for 30 of the very latest type of Ward & Dickinson dining car, all to be delivered and used at Cleveland, Ohio.  Six of the cars, the first to go forward were loaded by the Pennsylvania Railroad this week.  The Pennsylvania Railroad, which it is rumored will shortly run a new set of double tracks through Silver Creek and on to Irving, was so interested in the shipment that a number of officials gave it their special personal attention, taking photographs and making special arrangements so that the very large number of these cars now leaving Silver Creek will be handled with the greatest expedition.  Four cars for other destinations also have been loaded this week, two for New Jersey, one for Michigan and one for Meadville, PA.  Lee Dickinson of the firm of Ward & Dickinson, has announced that the factory building on the hill will be exactly doubled in capacity at once.  Ground is to be broken for the addition next Monday.  This is certainly good news for Silver Creek.  At the rate the lunch wagon industry has increased in Silver Creek, it bids fair shortly to employ as many men at the large factory which we expect shortly to lose, and all of them at materially higher wages than the average which can be paid for the manufacture of grain-cleaning machinery.  The thirty cars which will be shipped to Cleveland are all to be served by a central cooking station costing $15,000.  The interior of these cars is wonderful, and every citizen should take advantage of Ward & Dickinson's offer to inspect before this record breaking shipment is completed. Johnson & Beebe have done all the electrical work for all these cars, and in addition they are furnishing Kelvinators to take care of the electric refrigeration. - Silver Creek Times

Dec 16, 1926 : The business of the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Co,. has gone forward rapidly.  In two years, this concern has become one of the leading enterprises of Silver Creek; and with its increased plant facilities and its magnificent offices, it bids fair to show a further large increase.  One hundred dining cars have already been completed with 96 in operation. - Silver Creek Times

Apr 8, 1927 : Silver Creek, April 6.  Damage at $30,000 was done to the Montgomery Building.  ... the loss ... entire equipment of the Ward & Dickinson offices. ... Lee F. Dickinson of the dining car company said his concern would immediately move one of its lunch cars to the business district and until other arrangements can be made, will conduct their office business in the car. – Chautauqua Farmer & Grape Belt

May 5, 1927 : The W & D Co. have their 1927 model Dining Car on exhibition in front of their factory on Central Ave. - Silver Creek Times
 

Nov 17, 1927 : Mr. Lee Dickinson purchased the interest of C.A. Ward.  Mr. Ward's retirement is due to ill health, and is now undergoing treatment at the Ford Hospital, Detroit. - Silver Creek Times

Ward & Dickinson Incorporate

 August 30, 1928 : The lunch car business heretofore conducted by Mayor Lee. F. Dickinson, who is president of the new corporation, and formerly conducted by Messrs. Ward & Dickinson has recently been incorporated, and a considerable expansion of the business is contemplated.   The new corporation will be known as Ward & Dickinson Inc.  This industry has been of the utmost value to Silver Creek during the recent business depression which now happily appears to be about over.  The business has been prosperous, yet, at the same time it has treated its employees and salesmen most liberally.  Net income for a period of years is reported as follows:

Year ended Dec, 31. 1925 -- $60,258.84
Year ended Dec, 31. 1926 -- $99,792.53
Year ended Dec, 31. 1927 -- $78,832.89
7 mo. ended July, 31. 1928 -- $68,791.63

  20,000 shares of cumulative preferred stock are offered the public, preferred as to dividends of $2 per share and also as to assets up to $3 per share, are offered the public a $28 per unit of one share preferred and 1/2 share of common stock.  There are 40,000 shares of common stock in the new corporation, both preferred and common being of no par value.  The balance sheet as of July 31, 1928, after giving effect to the acquisition of the business as of that late, and after giving effect as of that date to the application of the proceeds of the suggested new financing as certified to by Messrs Ernst & Ernst, certified public accountants, showed current assets of $505,413.75 and current liabilities of $48,809.57, a current ratio of over ten to one.  The management of the company will be in the hands of Mr. Lee F. Dickinson.  There will be a Board of Directors of five, consisting of Lee F. Dickinson, President, Allen J Diefendorf, of Silver Creek, NY, Philip H. Gerner, of the liberty Bond and Share Corporation, Lars S. Potter, of O'Brian, Potter & Stafford and one other member to be chosen later.  The new issue is offered by the Liberty Bond & Share Corporation of Buffalo, NY and O'Brian, Potter & Stafford, Members of the New York Stock Exchange, of Buffalo, NY.  The Ward dining car, manufactured by this new corporation, has made for itself an enviable reputation in the trade, both as to the up-to-date equipment and fittings of the car, and the large volume of sales built up throughout the country.  This business has rapidly grown until it is now one of the larges and most important in Silver Creek.  It has the best wishes of all in this community for its continued success and prosperity. - Silver Creek Times
 

March 28, 1930 : Announcement has been made by Lee F. Dickinson that he has resigned as President and Director of Ward & Dickinson, Inc., resignation to take effect April 15th.  His successor has not yet been appointed.  Mr. Dickinson has recently opened a private office in the Montgomery Block where he will continue to manage his personal investments and various other enterprises with which he is connected. - Silver Creek Times
 

April 17, 1930 : The position of President of the Ward & Dickinson Company, made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Lee F. Dickinson has been filled by Mr. Foster Parmelee of Buffalo.  Mr.Wm. Dickinson has remained with the organization as Vice President and Sales Manager, Mrs. Leon E. Chandler of Buffalo has been elected Treasurer and will reside in Silver Creek.  To succeed A. J. Diefendorf, Director, the Vice President of the Liberty Bank in Buffalo, Morris Perlstine, has been elected.  B. L. Kofoed remains as Superintendent of the factory, which is one of the thriving industries of the village. - Silver Creek Times

September 8, 1938 : The New Dining Car being erected on the Ward & Dickinson Dining Car Manufacturing Company’s property at the corner of Hanover Road & Central Avenue is owned by J.P. Lown, formerly of Ithaca, NY.
  Mr. Lown was in the dining car business in that city for the past four years, up until two months ago when he sold his car there.
  The New Dining Car was purchased through the local manufacturing company here.  It is a standard model and Mr. Lown is adding a modern up-to-date kitchen to enable him to serve regular meals.
  The Car will be open to the public for business 24 hours a day, in about two weeks. - Silver Creek Times

  Ward & Dickinson in general

• Green and White swirled stain glass on top pane of all windows.
• Almost exclusively made diners with monitor windows.[if not completely]
• Paint style either: White with Black trim or Light pale Yellow with Greenish trim.

Employees

  Brian Butko's "Pressed-Metal Paradise"
  Other Ward & Dickinson Articles
  Silver Creek Times : diner blurbs
  Silver Creek Gazette : diner blurbs
  Grape Belt & Chautauqua Farmer : diner blurbs