VTG/ANTIQ Hexter & Co Portland OR Crown Brass Washboard Wood Brass

VTG/ANTIQ Hexter & Co Portland OR Crown Brass Washboard Wood Brass
Mostly clean; stained, some rusty nails, patina; top piece is a little loose; looks great!

The Hexter family was actively identified with the commercial interests of Portland, and the firm of E. C. Hexter & Company sustained the business prestige which the family always enjoyed in their community. The business was first established in Portland in 1872 by Hexter, May & Company, of which the partners were Levi Hexter and Levi May, who opened a store on Front street, where they sold the Iron King cook stoves, which were brought around Cape Horn from Philadelphia and were set up there. Later the firm added sheet iron and tinware to their stock and engaged in the sheet metal business, in all of which lines they prospered. In 1898 Levi Hexter died and his son, Alfred Hexter, became the active manager of the business, continuing as such until January, 1919, when he died from the effects of influenza.
(INV #SD)