Text Coming Soon!
 In early 1905 the Kinnear Pressed Radiator Company of Pittsburgh began building a large plant (shown above) along Industrial Street in the developing community of West Pittsburg. About a year later the company began producing heavy-duty steam radiators. Unlike the normal radiators that featured several pieces welded together, the Kinnear radiators were uniquely fabricated as one solid component. A few years later the business became known as the Pressed Steel Radiator Company. In November 1912, after the company got into financial problems, it was sold to veteran radiator man Frederick C. Perkins. Perkins soon took on Henry C. Shaw as a partner and the name of the thriving business was changed to Shaw-Perkins Manufacturing in late 1927. It was acquired by Remacor in 1977 and operations were relocated, in the midst of an employee strike, to New Castle in the summer of 1981. Since Remacor went out of business in 2007 the old building on Industrial Street has basically sat vacant. Shaw-Perkins, which I believe was reorganized after Remacor went defunct, is still in business today selling heavy-duty heating systems. (Aug 2013) Full Size |
 |
 Advertisement promoting Shaw-Perkins products. (1949) |
 (Apr 2012) Full Size |
 (Aug 2015) Full Size |
 (Aug 2015) |  (Aug 2015) |
 (Feb 2016) |
 (Feb 2016) |  (Feb 2016) |
 (Feb 2016) |
Comments
Chet Blake Jr #
I worked at Shaw Perkins in the Burg from fall 1968 to 72. my first industrial job after graduation from NeCaHi in June ’68. It was a good place to work, small group but put out quality products. The model A, model B and Model I radiators. I held positions of general labor, janitor/boiler attendant, radiator expander, spot welder and brazer. My best friend Artie Johnson and I worked together quite a bit. Oscar Cioni was our supervisor, George Baker was the Operation Manager. Ushay Cioni, Tony Torcella, Carl Labrizzi, Anthony Camerot, Dave Summers, Marty Hitch, Andy Senshek, Ronnie Butera, Bert DeSanzo, John Moss, Bill Whetzel, Big Hook and Little Hook Bear (Troci) and many more names from the past that were what made the place special. Awesome memories!
Chet Blake #
Sadly as the old building was deteriorating badly, it was put to rest in May 2019. Tear down and removal was quick and no trace left except the old parking lot. Lots of great memories and friendships made there. Work is always Work, but working with a good group of people makes it even more worth while.
Bob McMillen #
My great grandfather, Robert McMillen, was born in Scotland in 1848, and emigrated to the United States. He married and had several children. He worked in the coal mines near Wampum, Pa and East Palestine, Oh. In April 1909, he lived with his family in West Pittsburg, Pa and worked as the night watchman in the Radiator “works” as stated in a newspaper clipping. On the way home one morning, he had a massive stroke and fell. His wife, Helen, found home and had him brought home where he died later that morning. He is now buried at the Clinton Cemetery near West Pittsburg. His youngest son, William McMillen Sr, my grandfather, was six years old when his father died. William McMillen Sr died in 1966 and is buried in Vienna, Oh. His son, William McMillen Jr, my father, lived his life in and around East Palestine, Oh. He died in 1991 and is buried in the Glenview Cemetery, East Palestine. I live in Florida. If anyone can go to the Clinton Cemetery and please take pictures of the graves of Robert and Ellen or Helen for me. Thank you!
Comment