NEB&W Guide to Jordan SpreadersThis file is open to website members only
Last Update: 2008-02-07
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According to Jerry Pinkepank (June ‘69 Trains), Oswald F. Jordan was roadmaster on a New York Central subsidiary when c. 1900 he invented a combination spreader-ditcher. In 1905, he left the railroad to start his own business and he purchased land in East Chicago, where he set up his works. Unfortunately, he died shortly thereafter, but it was successfully taken over by “Colonel” Riley, who ran it until 1960.
The Jordan is/was by far the most successful and popular