Luverne Automobile CompanyThe following appeared in the Rose History printed in 1911:"Within the past few years there have been developed a number of important manufacturing concerns in Luverne, and in every instance none but local capital has been employed. These industrial enterprises have been beneficial agencies in the promotion of the city’s prosperity. The demand for Luverne-made products has extended considerably beyond the local field of distribution.The Luverne automobile, manufactured by the Luverne Automobile Company, is a machine whose merits have attracted the attention of buyers in all parts of the northwest. Luverne is one of the few cities in the middle west that can boast of a completely equipped automobile manufactory. The industry developed from small beginnings. In 1893 F.A. and E.L. Leicher, under the firm name of Leicher Brothers, established a wagon-making business which grew to substantial proportions. The Leichers, in 1903, constructed an automobile in their shop, which on trial proved to be a success. This led them to branch out on a broader scale, and for a few years they turned out machines to supply a local demand. A number of Luverne business men, realizing the importance of developing the enterprise the Leicher Brothers had commenced, in November 1906, incorporated a company with a capital stock of $50,000, and succeeded to the rights of the Luverne Automobile Company, which had previously been established by F.A. Leicher, E.L. Leicher, J.A. Kennicott and A.D. LaDue. These gentlemen, together with E.A. Brown, S.B. Nelson, S.C. Rea, William Jacobsen Jr., C.O. Wright and J.L.W. Gerber, became stockholders in the reorganized company. A year later the present two-story brick factory building was erected and equipped with new and modern machinery. Nearly 20 men are employed and the annual output of the plant averages 75 cars. The factory is under the management of Leicher Brothers." Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156. Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mann made@iw.net.
