Auto-Wheel Coaster, Buffalo Sled Company (Schenck St.)

Auto-Wheel Coaster, Buffalo Sled Company (Schenck St.)

The Buffalo Sled company building at Schenck and Marion, as depicted in a 1917 catalog. It burns in a disastrous 1972 fire. The Buffalo Sled Co. starts business in 1899, apparently in Buffalo,  and organizes around 1905. It is led by John J. Schneider and Henry J. Tiedt. In 1909, the firm purchases the the Orient Novelty Company* of North Tonawanda, and moves into their large, 3-story factory (pictured above).

The Buffalo Sled Company originally makes sleds and shovels. They add coasters (wagons) in 1912. Soon they are enjoying national success, advertising aggressively in several publications, and marketing their boys' toys ingenuously with clubs and giveaways. In July of 1920 they file paperwork to change their name to the "Auto-Wheel Coaster Company."

At times they also have operations in Buffalo, on Ellicott Creek in the old A. B. Williams plant, and in Preston, Ontario. 

From the Internet's Harry Rinker:

A fire on April 16, 1920, destroyed the wheel department and storehouses. According to the 1921 City Directory, the company rebuilt and assumed a new name, Auto-Wheel Coaster Company.

Auto Wheel files for bankruptcy in July 1964, but is bought by area men to resume production. This did not seem to be successful, as the plant was is in the process of being converted to a palette factory when it is completely destroyed in a spectacular fire on Memorial Day (May 29), 1972, taking at least seven nearby homes with it.

* Orient when relocated here from Dayton, OH in 1903. They manufactured novelties, were led by D.W. Hyman, and had a modest subscription for electric power from Niagara Falls. In 1905 locals complain about the nuisance of smoke from the works.