Jim Nolan's Blog

Buffalo Rivet Forge No. 109

Scanned from an early catalog page kindly sent to me by Phil Marino. This forge could be knocked down for easy transport. They were shipped and used around the world—one reason the factory was so big. I love the copywriting. It's fact-filled and to the point.

Buffalo Forge Tuyere

What gives the Buffalo Forge grill that intense channel of air to heat the coals? It's a system called a tuyere. The company developed them for their more heavy duty products. You can learn more about Buffalo Forge in my interview with former CEO Dave Newcomb below. Special thanks to Phil Marino for the catalog scan of the tuyere page, as well as the factory sketch already posted.

BFG CEO

Sketch of Buffalo Forge Factories

I believe this drawing is from the 1925 Buffalo Forge catalog. Today the pollution from the smokestacks would have been left out; then, I suppose, it was a proud symbol of industry. According to a speech in 1952 by Edgar and Henry Wendt posted at vintagemachinery.org, the company employed over 2,100 people. Buffalo Forge also gave birth to modern air conditioning. Willis Carrier worked for the company before splitting off to found his own company. If you're interested in the company's history, I highly recommend reading the speech. It's an interesting look at a Buffalo industrial success. 

1925 Buffalo Forge Catalog Page 10

Another scan sent by Phil Marino and his friend Dave. Note the "Bufco" Bench Forge in the lower right corner, and how similar it looks to the Broil-Air grill below. It's from another photo sent to me by Phil, featuring two former Buffalo Forge employees. Phil reported that the caption on the back read, ‘Two of “Buffalo’s” finest testing our “All Seasons Broil-Air” Frank Boltz and Al Chestnut.'

Great Job, Isabella

Photo by Cyleon Lo.

Isabella gave two presentations to the crowd at the Cartoon Art Museum of San Francisco. She was sponsored by Laydeez do Comics, and it was a terrific evening with lots of laughs at Isy's wonderful cartoons.

Isabella Bannerman Presentation Today Thursday, August 15 from 5-8 at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco

If you're in San Francisco, please stop by and catch Isy's talk! It's sponsored by Laydeez Do Comics. Copies of her new cartoon collection, "Cartoons for Caregivers," will be on sale.

Buffalo Forge 1925 Catalog Page

Before there was the Buffalo Forge Grill, that is, the "Broil-Air," there were many different Buffalo Forge forges, like Steve Maglinger's here. You can see from this page how little the forge had to be modified to turn it into a barbecue. The key, of course, was the blower. Former Buffalo Forge CEO Dave Newcomb told me they were "indestructable," and from the snappy copy you can see why: they had "bronze brushings" and "a dust-tight steel gear case." Huge tip of the hat to Phil Marino and his friend Dave for scanning this page and many more. I will be posting the others soon.

Old Buffalo Forge Grill Spotted in Barn

Buffalo Forge Grill expert Phil Marino sent me this photo of a BFG he found in a friend's barn in Alden, NY. Sadly, it is not for sale. Besides a little rust, it looks like it's in pretty good shape. Thanks for sending, Phil!

Ghostly Image Spotted on 6th and 50th in NYC

I'm not sure what the story is behind this image, but I like it. It reminds me of the House of Hades tile I found on 5th Avenue. 

Isabella at Cartoon Art Museum Event in San Francisco

Check it out, San Francisco folks! And check out the really cool Laydeez Do Comics wesite, too.