1958 Magazine Donation Provides Interesting Look into Coppes Napanee

The Indiana Business and Industry Magazine is the focus of this week’s Bill’ History Corner. Thanks for visiting; this is the place where we discuss all things Coppes. This magazine is dated October 1958, and was recently donated by Linda & Mike Bultema. As I understand it, Linda & Mike were reading the old article on Coppes Kitchens, became more interested, found our website and then decided to make a fun day visit to the factory.

This magazine, as the title suggests, is all about Indiana business and industry. The other articles in this issue are titled “Oklahoma Oil Company Acquires Gaseteria” (an Indiana oilfield); “Indiana’s Oil progress Report for 1958”; “More Oil for Indiana”; “Press Club Cavalcade”; “A Top Asset – Indiana Geological Survey”; “History of Hoosier Oil” and an article on Coppes Napanee Kitchens. There are also smaller articles and advertising for Indiana services and products. I might add, this magazine was printed by the Culver Press.

I scanned the Coppes Napanee Kitchens article and will show it here. The first picture is of the 1958 management team. Five of the seven men have the Coppes Name.

The next scan is a drawing of the Coppes factory;

and here is an example of 1950s humor.

As you would expect, this article makes the Coppes Factory appear to be the most wonderful thing in the world. Tidbits of information in the text explain that there are only 160 Coppes Dealers in the U. S., and shipping costs to the West coast usually make the sales beyond the mountains prohibitive.

Also, in April 1958 the “Lazy Susan revolving-top Island unit” appeared on the TV show The Price is Right.
 

Here are pages one thru four of the article. Most of the pictures of factory men working are pictures that we have seen before.

Here is an interesting detail picture from page two.

The Lazy Susan picture caption reads,

“Newest of the design innovations by Coppes Napanee is the ‘Lady Susan revolving–top island unit.’ Counter top revolves full 360 degrees, and built–in electric range and blender-mixer operate even when top is being turned. Base section has pull-out table and two benches to seat four people. Custom-built hardwood unit (as shown) is finished in white maple natural grain stain, trimmed with gold tone provincial moulding and complemented by antique brass hardware.”

If anyone has one of these units at home, be assured, we want it.