The "Lorain" Oven Heat Regulator

I would be remiss if I wrapped up my brief look at the American Stove Company in Lorain without mentioning the famous Lorain Oven Heat Regulator, which is considered to be the first thermostat for manufactured kitchen ovens. It was invented by Benjamin E. Meacham, of Lorain, Ohio, who was the superintendent of the plant.

He designed his automatic heat control, called the "Lorain," in 1913 and tested it at home in his own kitchen for eighteen months. After the success of this test trial, the factory put it into production and the first range equipped with the device shipped in December 1914.

The American Stove Company adopted the regulator for all six of its divisions in 1919.

Here's the whole story, as summed up in an article that appeared in the June 17, 1922 issue of American Gas Journal.

Here's a shorter version of the story, which appeared in the June 3, 1922 edition of Gas Age.

Meacham eventually received patents for his invention, as well as a series of improvements that he designed.

It didn’t take American Stove Company very long to make the Lorain (or Red Wheel) Regulator the star of its advertising – and consequently promote the city in which it was created.

1919 Magazine Ad

1920s Magazine Ad

1922 Magazine Ad

1926 Magazine Ad

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1930 Magazine Ad