Back in 2011, I was researching the 1950 Budd-built SP "Pride of Texas" coffee shop-lounges for the possible restoration of car #10410.
On the original plans, the Steward's buffet was listed as being provided by Walrus Manufacturing and I was able to track down Liz Quebe, a descendant of the company's owners, who provided the following information as well as the company history pdf attached.
"My family was indeed connected to the Walrus Manufacturing Company. Around
1896, my great-grandfather, Leonard Gray joined with E.P Irving and his
father-in-law, Robert Faries, to form the Decatur Refrigerator &
Manufacturing Company. In 1903 the name was changed to the Walrus
Manufacturing Company. Walrus began the manufacture of soda fountains in
1904, and became well-known for this line. My great-grandfather purchased
controlling interest of Walrus in 1923 and became president. My
grandfather, Richard Irving Gray, followed him as president. The company
transitioned to the manufacture of steel and wood casework for hospitals and
schools. My father, Richard Gray, and uncle, Gary Gray, were vice
presidents of manufacturing and sales, respectively, and I am copying them
on this correspondence. The Walrus Manufacturing Company closed in the
early 1970s.
I spoke with my father this morning. He remembers the steward's buffet as
it was quite unusual, a semi-circular design in walnut and birch. He
believes that Walrus made six or seven of them. The best cabinetmaker in
the factory, Paul Rokash, was assigned the job, and made each of them by
hand. He was in his late 60s at the time that he made them.
Walrus was subcontracted to the Budd Company of Phildelphia, the car
manufacturer. Budd had an inspector at the Walrus to monitor the
production. As my father said, the buffet cabinet was unusual. The more
typical assignment was to outfit the kitchen area, with refrigeration
equipment, work tables, and stainless steel cabinets. Walrus did work for
the Southern Pacific, Wabash, and Central Brazil railroads..."
Kevin
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File comment: History of Walrus Manufacturing (pages 1-6)
History_Walrus Manufacturing Company (1-6).pdf [618.11 KiB]
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