Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau

H. E. Williams, Inc. was started in 1921 by Harold E. Williams in Carthage, Missouri. At that time, the company was known as H. E. Williams Products. For the first few years, the company produced various items such as kitchen utensils, static signs, cold storage lockers and even bicycle parts. By the mid-twenties, the company had settled into making various gadgets for automobiles such as folding luggage racks which would mount to running boards, canopies for rumble seats, radiator bug screens, underslung creepers and seat cushions. By the late 1930's items such as gas and radiator caps, sun visors and antennae were being produced, all under Williams' patents. The 1939 World's Fair introduced as a new technology, fluorescent lighting. H. E. attended the fair and immediately set his mind to creating and manufacturing fixtures to house the new light source. By December of 1939 he was ordering machinery to manufacture lamp brackets. For more than 60 years, Williams fluorescent fixtures have been sold around the country for schools, offices, hospitals, retail establishments, warehouses and industrial applications.

Carthage, Missouri, known as America's Maple Leaf City, is rich in history, art, and culture, situated at the crossroads of Historic Route 66 and Jefferson Highway. With three historic districts and over 550 buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places, the town's fascinating past includes stories of Civil War guerrillas, Wild West outlaws, and influential entrepreneurs. The community vibrantly celebrates its heritage through various events, artistic expressions, and faith-based activities, ensuring that its legendary tales endure. Visitors can engage with Carthage's culture through numerous activities and events, making every stay a unique experience. Generated from the website