Frequently Asked Questions
News
Contact Us
Rose Iron Works
Timeline
(Click on any image for a larger view)
1870
Martin Born, village of Csepe, Austria-Hungary.
1883-94
Martin Rose progresses from Apprentice to Journeyman Blacksmith.
1894-97
Martin Rose works at Jungfer shop Budapest, Hungary.
Martin Rose becomes Master Smith and Opened first shop - Budapest.
1901
Martin Rose's first son, Steve, born.
1903
Milton Rose born.
|
|
| Martin Rose left Hungary - came to USA. | Martin Rose Worked at Morreau Lighting. |
1904
First Rose Iron Works shop opened shop in Cleveland - Cherry Ave.
1905-11
Company grew - produced Drury gates and Euclid corridor work.
Company grew - produced structural and ornamental work.
|
|
| Company grows producing both structural and ornamental work | Canopy frame for Chamber of Industry (Commerce) |
1911
Purchased E43 property - moved into house and begun making shop in rear.
1917
WWI - not required to do war work.
1918-21
Rose Family developed.
right: Stephen Rose does bench work in shop behind family house.
1911-21
Steve joined company.
Melvin Rose born.
Milt joined company.
The Company and the City developed together. Martin does work for many prominent families and businesses, including the B. R.Deming and J. D. Rockefeller Euclid Golf real estate development.
left: Doors for the home of Dr. George Crile, founder, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
1926-27
Martn Rose went back to Europe for first time - started antique collection.
Martin saw Paris exposition - Art Deco.
Met Paul Kiss.
Steve Rose went to work for Paul Kiss - Paris - met Paul Fehér.
left: Martin returns to Europe for first time. Starts antique lock and hardware collection, earliest dating to 15th century.
1927-29
Family moved out of house on E43rd.
Remodeled office.
right: Major remodel of shop and offices to same 'footprint' as today.
1929
Paul Fehér left Kiss shop and came to Cleveland.
Stock Market Crash and Depression.
Started sandblasting work - Fehér taught Milton.
|
|
| Sandblasted glass work. | Paul Fehér with the Rose Family |
1930
Designated "Best Exterior Remodel in Cuyahoga County" by Chamber of Commerce. Awarded the Medal of Merit.
1929-34
Martin Rose and Paul Fehér introduced Art Deco metalwork to Cleveland.
|
|
| Examples of Art Deco metalwork by Paul Fehér | |
1931-32
Created significant Deco Screen - Muse with Violin (left).
» read more on the Muse with Violin screen.
Martin & Margaret Rose traveled to Europe. Acquired more antiques, books, and drawings.
Created History of Metalwork Frieze (right).
» read more on the Frieze.
Other significant work included: Fixtures and hardware - Juvenile Court Building, Lighting fixtures - St James Church , Signs - Hunting Valley, Fixtures etc - Halle Bros, Bond Clothing, Kinney & Levan, Sterling & Welsh, etc.
1931-35
Melvin Rose studied in Vienna.
1931-35
Paul Fehér left Rose Iron Works.
1935-36
Melvin joined shop part time.
Milt taught Mel sandblasting.
Martin Rose's last trip to Europe. Collecting limited to books & other references.
1940
Melvin Rose graduated from CIA and joined company full time.
Sandblasting peaked with mural for Dollar Line oceanliner desinged by Elsa Vik Shaw (right).
1941
WWII - Converted all production to "war work." Rose Iron Works limited by law to war work. Rose Family participates in war effort.
left: Reunion at Alpine Restaurant in front of sandblasted glass mural made by Melvin Rose.
1949-50
Made Williamson Building Clock, Mirrors for Beattie Jewelers, railings for Potter & Mellen (right).
Steve became president.
1953
Martin Rose's last student - taught forging to Frank Dobritch.
1955
Martin Rose died - age 85.
1953-64
Developed murals and other purely decorative work.
Worked with John Paul Miller, Viktor Schreckengost, John Risley.
Projects included: Airport Entrance, Marathon Oil mural and logo, State of Ohio seal for BWC, US Steel - Safety award, Cleveland Botanical Garden mural, and private residence murals.
» read more on the Botanical Garden mural...
|
|
| Cleveland Botanical Garden wall mural designed by John Risely. | Cleveland Hopkins Airport entrance designed by Viktor Schreckengost. |
1965
Steven Rose left company.
Melvin Rose became president.
1960-70
Ornamental work began to taper off.
Milton Rose died.
1971
Bob Rose joined company full time.
1970-90
Company pimarily focused production on industrial work.
Select ornamental projects accepted as commisions (below).
|
|
| Garden railings and gate for Florida residence. | Fireplace screen for Ohio residence. |
1972
Changed name to Rose Metal Industries.
1975
Expanded to River Road - Moved all industrial work.
left: First expansion adds industrial plant in Cleveland Flats district.
1982
Bob Rose became president.
1985-87
Bob Rose acquired complete ownership.
1989
Moved fabrication and welding from River Road plant to Marquette.
1990
Purchased first welding robot - began to develop production welding and contract manufacturing business.
1990-present
Resurgence in ornamental work. Various projects have included: Epworth Euclid Episcopal Church columbarium, Botanical Garden Secret Gate, Union Club restoration (chandeliers), Orange Village sign brackets, as well as a variety of work for private residences.
|
|
|
| Union Club Chandeliers | Botanical Garden Secret Gate | Private Residence Hearth |
2004
E43rd Street Office remodled to preserve studio / museum atmosphere
2005
Columbus exhibit "Bringing Modernism Home."
Melvin Rose - "100 years of Rose Iron Works."
Melvin Rose - SNAG keynote address.
|
|
| "Bringing Modernism Home" Columbus Exhibition Poster | Melvin Rose Speaking |
2006
Split company and "reconstituted" Rose Iron Works.
2008
Melvin awarded Cleveland Arts Prize lifetime achievement award for design.
2009
Introduced line of Continuation Items and renewed focus on ornamental production.
Introduced Rose Iron Works web site.