1860 - 1900
The rise of industrialization brought opportunity.  By the end of the 19th century, Marshall had transformed itself from a small blacksmith shop into a large specialty manufacturing concern.

1868
The first Marshall elevator with safety brake was manufactured in 1868.  The elevator was installed at the Bakewell Glass Works located on 2nd Avenue and Try Street in Pittsburgh. 



 
Marshall customed designed many types of lifts including this unique Telephone and Package Elevator that would run between floors in office buildings and places of residences.

 
1883
The price for a hydraulic elevator in 1883 - $550.00. 



 


The Oldest Working Elevator
The oldest known working Marshall elevator is located in a private residence in New Brighton, PA.  The hand powered elevator was believed to have been installed in the mid-1880's for Beaver County industrialist William Townsend.  The elevator has never been modernized in any way. 


William Townsend owned the large iron wire manufacturing concern R. Townsend & Co. located on the Beaver River at Fallston.  Directly across the river was a large brick house that sat on the main road leading into the town of New Brighton.  The story goes that the elevator was installed at the couples home for his wife, Sarah who was considered invalid at the time.  At high noon every day, his wife would take the elevator to the master bedroom suite and open the french doors leading to a balcony that overlooked William's factory.  Sarah would then signal to William that she was ok and he could carry on with his work.   






1885
Marshall Brothers patented and manufactured the spiral stairway fire escape with stand pipe.  The Marshall design saved hundreds of lives during a period in which many city landmarks fell victim to devasting fires. 
 


This original Marshall spiral staircase with standpipe is located at the National Transit Building in Oil City, PA


  
The majority of Marshall elevators sold during the late 19th century were installed throughout a five state region.  On occassion, Marshall manufactured elevators that were shipped to as far away as Canada, Russia, Syria, Brazil and China.