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. 


William Townsend owned a large iron wire manufacturing concern called; R. Townsend & Company.  The story goes that William and his wife, Sarah built a large brick house located directly across the Beaver River from where his factory stood at Fallston.  The new home was 4 stories high including a basement that had a massive coal burning furnace.  Sarah was invalid and required a way to be able to get around the house without having to use the stairs.  A personal hand powered elevator was installed that had a platform measuring approximately three feet wide by three feet deep. 

At high noon every day, Sarah would use the lift to make her way up to the master bedroom suite which overlooked the River.  She would then signal to William if he were needed.

The cab was uniquely constructed, it had an open design with three raised cherry panel walls.  The two side panels were cut at a 45 degree angle so that operator of the lift could easily pull the rope up and down depending on which direction the elevator needed to go. The rails were made out of wood and the original rope to operate the lift still remains.  The two by ten crosshead was supported by two cast iron Marshall Brothers gussetts complete with an internal locking safety brake.  






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.