Automobiles from New Departure.

With their manufacturing feet firmly under them making doorbells and bicycle components, the Rockwell brothers of New Departure Bell Company of Bristol, Connecticut  ventured into the new automotive field. In 1904, they produced an automobile (the Haupt Rockwell) and then in 1907, the Rockwell Taxi Cab. In 1911, automobile production ceased.



Houpt Rockwell 1904-1911

 

The Rockwell Cab. Originally painted black, but the story goes that Mrs. A.F. Rockwell suggested a colour change to yellow, thereby creating the "Yellow Cab".

A subsidiary of New Departure later operated these "Yellow Cabs" in NYC.