We used to make things in this country #313, Wagner Electric

This motor was found buried in the mud at a dumpsite in Arizona, cleaned up and plugged in, it ran perfectly. In these days of integrally manufactured devices, motors like this have much less value than they used to. Surplus motors often found their way into home shops as power for grinders, lathes and other tools. 

  Wagner Electric was founded in 1891 at St Louis, where they made motors and electrical equipment. The Canadian branch of the company was acquired by Sangamo in 1910, the factory was located on Adelaide St. W. Toronto, probably at Stafford Ave. Space was soon at a premium and a new building was bought, located at 183 George St, Toronto, During the second World War, with production again running at full speed, more space was required and the company was able to relocate on Laird avenue in Leaside, a new industrial and residential subdivision of Toronto. The company grew, expanding to 180,000 sq. ft. and employing 825 people.

In 1970 the Sangamo motor business was purchased by Prestolite who moved the company to Guelph. 

50 years of Sangamo history book here.

Guelph Museums

Thanks, Gary!