Midland MFG Co

In the early 1950's, Arthur Vriezelaar, a professional photographer, invented a small, inexpensive machine that allowed a small photographic studio to mass-produce prints economically. This machine was called the Midland Photographic Easel, and the company name was Midland Mfg. & Dist. Co.


He started production of these machines in the basement of his home in Monroe, Iowa. His business expanded and he moved the process to an old carriage house in his backyard. As time went on Midland became a tool shop, building Pace Silk Screen machines, Globe milking machines, Pillo-Pak containers, redwood kits, as well as the Easel. During this time, a new building went up and several additions were made.






Plastic bottles were starting to replace glass bottles in the late 1950’s, and the opportunity to get into this new wave of the future looked good. The first plastics blow-molding machine was delivered to Midland July 1, 1960. The machine was built by Waldron-Hartig,... [Details]