Fred Adams developed a new type lawn mower with several unique features that were patented in 1902, working in a barn located in the vicinity of the Paul Ackeberg residence. He was joined by his brother, Henry C. Adams, incorporating the business in 1904 with C.W. Fenn and Dr. J.H. Mosher as directors, in addition to he Adams brothers. As business increased the mowers were made in the second floor of a building located at the corner of Washington and W. Railroad, and in 1910 the first floor of the first plant was built, with a second floor to the plant added later. In 1912, twelve persons were employed by the company. As Manufacturing expanded, a foundry was dedicated by William Jennings Bryan in 1920. A woodshop building was added in 1921 for the wood handles and rollers and wood shipping boxes. Henry Adams served as principal executive officer during the formative years, with L.b. Roth, Adams' son-in-law, contineing leadership during the change from hand to powered mowers and through the years of the depression.

In 1937 the Eclipse Lawn Mower Co. was the first manufacturer to develop a power driven model designed and priced for home use and a steel and brick storage warehouse was added. During the war years, 1942-45, the manufacture of mowers was prohibited and the company offered its services toward the war effort. Following the death of Mr. Roth in 1945, the stock of the company was sold by the Adams family to the Buffalo Bolt Company in New York, later purchased by Houdaille Inc. In recent years, the Boyd Casket Co. purchased the original building for a small facotry here; and in the past 15 years, Micro Gear, Inc. and Sterling Multi-Products have added to the industrial growth of the city.

From the Daily Gazette July 1, 1976