Round Oak Stove Company of Dowagiac, Michigan Advertising - Iron Stove Advertisement

Item: 1900's Round Oak Stove Company of Dowagiac, Michigan Advertising Stick Pin

Materials:

Dimensions: 2.5 inch, .5 inch head

History:

The Round Oak Stove Company produced Iron stoves from 1871 to 1946. Established in 1900, their mascot was Chief Doe Wah Jack, a fictional Native American whose name was the phonetic spelling of the city of Dowagiac, Michigan. This phonetic spelling was to enable non-residents, in the pronunciation of the city name, Dowagiac, which comes from the Potawatomi word "dewje'og," which translates to "fishing (near home) water", as the city is located on Dowagiac Creek.

This small piece of history features the head of Doe Wah Jack, with a long hat pin or tie pin back.  "From Round Oak Folks" is imprinted on the back.  Interestingly, the Potawatomi chiefs were not known to wear head dresses of feathers, the lore of the Native chief was the basis of this item.