Universal York

An ad in a 1823 York Recorder reminds us again why the good-old-days weren’t so great. Cabinetmaker George Dowdel guaranteed that his improved bedstead was better than any heretofore made.

RESPECTFULLY informs the inhabitants of the borough and county of York, that he has an Improved plan for making Bedsteads, which is proved to be the best that ever has been Invented. There cannot any Bugs harbor in the joints of these Bedsteads, they are more convenient that the screw bedstead, they can be put together in one minute and taken apart in the same time. Any person wishing to purchase any of these bedsteads, the subscriber will insure them to be much better, more lasting that the

Any person that buys one of these bedsteads, and can find any reasonable fault that they are not better than any bedsteads heretofore made, and are returned to the subscriber, he will take them back.”
Click here to read about the variety of furniture manufactured in York by Charles Strack in the 1840s.
Click here to read about Weaver piano and organ manufacturer.
Click the links below to read about other York County inventors.
York man invents flying machine (too late).
George Anstine of Lower Windsor invents threshing machine.
Smith’s unsuccessful fire alarm.
Click here to read about York County interest in science and inventions.
Click here for more on Dowdel and his furniture.