March 20, 1928 -

W. H. MONROE RECEIVES A PATENT FOR HIS INCUBATOR HEATER

 

William Hall Monroe came to Colfax in 1910, at the invitation of the Colfax Commercial Club. He brought with him the Close-To-Nature Co. which he had organized two years earlier. At that time, the Close To Nature Co. manufactured a host of items related to the poultry industry including incubators and grain sprouters. Many of these were of Monroe’s own invention and design. His patent for an incubator heater was granted on this date.

The patent application states “ the object of my invention is to provide a new and improved heater for incubators of simple, durable and inexpensive construction, and which is more efficient and reliable in its operation.” The company transitioned to manufacturing canvas houses and finally portable folding tables before it was sold in 2003. It was family owned for 95 years.