Cannon Precision Manufacturing: An Archival Reference for Bronze Casting and Machining

This independent educational archive preserves the historical record of Cannon Precision Manufacturing, a facility once located in Keithsburg, Illinois, known for bronze casting and precision machining. The content here is drawn from archived web pages and is presented for historical and educational purposes only. It does not represent an active business, and all details should be verified with primary sources for current standards.

Historical Origins in Bronze Manufacturing

According to preserved historical records, the origins of Cannon Precision Manufacturing trace back to the late 1890s, when A. P. Cannon founded the Cannon Oiler. The primary product was a bronze pump oil can designed to reach inaccessible areas. The manufacturing site for these pump cans was later the same location used by Cannon Precision Manufacturing. Archival notes indicate that the railroad ran adjacent to the west side of the plant, facilitating the arrival of raw materials and the departure of finished goods.

The Cannon Oiler reportedly operated for approximately two to three decades until alternative materials replaced brass and bronze in oil can production, leading to a decline in popularity. In the mid-1940s, local businessmen reorganized the Cannon Oiler Manufacturing Company, with Franklin E. Staats serving as President and General Manager. Other individuals involved in the reorganization included Kenneth Tibbits, Orin Aubrey, Jodo Hainaut, and Guy Joy, some of whom were also affiliated with the Staats Manufacturing Company.

Archival Facility and Capabilities

Preserved pages from the former website describe Cannon Precision Manufacturing as a fully vertically integrated facility, which historically meant reduced delays from subcontractors. The archive notes that the facility could recycle chip metal, sometimes as much as 90% of the cast weight, contributing to operational efficiency. These details are presented as historical context and do not imply current operations.

The archived content also indicates that the company produced bronze bearings, bushings, thrust washers, thrust plates, and custom design parts since 1946. Over time, the facility invested in special-purpose equipment for thrust plates and CNC lathes and mills, refining its machining processes. These descriptions are preserved for reference and should not be interpreted as current capabilities or guarantees.

Preserved Management and Personnel Records

Historical records from the archived website list several individuals in management roles. For example, George Mugford was noted as President and Managing Director, with a background in economics and accounting. Scott A. Spencer was listed as Product Manager for Custom Products, with experience at Cannon from 1998 onward. Michael D. Barnhouse was identified as Bearing Cage Product Manager and CNC Director, with prior experience in the pump industry. Lynette K. Louck was recorded as Office Manager and Controller, with tenure starting in 1977. Susan J. Mugford was listed as Product Manager for Phenolic Bearing Cages, with systems and data processing experience.

These names and roles are preserved solely as historical documentation. They do not indicate current employment, affiliations, or endorsements. Readers seeking current industry contacts should consult relevant professional directories or regulatory bodies.

Modern Reference Scope and Educational Purpose

This archive serves as a reference for those studying the history of bronze casting, bearing manufacturing, and precision machining. The preserved excerpts provide insight into mid-20th-century industrial practices, including vertical integration, material recycling, and the adoption of CNC technology. The content is intended for educational use, not as a guide to current manufacturing standards.

For contemporary specifications, industry standards, or safety guidelines, readers are encouraged to consult primary sources such as ASTM International, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or relevant trade associations. Always verify any technical data with authoritative, up-to-date references before application.

Navigating the Archive

The archive is organized into topic guides covering historical processes, alloy references, machining techniques, and industry context. Each guide draws exclusively from the preserved history excerpts and avoids speculation about current operations. Users can explore these guides to understand how bronze manufacturing evolved over the decades.