Legacy of Innovation: Grant Awarded to Celebrate the History of the Shelby Steel Tube Company

As part of the preparations to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Shelby Cycle Historical Society announced that its project, “Ohio Firsts—The Shelby Steel Tube Company,” has received a $5,000 Trillium Local Activity Grant from the America 250-Ohio Commission.

Shelby, Ohio has been home to a seamless tubing business since 1890, when the Lozier-Yost Seamless Tube Company/Shelby Steel Tube Company was formed. That legacy continues 133 years later as ArcelorMittal Shelby.

The Shelby Steel Tube Company was the first seamless tube factory in America and played a crucial role in the industrial revolution of the early 20th century. The company helped make bicycles, airplanes, and automobiles affordable.

The project will showcase the story of the Shelby Steel Tube Company’s early success, devastating challenges, and admirable resilience during its beginnings from 1890-1909. During those years, the company overcame a fire that destroyed the factory in 1908 through the efforts of the community, who rallied around the company to rebuild.

ArcelorMittal Shelby employees Ashley Canfield, Cory Myers, Tony Slone, and Mike McLaughlin plan to volunteer their time to the project along with members of the Shelby Historical Society and the Richland County - Shelby Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Collectively, the four employees have more than 100 years of employment with ArcelorMittal Shelby. We’re grateful for their dedication to the steel tubing industry and their commitment to keeping the legacy of the business alive.

And we’re delighted to be counted among the important stories of individuals and organizations who have played an important role in shaping the landscape of Ohio and America over the past 250 years!

Read more about the grant and the other recipients who will be telling America’s story through the celebration of Ohio’s particular contributions.