O.S. Rixford Manufacturing Company corporate stock book, 1883-1898.

Around 1837, Luther Rixford founded a tool manufacturing business (originally known as the Luther Rixford Manufacturing Co.) in East Highgate, Vermont, that specialized in manufacturing scythes and other agricultural tools. A branch of this business was established in Upper Bedford, Quebec, around the late 1840's. Subsequent generations of the Rixford family took over the operations of both facilities, and in 1857 Oscar S. Rixford renamed the company the O.S. Rixford Manufacturing Co. The company was incorporated in 1883. Around 1920, the O.S. Rixford Manufacturing Company (of Canada) was acquired by Welland Vale Manufacturing, in St. Catharines, Ontario. The Rixford Company in Vermont continued operations until 1956, when decreasing demand for the tools they manufactured caused them to close their doors.