The Bates Automobile Company
The Bates Automobile Company (1904-1905) was formed on May 27, 1903. The investors in the new corporation were M.F. Bates, Bliss Stebbins and J.P. Edmonds. The initial capitalization was $60,000. The company, as stated by Mr. Edmonds, was entirely separate from the Bates & Edmonds Company.
An advertisement for the Bates Automobile The Bates automobile was the brainchild of M.F. Bates. A local paper states, 'For a long time M.F. Bates has been perfecting an automobile and it is claimed that he has made several important inventions that will be used on the new vehicle'. The article also mentions that Bates had recently patented a new carburetor that is claimed to be one of the best on the market.
Advertisement for Bates Automobiles The Bates Automobile Company had an interesting history, as well as interesting advertisements (note the slogan in the ad to the left). The company produced a two seat runabout and, later, a four seat automobile. The plant was located in the 300 block of South Capitol Ave, in the old Armory building. The Bates Automobile Company only produced about 25 vehicles and ceased producing automobiles in 1905. Other investors in the company were J. Edward Roe, R.W. Morse and H.A. Hayse.
