The Brugman Brothers Automobile

Otto and Henry Brugman started a bicycle shop in Manistee, MI in the late 1890s working on and repairing bicycles, guns, jewelry, and much more. In 1899 they began constructing a one-cylinder automobile, completing it in 1902 and building additional vehicles from 1907-to 1909 similar to the early prototype. Eventually the company became agents for various manufacturers and would serve the community of Manistee until around 1949. 

The Brugman family moved to the United States from Germany around 1875 settling in Reed City, MI. Henry Brugman Sr. was a watch repairman by trade and most certainly passed his skills on to his sons Otto and Henry Jr. as they would open a bicycle and general repair shop in Manistee, MI in the late 1890’s.

In 1899 the Brugman brothers would begin to develop an automobile of their own design. The industry was quite young but they felt they could produce a model worthy of the other inventors of that day. The car would be completed by 1902 and as word traveled other people in the city would ask them to build additional models in the years to follow.

Otto and Henry were listed in the 1907-1909 city directories as auto manufacturers and it is assumed this is when the bulk of their automobiles were built. The bicycle shop did not afford the proper space to manufacture automobiles so much of the work was done at a local auto garage.

Around 1910 the company was expanding into repair and automobile sales and was now known as “Brugman Brothers & Company” moving temporarily to the old Manistee Iron Works building. By late 1911 the company would be taken over by the “Auto Garage Company” which was still run by Henry and Otto but allowed them to expand even further. They would change locations a couple of times in the coming years and would continue to add new manufacturers as clients and continue their repair business. It is also assumed the brothers continued to manufacture automobiles as the need arose.

The company served the community of Manistee under Henry and Otto until their passing but continued on as a Dodge and Plymouth dealer until 1949.

Accessed May 23rd 2022. www.wheelswaterengines.com.