1935
Johns Trailer Company was founded in Cleveland.
Trailers and hitches were constructed in a 1,600-square foot building on Buckeye Road.
Also that year, Elliot Ness became Safety Director of Cleveland. (He ran for mayor in 1947.)
1936
The year after Johns Trailer Company was founded, the Republican National Convention was held in Cleveland, the Cleveland Barons hockey team was established, and fluorescent lighting was introduced at NELA Park. We had nothing to do with any of that, but we think it’s cool. Oh, and Jesse Owens won four gold medals at Berlin Olympic Games.
1954
You could get a complete hitch for about $5.
1955
Rapid Transit operation began in Cleveland. The Cleveland & Newburgh line operated along Euclid Avenue, from Public Square to Wade Park.
1957
Trailer rentals were booming on Buckeye!
1960
Suburban sprawl was underway: Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Independence, North Olmsted, Richmond Heights, Strongsville and Warrensville Heights all achieved city status.
Also in the early 1960s, JTI started tow bar manufacturing.
1970
Edward E. Agoston, Sr. took over the family business in the early 1970s.
1975
Johns Trailer Company became JTI.
The Miracle of Richfield was underway at the Coliseum.
1987
JTI moved into a new location in Oakwood Village.
And we’re still here, open 6 days a week. Stop in to see us at 7400 Oak Leaf Road, right off of I-271 at the Forbes/Broadway exit.
1995
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened, the Indians won the American League championship, and Browns owner Art Modell announced he would move the team to Baltimore.
2001
Jane Campbell was elected as Cleveland’s first female mayor.
JTI began selling snowplows and snow management equipment.
Today, we proudly sell snow removal equipment from Meyer – another great Cleveland company!
2016
80+ years in business & still going strong! Come see why!
See more tidbits from Cleveland’s history at the site maintained by CWRU; find a narrative description of JTI’s history in one of our April blog posts. Call us at 440.232.4311
