Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. - 1952 dated $1,000 3 1/4% 25 Year Bond

$1,000 3 1/4% Bond printed by Columbian Bank Note Company. 

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, founded by Harvey Firestone on August 3, 1900, in Akron, Ohio, began with just 12 employees. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing carriage tires. However, it swiftly shifted its focus to capitalize on the burgeoning automobile industry. A significant partnership was formed in 1906 when Henry Ford selected Firestone tires as the original equipment for his vehicles. This relationship eventually led to Firestone supplying the iconic Model T. Throughout the early 20th century, the company made several groundbreaking innovations. Notably, it introduced the first non-skid tread design in 1908 and the low-pressure balloon tire in 1922. Firestone also played a crucial role in American agriculture by introducing the first practical pneumatic tractor tire in the 1930s, an initiative known as “Putting the Farm on Rubber.”

Today, Firestone operates as a prominent subsidiary of the Japanese-based Bridgestone Corporation, which acquired the company in 1988. This acquisition resulted in the formation of the world’s largest tire and rubber enterprise. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the brand maintains a strong presence in both consumer markets and professional motorsports. Firestone serves as the exclusive tire supplier for the IndyCar Series through at least the 2030 season. In 2026, the company will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a year-long series of events. These events include special activations at the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026. This milestone also marks the launch of new innovative tire solutions and mobile service programs like Firestone Direct, reflecting the brand’s adaptation to modern needs, such as electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance.