Emma Ferrington & Reliable Rug Factory

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Emma Ferrington inherited Reliable Rug Factory from her deceased husband Warren E. Ferrington in 1890 and quickly expanded services and products. You can still see the remaining building on Keo Way. According to a 2020 Des Moines Register article, this building was cut into at an angle to accommodate the building of Keosauqua Way in 1920 and plans are currently in development for its renovation.

The Midwestern has this to say about her and the business:

During the present month a new line of business is added to the rug making, that of manufacturing mattresses. The factory runs the year round from forty to fifty employees constantly at work... Orders come unsolicited from all over America. Six or eight traveling salesman are also employed... The rugs made of old carpet, are beautiful, really works of art. The new branch of industry will be carried on in the old church on the corner next to the rug factory... She is most capable and intelligent regarding her work and thoroughly enjoys her life of activity.