Overview
Admiral Corporation was a major American manufacturer of radios, televisions, phonographs, and home appliances. Founded in Chicago during the 1930s by Ross Siragusa, the company became one of the leading television manufacturers in the United States during the postwar era. Admiral products were widely distributed throughout North America and became known for affordable consumer electronics and household appliances.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Admiral Corporation |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Ross D. Siragusa |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois |
| Original Company Name | Continental Radio & Television Corporation |
| Primary Products | Radios, televisions, phonographs, appliances |
| Notable Brands | Admiral, AOC |
| Successor Ownership | Rockwell International, Magic Chef, Maytag, Whirlpool |
| Industry | Consumer Electronics and Appliances |
Physical Description
Admiral manufactured a wide range of consumer products including tabletop radios, console radios, black-and-white televisions, color televisions, phonographs, refrigerators, freezers, ranges, and air conditioners. Products were generally marketed toward mainstream American households and department-store distribution channels.
History
Ross D. Siragusa founded Continental Radio & Television Corporation in Chicago in 1934 after the collapse of an earlier radio-parts business during the Great Depression. The company marketed radios under the Admiral brand name and quickly became a successful producer of affordable consumer electronics.
During World War II, Admiral manufactured military electronic equipment for the U.S. government and received Army-Navy “E” awards for production excellence.
Following the war, Admiral became one of the largest television manufacturers in the United States. The company played a major role in bringing television into American homes during the late 1940s and 1950s. Admiral sponsored several major radio and television programs and became heavily associated with the rapid growth of television broadcasting.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Admiral expanded into household appliances including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances. The company operated multiple manufacturing facilities throughout Illinois.
Increasing competition from imported electronics during the 1970s contributed to financial decline. Rockwell International acquired Admiral in 1973, and various divisions were later sold to other companies including Magic Chef and Maytag. The Admiral appliance brand eventually became part of Whirlpool Corporation.
Admiral Overseas Corporation later evolved into AOC International, a major display and monitor manufacturer.
Historical Address
Admiral Corp.
3800 W. Cortland
Chicago, Illinois
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1934 | Continental Radio & Television Corporation founded by Ross D. Siragusa |
| 1940s | Expansion into military electronics production during World War II |
| Late 1940s | Admiral becomes a major television manufacturer |
| 1950s | Expansion into appliances and color television |
| 1960s | Company reaches peak production and employment |
| 1973 | Acquired by Rockwell International |
| 1980s-1990s | Brand ownership transferred through Magic Chef and Maytag |
| 2006 | Admiral appliance brand becomes part of Whirlpool Corporation |
References
- RadioMuseum: Admiral Brand History
Historical manufacturer information and product listings. - Siragusa Foundation: Ross D. Siragusa Biography
Background information on Admiral founder Ross D. Siragusa. - Wikipedia: Admiral Corporation History
Corporate history, product lines, and ownership timeline. - AOC International History
Information regarding Admiral Overseas Corporation and AOC development.