Novelty Manufacturing Co.

Since 1922


Original patent drawing of a tin torch

1900

William D. Winger’s patent drawing of a high-quality tin torch

Tin match safe

1911

A primitive tin match safe. The safe would hang on a wall near a home’s wood-burning fireplace or cookstove to keep matches nearby.

Newspaper article about William D. Winger

1912

Official Pennsylvania document recognizing the Novelty Manufacturing Co. name

1922

W. Carl Winger officially registers the name Novelty Manufacturing Co.

Original cone-shaped metal cemetery vase

1925

Novelty’s original cone-shaped metal memorial vase paved the way for a future in floral and gardening products.

Novelty Mfg. workers on break

1926

Novelty Mfg. metal workers take a break outside the factory.

Patent drawing of metal memorial base

1934

Carl Winger’s patent drawing with the metal memorial cemetery vase

Photograph of Bill Winger during his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War 2

1948

Bill Winger served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. during WWII.

Novelty's original metal flower boxes

1957

Novelty’s original enameled metal flower boxes were offered in six different lengths, between 12-36 inches.

Document highlighting introduction of flower box railing brackets

1960s & 1970s

Railing brackets are introduced to complement Novelty’s popular metal flower boxes.

Photos of the warehouse fire

1973

A warehouse fire causes Novelty to relocate their headquarters.

Obituary for W. Carl Winger

1980

Despite the initial start-up of The Novelty Manufacturing Company in 1911 by Carl’s father, it was Carl Winger who registered, incorporated, and continued growing his family’s business from 1922 onward.

Brochures and documents promoting the Home'n Garden brand

1988

As the decades passed, the name “Novelty” didn’t resonate with consumers anymore. The “Home’n Garden” brand targeted the end-user for Novelty’s entire product line.

Photograph of Bill Jr., his son Timothy Winger, and Tim's sister Melinda Winger next to company sign

Early 1990s

Melinda Winger develops the company’s ever-popular Countryside line of planters with her father, Bill.

Aerial view of Novelty's headquarters

1994

The Loop Road location is still Novelty’s headquarters today.

Novelty's first homepage from 1997

1997

Novelty joins the worldwide web!

Joe DiMeo and Mark Bolt

2004

Novelty’s new owners: Mark Bolt (Vice President) and Joe DiMeo (President)

ArtStone catalog collection

2005

Importing begins with high-end metal planters and Artstone planters. Artstone planters are made from a blend of high-grade resin and pulverized stone, providing the upscale appearance of ceramic or concrete, but with the durability of plastic.

Woman gardner promoting the EarthBox container gardening system

2014

The EarthBox® container gardening system grows a variety of annual vegetables, flowers, herbs, and greens.

A STUCK mosquito trap on a kitchen countertop

2016

Novelty enters into the pest control industry with a new non-toxic device for trapping mosquitoes.

Root & Vessel logo on top of succulents

2018

Novelty introduces Root & Vessel® —a consumer-friendly brand name—for its many lines of decorative planters, gardening accessories, and décor.

Novelty Manufacturing 100th anniversary logo

2022

Happy 100th Birthday, Novelty Manufacturing!

Lancaster Home Products logo

2022

Novelty creates Lancaster Home Products—a home improvement products brand.