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The 1950’s saw the loss of the two individuals whom,
more than any others, guided Daisy to its position
of dominance in the American airgun industry. On
September 17, 1956 “Uncle Charlie” Bennett passed
away at the age of 94. Up until a few weeks before
his death he never failed to put in a daily
appearance at the Daisy office. Less than 2 years
later on January 24, 1959 E. C. Hough died at the
age of 86. With their passing, Daisy lost the team
that had guided it through three major world
conflicts, three devastating economic downturns, and
past countless competitors both large and small to
emerge as the company whose name was synonymous with
the BB gun.
By the late 50’s the antiquated Daisy
factory was becoming increasingly less efficient as
modern manufacturing processes progressed. This
factor coupled with spiraling taxes and a tightening
labor market caused Daisy to begin a search for a
new location more central to its distribution. The
search, quietly carried out over a period of months,
finally centered on a small northwest Arkansas
community. On April 30, 1958 Daisy closed its doors
for the last time in Plymouth, Michigan and the
first train cars full of machinery started south to
Rogers, Arkansas. July 1, 1958 was the target date
to begin production in its new location but the
first gun came off the line on June 26th
four days ahead of schedule.
Daisy’s relocation to Rogers,
Arkansas in 1958 represented the first major
investment by industry in this highly rural region.
It preceded the area’s ultimate development into the
hub of Arkansas’ economy. Today the market
area (now referred to as Northwest Arkansas) is home
to numerous corporate offices including the world’s
largest retailer and poultry producer.
1880 ║ 1890 ║
1900 ║
1910 ║
1920
║ 1930 ║
1940 ║
The War Years
1950 ║
1960 ║
1970 ║
1980 ║
1990 ║
2000 ║
The Museum
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