The Failed Pan Auto Company in MN

Pan Motor Company, St. Cloud Minnesota

Date added: August 15, 2023 Categories: Minnesota Industrial Auto Companies

When the popularity of the automobile brought Samuel C. Pandolfo to St. Cloud in 1917 with intentions to rival Detroit, he envisioned an extensive industrial and residential complex for the manufacture of the automobile and in just two years his plans reached substantial completion. He was greeted with great enthusiasm for the unity and sense of purpose which he brought to the community and several local leaders became directors in the company. Although only approximately 750 Pan cars were produced between 1917 and 1922, they were considered the best and most popular of Minnesota's 16 automobile manufacturers. Automobile periodicals of the time found the car innovative, particularly for its small motor, and the Pan Model 250 was one of the most popular of the Chicago National Automobile Show of 1918. Unfortunately, Pandolfo's ability to sell stock exceeded his skill at turning a profit. His overly extravagant claims led to mail-fraud charges and in 1919 he was found guilty in a dramatic and highly publicized Chicago trial. By the time the case was settled in 1923, the company had failed.

In spite of its short-lived existence, the Pan Motor Company was of considerable historical impact. Not only did the Pan automobile achieve superiority with the state, it also attracted national attention through its inventive design. Yet, moreover, Samuel C. Pandolfo's ambitious plans brought the concept of large-scale industrial and residential development to St. Cloud and provided considerable community focus during the colorful years of his venture.

Even the demise of the Pan Motor Company was typical of the fate suffered by the small auto manufacturers throughout the United States. Post World War I inflation and the subsequent depression resulted in a sharp decline in the demand for cars and the small local company was unable to compete with the mass production and unlimited finances of the large automobile corporations. Of the 225 auto companies organized from 1903 to 1925, only 44 were in existence in 1916. Of these, only 11 had survived the entire period.

Building Description

The Pan Motor Company Office and Sheet Metal Works buildings are located on the south side of the Great Northern railroad tracks just across from the main plant of the former car manufacturer. The office building faces 33^rd Avenue and the sheet metal works is directly behind the office. Of the manufacturing buildings associated with the Pan Motor Company, these two retain the most integrity.

The Pandolfo Manufacturing Company Office and Sheet Metal Works building is located on the south side of the Great Northern Railroad tracks, just across from the main plant of the former car manufacturer. The office building faces 33^rd Avenue and the Sheet Metal Works is directly behind the office. Built in 1919, they were the last completed structures associated with the Pan Motor Company. Begun in 1917, this ambitious development included a 47 acre industrial site, with 15 buildings containing over 210,000 square feet, as well as a 58 house residential development for company employees and a Motor Hotel.

The Office building is a single-story flat-roofed structure on a raised basement. It is of brick construction, painted red with white trim. The office measures 40' by 80' with an 11' by. 15' enclosed stairway extending off the north side. Front central stairs lead to a single front door. The hooded door surround has fluted pilasters. Some of the front facade windows have been altered by filling with brick or glass brick. The south wing windows were enlarged by removing brick dividers. The building is now occupied by several businesses.

The Sheet Metal Works, of identical design to many structures of the main complex, towers above the office building. It is a manufacturing building typical of the era. Concrete end walls support steel and glass side walls. The end walls also have numerous windows. The building is well lit naturally by the double-monitor roof which rises in two steps from the ground level. Erected initially to produce the compartment tanks used on the Pan car, it later manufactured the Simmons patented steel auto wheel, metal folding chairs, gas tanks and luggage racks. The building has not experienced any significant alteration and now houses an appliance business.

The main plant was substantially altered to accommodate subsequent manufacturing industries and only vestiges of the concrete Power Plant remain. The Head Treating Plant, although altered and in deteriorated condition, also remains extant.