The History of Eljer

A century's worth of experience is an impressive and noteworthy milestone for any business, to be sure. It's an accomplishment that we're mighty proud of – and one that merits recounting.

It all began in February 1904, when two enterprising young men, cousins Raymond Elmer Crane and Oscar Jerome Backus, joined forces – and names – and created what would one day become one of the most prominent and respected names in the plumbingware industry: Eljer.

Initially the two manufactured brass specialties. But soon, their fast-growing business allowed them to expand into a new area: sanitary ware. Rejecting the idea of using copper-lined wooden tanks for toilets – which was standard for the time – Raymond and Oscar created the world's first vitreous china tank toilet. It's an idea that has stood the test of time so well that it's still the industry mainstay.

Today Eljer continues to offer innovative, beautiful and functional bath tubs, whirlpools, air baths, lavatories, and faucets. And, our commitment to performance, reliability and great design is as strong now as it was when we began, over 110 years ago.