Absalom Backus, Jr. (1824-1901) was a pioneering Michigan manufacturer who, after moving to Detroit in 1867, established a prominent woven basket and wooden crate business. Initially founded with his brother, the company later became known as A. Backus, Jr. & Sons as his sons joined the operation.The company is particularly famous for its specialized, high-quality wooden products: Dog Carriers & Crates: They manufactured durable oak dog crates, often featuring arched tops and metal reinforcements, which were widely used for shipping valuable dogs via train or boat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of their iconic designs included a brass-encased paper label above the door that read: “Valuable Dog. Please Feed and Water,” with a built-in water chute and a spring-loaded chute for dog biscuits. The company motto was “When a dog travels in a Backus crate, it means it's a good dog”.  Henry N. Backus patented a specific animal shipping crate for the company in 1902.

CONDITION:    This trade card is in very good condition with a bump at the top, right corner. A name is written in pencil at the right edge on the reverse. This card is offered as issued and was not removed from an album.