The Blue Ribbon Auto and Carriage Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was founded in 1900. It had its roots in building horse-drawn carriages and selling horse related supplies. As the automotive age progressed, Blue Ribbon expanded its product line to include automobile bodies, hearses and ambulances.

In October 1908, the company dropped the word “Horse” from its name and added “Auto” in its place. Blue Ribbon sold automobiles, operated a service garage, performed auto repair work and sold gasoline and oil. The firm also became a subcontractor for the Locomobile Company of America, which was one of the leading automobile makers of that time and had its factory in Bridgeport. Blue Ribbon built

bodies for Locomobile. Blue Ribbon also built a few pieces of motor fire apparatus.

The company has the distinction of being the first firm in New England to build a motor pumping engine. For more information about the Blue Ribbon Auto and Carriage Company, please visit The First Motor Pumping Engine Built in New England in the Virtual Fire Museum.