From The C.I. Thornburg Co., Inc. website, the business was founded in 1931 by Charles Irving Thornburg in Huntington, W.V., as a fire sprinkler contractor, and a sprinkler is depicted on the Glo-Tan matchstand.

After World War II, Thornburg sold his supply of steel pipe that he'd held in reserve and expanded the business to selling as well as contracting.

He sold the business in 1958. Since then, it has continued to thrive, and there are now five branches that serve the municipal water and wastewater industry in four states.

Photo contributed by Michael & Elizabeth Goff, MGG Collectibles..