I’ve been reading Curt McConnell’s ‘Great Cars of the Great Plains’, mainly to gather more about the Great Smith in Topeka.

One of those car companies found its niche and is STILL IN BUSINESS TODAY! Luverne began in the usual way as a small carriage maker in a small town, tried making a car in 1903, and then phased back to building bodies for trucks. In 1913 Luverne found its niche in specialized fire equipment, and continued in the same location under the same family until 1985. The company moved across the state line into South Dakota, and is still running now as Spartan.

Carver: (also 1913)

Start where you are.
Work with what you have.
Make something of it.
Never give up.