The Origins of Buco
Joseph Buegeleisen was born in New York on October 22, 1892, the son of Polish Russian immigrant Hyman D. Buegeleisen (b.1860) and Californian Susan Davis (b.1855). In the early 1900s, Hyman Buegeleisen prospered selling books at 489 5th Agenue.
Joseph grew up in comfort in a "well furnished" brownstone at 169 Decatur Street, Brooklyn, NY. Tragedy struck Joseph at in 1908 when Hyman's second wife, Fanny, committed suicide while the rest of the family was at Synagogue. (source)
Joseph's brother, Elias Buegeleisen (b.1878), left the family bookselling business in the mid 1910s and founded the company Strauss & Buegeleisen, which produced "Resistal" Aviator Goggles. These goggles were an early application of safety glass, made with a celluloid layer in between two layers of glass to prevent shattering- similar to modern car windshields.
Joseph followed his brother, leaving behind selling books to become a "commercial traveler" for Resistal aviator goggles. Joseph moved to Detroit as a regional salesman for Resistal around 1930. His experience selling goggles to aviators, motorcyclists and motorists must have given Buegeleisen unique insight into the specialized needs of these groups.
Although later advertisements put the founding of the Joseph Buegeleisen company in 1933, city directories list Buegeleisen as a goggle salesman until 1935, and do not list the Joseph Buegeleisen company until 1937. It's likely that in these early years the company was still small, or that he kept his job with Resistal while setting up his own concern. But it would not stay that way for long.
In 1937, directories list the company as having locations at 642 Beaubien and 2615 Oakman, Detroit, Michigan. By 1939, the company had relocated to the second floor of 1036 Beaubien. By 1941, it had again relocated, to 316 E. Jefferson Ave,. Around 1948, they moved to 1302 E. Woodbridge Ave. The final move and expansion occurred c. 1952, to a new, large facility at 21220 W. Eight Mile Road, Detroit, where it remained.
The simplification of "Buegeleisen Company", "Buco" was first used in 1940.
Known for their leather jackets, Buco was also the countries largest manufacturers and distributor of motorcycle accessories. In 1966, at the peak of their production (sales having quadrupled since 1962), Joseph Buegeleisen sold the company to the American Safety Equipment Corporation of New York, but stayed on, at least for a while, as a consultant.(source). Production of jackets under American Safety's ownership of the company was outsourced to Japan, Spain and England. Former employees went on to start Brooks leather jackets, also based in Detroit.
Joseph Buegeleisen died on March 3, 1971 and is buried in the Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia, MI
Joseph grew up in comfort in a "well furnished" brownstone at 169 Decatur Street, Brooklyn, NY. Tragedy struck Joseph at in 1908 when Hyman's second wife, Fanny, committed suicide while the rest of the family was at Synagogue. (source)
Joseph's brother, Elias Buegeleisen (b.1878), left the family bookselling business in the mid 1910s and founded the company Strauss & Buegeleisen, which produced "Resistal" Aviator Goggles. These goggles were an early application of safety glass, made with a celluloid layer in between two layers of glass to prevent shattering- similar to modern car windshields.
Joseph followed his brother, leaving behind selling books to become a "commercial traveler" for Resistal aviator goggles. Joseph moved to Detroit as a regional salesman for Resistal around 1930. His experience selling goggles to aviators, motorcyclists and motorists must have given Buegeleisen unique insight into the specialized needs of these groups.
Although later advertisements put the founding of the Joseph Buegeleisen company in 1933, city directories list Buegeleisen as a goggle salesman until 1935, and do not list the Joseph Buegeleisen company until 1937. It's likely that in these early years the company was still small, or that he kept his job with Resistal while setting up his own concern. But it would not stay that way for long.
In 1937, directories list the company as having locations at 642 Beaubien and 2615 Oakman, Detroit, Michigan. By 1939, the company had relocated to the second floor of 1036 Beaubien. By 1941, it had again relocated, to 316 E. Jefferson Ave,. Around 1948, they moved to 1302 E. Woodbridge Ave. The final move and expansion occurred c. 1952, to a new, large facility at 21220 W. Eight Mile Road, Detroit, where it remained.
Left: J-82: Steerhide with nickel dome bars throughout. Quilted lining and sleeves, action back, zip sleeves
Middle: J-24: Separate cowhide belt, action back, zippered map pocket (D-Pocket), breast pocket, slash pocket and change pocket. Zipper sleeves, loop to hold jacket to trouser belt.
Right: J-27 Style King: Horsehide, with quilted lining. Also available as the J-15 "Style Queen" for women.
Known for their leather jackets, Buco was also the countries largest manufacturers and distributor of motorcycle accessories. In 1966, at the peak of their production (sales having quadrupled since 1962), Joseph Buegeleisen sold the company to the American Safety Equipment Corporation of New York, but stayed on, at least for a while, as a consultant.(source). Production of jackets under American Safety's ownership of the company was outsourced to Japan, Spain and England. Former employees went on to start Brooks leather jackets, also based in Detroit.
Joseph Buegeleisen died on March 3, 1971 and is buried in the Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia, MI
My son just pulled out my grandpa's leather motorcycle racing jacket that after he passed away, my grandma asked me if I wanted it....was not sure what I was going to do with it besides let it hang in my closet and keeping part of him.....most of the writing has worn off (he was part of the Rockford, Ill motorcycle club) and it is stiff. My son now wants to wear it as it fits him but not sure how to safely soften the leather....it is made of horsehide.
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