1940s

When World War II began in December of 1941, the J.E. Burke Company turned its production efforts to assisting the U.S. government in winning the war. J.E. Burke, always to inventor, devised a self-contained ammunition cart that housed a 75-MM Howitzer machine gun that could be parachuted to the army personnel. The Paracrate, as it was suitably named, was also used to deliver food, medical supplies, and other needed supplies. 

 

The company’s dedication earned special recognition, and in 1943, the J.E. Burke Company was awarded an Excellence in War Production citation. Many government officials and dignitaries visited the Burke factory when the citation was presented and a post-war celebration to honor and celebrate the company’s milestone was held.

 

A devastating fire broke out at the factory in the winter of 1943 that destroyed the Burke facility. Fortunately, J.E. and his family, whose home was situated on the same property as the factory, were not harmed. The fire could not stop the indomitable spirit and drive of J.E. and the very next day he proclaimed that he would rebuild the factory, which is exactly what he did. The rebuilt version of the J.E. Burke Company is the current BCI Burke Company headquarters located on Van Dyne Road in Fond du Lac. The former Burke family home has been transformed into a laboratory for the Burke product development professionals and engineers. 

 

After the fire and with the war behind them, J.E. and Ethlyn renewed their commitment to building the same high quality playground equipment for which the Burke name had become well known. They added to the playground line with other park and recreation equipment such as picnic tables, benches, grills, trash containers, and sports equipment. The use of wood began to be shown on park and recreation products, and Burke hired woodworkers to complement their pipe-bending and sheet metal workers. 

 

J.E., as the parent of three children, was constantly striving for imaginative and fun play experiences for children. He began to design and manufacture “jungle gyms” that resembled modes of transportation such as fire truck, rocket, dump truck, or car. Some of these classic climbers are still played on throughout the United States today.