An American Manufacturing Story

Founded in 1902, Drape‍r is a leader in modern manufacturing.

• 1902

  A Booming Beginning

  Luther O. Drape‍r launched his window shade business at an ideal moment. In 1902, Indiana's manufacturing sector was thriving. Even in his home, the small town of Spiceland, Drape‍r found everything he needed: a suitable location, a ready and willing workforce, and convenient access to the Interurban railway. This rail line connected rural towns to larger cities, allowing Drape‍r to expand his reach to schools across east central Indiana and western Ohio, building his business one shade at a time.

  
• 1922

  A New Home

  Throughout the early 20th century, the Luther O. Drape‍r Shade Company continued to innovate, developing new shading solutions tailored to a variety of window styles. In 1922, the company relocated to a new office and manufacturing facility on the southern edge of Spiceland. This site was especially appealing due to its direct access to the Interurban railway, which ran right past the front of the building — streamlining transportation and distribution. The facility was later expanded and, remarkably, still serves as Drape‍r headquarters today.

  
• 1926

  A Change in Leadership

  In 1926, Luther O. Drape‍r was elected to serve as an Indiana State Senator, a role he held until 1930. During his time in public office, leadership of the company transitioned to his son-in-law, Elmer Pidgeon, who stepped in to manage operations. Under Pidgeon's guidance, the company maintained its momentum and continued to build on the Drape‍r legacy of innovation and growth.

  
• 1930s

  Stability in a Turbulent Time

  The Great Depression of the 1930s brought widespread hardship across the country, but the Luther O. Drape‍r Shade Company remained resilient. Despite the economic challenges, the company weathered the storm without a single layoff, demonstrating a strong commitment to its employees and a remarkable ability to maintain stability during uncertain times.

  
• 1938

  A Family Tradition

  With the passing of Luther O. Drape‍r at the age of 71, Elmer Pidgeon is appointed president of the company, creating the Drape‍r tradition of continuing family leadership.

  
• 1957

  New Growth

  In the 1950s, schools began asking Drape‍r to produce projection screens. Luther Pidgeon — grandson of founder Luther Drape‍r and future company president — recognized the opportunity. Since screens operated on the same principle as window shades, he developed the V Screen. This marked the beginning of a long-standing Drape‍r tradition: creating innovative products that build on existing expertise in materials and mechanisms.

  
• 1960

  New Leadership

  Luther Pidgeon became company president, continuing in that capacity until his death in July 2004.

  
• 1977

  New Horizons

  With the launch of two new portable screens, Drape‍r became a full-fledged competitor in the projection screen industry.

  
• 1981

  A New Identity

  The company was incorporated, becoming Drape‍r Shade & Screen Co., Inc.

  
• 1984-1986

  AV Innovation

  Drape‍r introduced its first projection screens designed specifically to meet the needs of CRT video projectors, including models compatible with Kloss Novabeam systems. Two years later, Drape‍r's introduction of its first electric projector lift, further diversifying its audiovisual offerings.

  
• 1989

  Commercial Shades

  FlexShade Systems were added to the Drape‍r portfolio — durable, high-performance window shades designed for commercial environments.

  
• 1994-1998

  New Markets

  With the acquisition of O.C. Steele, Drape‍r entered the gymnasium equipment market, eventually becoming the largest manufacturer of gym equipment in the United States. The later acquisition of Progressive Athletics added basketball backstops and volleyball equipment into the Drape‍r product line.

  
• 1999

  AV Expansion

  Drape‍r enhanced its projector lift capabilities with the acquisition of manufacturer McDaniel & Lloyd. The company officially adopted the name Drape‍r, Inc.

  
• 2000

  A True American Manufacturer

  Around the end of the 20th century, a pattern began developing in the U.S. — companies moving component supply and even manufacturing out of the country. As competitors began outsourcing manufacturing overseas, Drape‍r chose a different path. Staying true to our long-time values, the company brought more production in-house, evolving from an assembly operation into a full-scale manufacturer — reinforcing its commitment to quality and American craftsmanship.

  
• 2004

  Continued Family Leadership

  John Pidgeon, the son of Luther Pidgeon, became President of Drape‍r, Inc.

  
• 2009

  Campus Expansion

  Drape‍r expanded its ninth and largest building on campus, adding significant manufacturing space to support continued growth.

  
• 2017

  Videowall Solutions

  Drape‍r launched a new line of Mounts and Structures for electronic videowalls, including custom structures, frames, mounts, kiosks and trim — tailored for any digital display configuration.

  
• 2019

  Fifth-Generation Leadership

  Chris Broome was named the fifth president of Drape‍r, Inc. — becoming the fourth descendant of Luther Drape‍r to lead the company.

  
• 2021

  Drape‍r At Home

  Drape‍r returned to the residential market with the launch of Drape‍r at Home. Initially focused on residential window shades, the line soon expanded to include home audiovisual products and gym equipment.

  
• 2023

  Expansion and Market Leadership

  Drape‍r opened a 10th building on the Spiceland, Indiana campus, adding solar panels that reduced dependence on the outside energy grid by 40%. Drape‍r also instituted an energy monitoring and control system to shut down or reduce building systems in areas where they are not in use — including lights, air compressors, and HVAC, the three biggest energy users — during weekend and overnight hours.

  
• 2025

  Shading Solutions for Bold Architecture

  Drape‍r welcomed Guthrie Douglas to our family of brands. Known for precision-engineered tension systems, Guthrie Douglas brought decades of experience solving complex shading challenges in architectural spaces.

  With this addition, Drape‍r customers gained access to shading systems well-known and respected across the UK and Europe.

  
• Today

  Historic Choices, Benefit Partners

  Drape‍r is built on long-term partnerships and deeper relationships — not short-term transactions. Our commitment to quality is backed by full control over the manufacturing process, multiple quality checks, and final inspections that minimize errors and returns.

  We are a debt-free, financially sound, family-owned company. Drape‍r is here to stay — never for sale, and never beholden to outside interests or larger entities. As an American manufacturer, our pricing remains stable and less affected by global tariffs.

  This foundation ensures fast, reliable delivery, exceptional customer service, and the confidence that Drape‍r will be here whenever you need us — next week, next year, and for generations to come.