The following article was written in 1922 about Mr. Boosey. Its content would suggest his company started making drains in 1909.
The City of Detroit, Volume 5, 1701-1922: Clarence Monroe Burton
One of the important industries of Detroit in its line is the Greenwood Manufacturing Company, engaged in making iron, nickel, brass and aluminum castings and specializing to a large extent in plumbers' supplies. In 1909 this enterprise was founded by Edward William Norman Boosey, who has since been its head and sole owner. Mr. Boosey was born in Petrolia, Ontario, Canada, and attended the public schools of that city to the age of twelve years, when he came to Detroit. Two years later he entered his apprenticeship at the plumber's trade and served five years, becoming an expert workman. He then became identified with various corporations and for a time was employed 'by the Detroit Dry Dock Company. When twenty-three years of age he secured a position with the firm of Modica & Carroll of Chicago, for whom he acted as traveling installer of acetylene gas plants, and on severing his connection with that company established a business of his own. His business was at first located at No. 128 Shelby street, Detroit, where he remained for eight years, during which period he did a large amount of work. He next removed to the old Whitney building, maintaining his head' quarters there for two years. It was there that he began the manufacture of iron drainage specialties. Starting with one article, he has expanded his interests until he now makes a complete line of drainage traps, special fittings, and manhole covers. About two years ago Mr. Boosey increased his activities by engaging in the manufacture of brass goods, specializing in plumbers' supplies. He was one of the first plumbers in the United States to advocate the abolishment of lead plumbing. The company has furnished drainage specialties for many large hotels, hospitals and public buildings in various sections of the United States. Its product has become generally regarded as among the best in the country. Mr. Boosey was united in marriage to Miss Olive Parkes of Chelsea, Michigan, and they have become the parents of a son, Lorenz N., who was born in Detroit May 23, 1907, and is now a student at the Howe Military school of Howe, Indiana. In his political views Mr. Boosey is a republican, stanchly supporting the principles and candidates of the party, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church. He is connected with the Builders & Traders Exchange, the American Society of Sanitary & Heating Engineers and the Detroit Master Plumbers Association and has taken an active part in promoting the interests of the last-named organization. He is also a member of the Detroit Automobile Club and fraternally is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masons, belonging to Zion Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Boosey is today well known as a manufacturer of drainage specialties throughout the country. He has attempted important things and has been successful. His constantly expanding powers have taken him from humble surroundings to a prominent position in the field where his activities are centered. His initiative spirit and progressive ideas have prompted him to continue beyond the paths which others have marked out, into new fields where his intelligently directed efforts have resulted in successful achievement.
