The 1900's elevator shown in this stamp design was built by the Otis elevator firm, founded by Elisha Graves Otis. A series of events, some tragic, caused Otis to move frequently during his early adult years, as well as to change jobs. In all cases, however, he remained active in some form of mechanical work. The firm he was with in 1851 built a new factory in Yonkers, NY, and placed Otis in charge of constructing the machinery, requiring a move from Bergen, NY. The new structure required an elevator, which Otis built. He incorporated some of his own ideas, including that of an automatic safety device to check the fall if the lifting chain broke. Other builders were interested in the design and soon Otis has commissions for three more elevators. He exhibited his elevator at the American Institute Fair. With commissions coming slowly, he also manufactured others of his inventions: railroad cars trucks and brakes, a steam plow, and a bake oven.