Draper Inc.

Luther O. Drape‌​r 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, Drape‌​r 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 Drape‌​r to expand his reach to schools across east central Indiana and western Ohio, building his business one shade at a time.

Throughout the early 20th century, the Luther O. Drape‌​r 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 Drape‌​r headquarters today.

In 1926, Luther O. Drape‌​r 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 Drape‌​r legacy of innovation and growth.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought widespread hardship across the country, but the Luther O. Drape‌​r 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.

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

In the 1950s, schools began asking Drape‌​r to produce projection screens. Luther Pidgeon — grandson of founder Luther Drape‌​r 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 Drape‌​r tradition: creating innovative products that build on existing expertise in materials and mechanisms.

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

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

The company was incorporated, becoming Drape‌​r Shade & Screen Co., Inc.

Drape‌​r 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, Drape‌​r's introduction of its first electric projector lift, further diversifying its audiovisual offerings.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.