Bennett Electric was founded by Harry Bennett in 1910. Mr. Bennett was quite a unique individual. At the time, he owned several businesses in the area. One of his companies was started in Milan, Ohio with partner Thomas A. Edison, manufacturing magnetos. Harry Bennett had other prestigious friends in the area which included Henry Ford, the Firestones and the Fisher Brothers from Fisher Body.

Harrison "Harry" Hayes Bennett (1877-1960)

Harry was an inventor and experimented with a variety of materials which included light bulb elements, many of which are still kept at our current location. One of Harry's aspirations was to design and build an automobile. He is credited with not only designing, but building one of the first automobiles in the country. Harry also was one of the founding members of the Huron County Auto Club.

Historic items still on display at Bennett Electric

Initially, automobile repair was Harry Bennett's priciple business. Over time, customers brought in their electric motors to see if he could repair them. Harry recognized the need for this specialized repair service and the business eventually transformed to the servicing and sales of electric motors. Bennett Electric was then located at 21 Mill Street in Norwalk.

Former Mill Street location (Now Mill Street Bistro)

After Harry's passing, his widow Edith Pressler (Bennett) ran the business herself. The business was purchased from Edith by William "Bill" Stewart and his wife Phyllis. Bill had extensive training rewinding and rebuilding motors serving in the Navy.

Edith Bennett stands next to a shop truck at the Mill St. location

A shop truck at the Mill St. Location

Bill Stewart repairing a motor in the Navy

Bill Stewart at the Mill St. location

In 1986, Bennett Electric built and moved into its current location at 211 Republic St. in Norwalk. Bennett Electric is currently managed by Chuck Avarello, Patrick Stewart and Patrick Ball. The company has now risen to repairing large industrial apparatus and has become an industry leader with its top-quality service.