American Cornice Works (ACW), predecessor to Buckley Industries, was founded in the mid-1880s by Fred Buckley and A. E. English in Wichita, Kansas. In 1900, Buckley bought English’s share of the company for $200.00. The company distributed, installed and fabricated sheet metal products throughout the central Plains states from their shop at the corner of First and Water streets in Wichita.  Fred was joined in the business by his two sons, Mert and Roy, however Roy left the business in the late 1920’s to start an airplane company. ACW moved to 237-239 North Water. Mert Buckley designed and patented the “Buckley’s Multi-Syphon” ventilator which was specified by architects for use on buildings throughout the world, and can still be found in use on buildings today.