Back in 1947 Mr. Walter Drake, a pioneer in direct mail, began operations in Colorado Springs in a one-room office. He had a single novel idea, a character named “Tommy Turtle.” Drake advertised Tommy Turtle in magazines like House Beautiful and Harper’s Bazaar. Parents all over the country began signing their children up to receive personalized, upbeat pen pal letters and gifts from Tommy.
Soon, Mr. Drake made a mail-order catalog that included stationery, pens, personalized labels, and Christmas cards.
Today, Walter Drake offers a variety of hard-to-find and novelty items, from sofa covers to dog beds.
In March 2004, competitor Miles Kimball purchased the Walter Drake company for $53 million.
While online shopping is now common for the company, they still mail out catalogs to those who request them.
Walter Drake maintains a corporate office in Holyoke, Wisconsin.
