Plumbing manufacturer A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co., based in Dubuque, Iowa, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The company is planning several events to celebrate with employees, retirees, family members and the Dubuque community - including a special history book and video, and a private celebration to be held in September with Jay Leno as the headline entertainer.
Founder Andrew Young McDonald earned his journeyman plumbing certification in Scotland, then journeyed to the United States in 1854. In 1856, he started his own plumbing business before enlisting in the infantry during the Civil War.