About Us

Steele is a family-owned legacy of craftsmanship for over 100 years. Based in Massachusetts, USA, we handcraft every basket and truck to order, using the toughest materials to ensure unmatched quality and durability.

The History of Steele Canvas Basket

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  • 1921

    Steele Canvas was founded in Cambridge, MA.

  • 1950

    Steele moves to new location at 199 Concord Turnpike in Cambridge, Ma expanding their operations.

  • 1966

    Steele's first residential gift guide published featuring sling chairs, log carriers, and tote bags.

  • 1975

    John Lordan at an industrial trade show in Washington D.C. showing the Postmaster General how Steele manufactures baskets for enhanced durability.

  • 1984

    Steele launched their best selling Steeletex vinyl beach totes in small and large sizes while expanding their assortment of canvas tote bags.

  • 2009

    Steele featured in Martha Stewart Living, increasing the demand for their home laundry and storage products.

  • 2020

    Steele shifted manufacturing focus and began producing cloth masks, donating over 40,000 masks to frontline workers.

  • 2022

    Boston Red Sox use a Steele Truck to celebrate home runs during their 2021-2022 season, even featuring a J.D. Martinez bobblehead in a truck after his 3-home run outing.

  • 2023

    Steele moves to new manufacturing facility in Wilmington, MA expanding their operations.

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Made in America

since

1921

·

Made in America

since

1921

·

Made in America

since

1921

·

Made in America

since

1921

·

Made in America

since

1921

·

Made in America

since

1921

·

Made in America

since

1921

·

Founded in 1921, on Hamilton St. in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Steele Canvas Basket cut its teeth manufacturing specialty canvas products for the New England coal and textile trades. Steele’s craftsmanship quickly earned it the reputation of providing dependable and durable wares, and soon industries all over the country began ringing up the little shop on Hamilton Street.

Fast forward over 100 years and you can still see many of the same manufacturing processes in our factory. We have since grown and added a variety of durable home wares to our product portfolio, but Steele remains true to its roots. Although the shapes, sizes and materials ran the gamut, the consistency of our quality never changed.

Second generation owners (and brothers) of Steele, John & Paul Lordan, have taken their father’s passion and made it into their very own. The Lordan’s remain committed to carrying on the tradition of the place they fell in love with decades ago. Each product that bears the Steele name has been handcrafted in the U.S.A. and we will continue to make products we are proud of in the community we cherish for the next century and beyond.