The Cantwell Printing Company was established in 1867 by M. J. Cantwell and George P. Robinson in Madison, Wisconsin. On February 17, 1870, Robinson sold his interest in the business to Cantwell and moved east. The firm was then known as the M. J. Cantwell Printing Company until 1903 when it was incorporated as the Cantwell Printing Company. In a short time the enterprise proved to be a successful one, requiring expansion of both the physical facilities and the personnel force. The improvements made included bringing such revolutionary machinery to Madison as the gas engine and the two-revolution press, and the company had the distinction of erecting the first fire-proof, concrete building in the state's capital. Such changes assured the Cantwell Printing Company of becoming one of the foremost business institutions in the Midwest at that time.
Cantwell Printing handled both large and small printing jobs, including work for national magazines such as the once well-known American Thresherman and the Gas Review, as well as the printing of personal invitations and letterheads, and the restoration of old single volumes.
At the time of his death in 1903, three of M. J. Cantwell's eight children were associated in the business: Frank W., business manager; John R., foreman of the bindery; and David B., foreman of the printing department. Frank W. was later to become president; John R., vice-president; and David B., secretary of the company.
As of December 1973, the Cantwell Printing Company is still in operation under the direction of Peter G. Langley.
