By 1852 John D. Dale was making wood moldings in Philadelphia. By 1855 he was also making (or selling) planing machines of his own patented designs. This continued until 1856. He was granted an 1857 patent for improvements to his planing machine but the 1857 city directory no longer lists him as a manufacturer; it is possible that he refused to pay a listing fee and so is not listed for that reason. Also in 1857, he submitted a patented universal planing, moulding and and sash machine to the American Institute of New York City's fair.

Information Sources

• 1852 McElroy's Philadelphia Directory, page 97, lists "Dale John, moulder 57 Washington."
• Dale is not listed in the 1854 McElroy's directory.
• 1855 McElroy's Philadelphia Directory, page 119: "Dale, John D, moulding manuf. & planing machines, fac. Willow bel. 13th, office S W 4th & Chestnut, h Richards' house, S W 8th and Sp Garden".
• 1856 McElroy's Philadelphia Directory, page 91, lists "Dale John D. moulding manuf. 143 and house 40 Brown".
• 1856 McElroy's Philadelphia Directory, page 139, lists "Dale, John D, moulding manuf. & planing machines, fac. Willow bel. 13th, h S W 8th and Sp Garden".
• Dale is not listed in the 1857, 1859 or 1864 Philadelphia Directories.
• 1857 Transactions of the American Institute of the City of New York, page 123, lists exhibitors at that years Fair of the American Institute, include Dale.