29 right: The Republic was manufactured in Hamilton, Ohio from 1909 to 1914 in the old Kiefaber building which was later purchased by Western States. Touted as the “Classiest of All,” the Republic Motor Car sold for $2,250.00 in 1913. By today’s standards in 2017, the car’s purchase value would be approx. $55,275.00. On February 15, 1936, Western States entered into a lease with an option to purchase all of Columbia Tool’s assets. The company exercised that option in 1937, bringing all of Columbia’s personnel to Western States’ payroll, and expanding the company into a full-scale design, sales, and manufacturing organization. Western States continued to do business at that location and at a second one in Hamilton until 2013.