Our Story

Built on family, hard work, and
a name with roots.

Boxcar Creative Co. was built from a mix of family history, small-town grit, and a deep love for creating work that feels personal. The name “Boxcar” isn’t just a nod to vintage design; it’s tied directly to our family’s roots here in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

In the early 1900s, our great grandfather Alonzo Freeman grew up in rural Alabama as one of thirteen children. Looking for opportunity and a better life, he hopped onto a northbound boxcar train with no real destination in mind. Somewhere along the route, the train stopped in Mount Vernon; and for reasons we may never fully know, he stepped off and decided to stay. That moment became the beginning of our family’s story in this town.

Over the years, our family became deeply connected to the local business community. Our grandfather’s family operated Buckeye Candy & Tobacco, a longtime Mount Vernon business that once served as an active railroad freight stop for downtown merchants. Just down the street, our great-great aunt owned The Elaine Shoppe, bringing high-end fashion to Mount Vernon from New York buying trips. Long before overnight shipping and online ordering, goods arrived by train and were unloaded right here in town.

The more we learned about our family history, the more the name “Boxcar” made sense.

Today, Boxcar Creative Co. carries that same spirit of movement, connection, and hard work into a modern creative business. Inspired by 1930s–1950s timeless craftsmanship, we built a company focused on helping businesses move forward. From custom apparel and print production to graphic design, marketing, content creation, and branding, everything we do is centered around building strong businesses and lasting relationships.

At its core, Boxcar Creative Co. is about family, community, and creating work that stands the test of time.