The Phelps & Bigelow Windmill Company began in 1877 under the ownership of Horace Phelps and M.J. Bigelow. They became known for the IXL windmills made in wood and later steel. In 1918 the company was known as the Phelps-Bigelow Windmill and Manufacturing Company and one year later was acquired by the Ihling-Doorenbos Company. In 1920 the firm reorganized as the IXL Windmill Company and remained in business until at least 1948. The company was listed in the city directory that year but gone by 1950.