World War I tripled the fledgling steel drum industry to more than 30 manufacturers by the end of the war. By the late 1930s, the 55-gallon, 18-gauge steel drum was an essential container. Demand boosted production and fostered innovation. In 1905, the American Steel Barrel Company, with Nellie Bly at its helm, was awarded the first patent for the straight-sided 55-gallon drum.