Category Archives: Business

Herman-Laubheimer Brewery

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

The Herman-Laubheimer Brewery lasted only a few years in the 1860s and ’70s at the southwest corner of Amos and Jefferson streets, but a last few vestiges resurfaced — literally — in the 1990s. The operation began after Frank A. … Continue reading →

Posted in Breweries, Business, Fever River | Leave a comment

Herndon & Co.

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Founded in 1866, R.F. Herndon & Co. sold dry goods and women’s and children’s clothing, specializing for many years in gloves. Herndon’s was on Fifth Street until 1964, when it moved to 206 S. Sixth St.  A Herndon’s opened in … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Department stores | Tagged | 14 Comments

Archer Herndon (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Archer G. Herndon Sr. (1795-1867) was one of the “Long Nine,” including Abraham Lincoln, who are credited with persuading the Illinois legislature to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. Archer Herndon also was the father of William … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Maps, Politics, Prominent figures, State government | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Carrol Hall (First Citizen)

Posted on October 24, 2013 by editor

Carrol Hall (1905-95) was a co-founder and first president of Springfield-based Horace Mann Insurance Co. In 1945, Hall joined with fellow teacher Les Nimmo to create Horace Mann (originally named the IEA Mutual Insurance Co.). The firm at first offered … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Education, First Citizens, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

Horace Mann insurance

Posted on October 24, 2013 by editor

Two Springfield public school teachers, Carrol Hall and Les Nimmo, founded the Illinois Education Association Mutual Assurance Co. in 1945 to market auto insurance to Illinois teachers. The company, later named Horace Mann Educators Corp. to honor the pioneering educator, soon … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Education, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Ice harvesting

Posted on October 23, 2013 by editor

Before artificial refrigeration was invented, ice was cut from rivers, ponds, and lakes during the winter and sent to storehouses, businesses, and homes. Bigger customers included produce shippers, grocery stores, and breweries, which needed huge quantities of ice. Springfield’s old … Continue reading →

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Elijah Iles (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 23, 2013 by editor

Elijah Iles (1796-1883) was Springfield’s first merchant and perhaps its most dynamic founder. Iles built a log store near the settlement of the John Kelly family shortly after arriving in central Illinois. Iles described his move to Sangamon County and … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Historic Sites, Illinois capital, Native Americans, Parks, Prominent figures, Springfield | Leave a comment

Indian Queen Hotel

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

A few Springfield and Sangamon County histories mention a once-famed hostelry, now generally forgotten — the Indian Queen Hotel. Owned and operated by Archer Herndon Sr., Sr., the Indian Queen was one of the city’s best accommodations in the early 1830s. … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, John T. Stuart, Prominent figures | Tagged , | Leave a comment

International Shoe Company

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

Springfield had a major shoe factory at Tenth Street and Enos Avenue from 1903 to 1964. The plant, built in the late 19th century, originally was the Springfield Furniture Co., but became a shoe factory when it was taken over … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Industry, Social services, Women | Tagged | 13 Comments

John W. Hobbs Corp.

Posted on October 22, 2013 by editor

John W. Hobbs Corp. manufactured automotive accessories in Springfield from 1938 until 2009. Products included hour meters, battery indicators, controls, switches and the first clock for automobiles. Founder John W. Hobbs (1889-1968), who had worked as a youth for the short-lived Springfield Motor … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Prominent figures | Tagged | 22 Comments