Category Archives: Business

George Reisch discusses Prohibition

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

George Reisch (1846-1936), a son of Franz Sales Reisch, founder of the Reisch Brewing Co., helped find ways to continue the business during Prohibition, making flavored soda water and malt syrup. But his opinion on banning alcoholic beverages was clear: … Continue reading →

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Retail Grocers Association

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Retail Grocers Association was formed in 1894. See “Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.”  

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Retail Merchants Association

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Retail Merchants Association was formed in 1898. See “Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.”

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Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce can trace its origins through a web of predecessor groups, starting in 1869 with formation of the city’s first commercial organization, the Springfield Board of Trade. That group lasted only a few years, but … Continue reading →

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Sangamo Electric Co.

Posted on October 9, 2013 by editor

Editor’s note to readers: We regularly receive technical questions about old Sangamo Electric meters — they obviously were so well made that they practically last forever. Luckily, two readers have responded to some of those questions. (See comments below.) We greatly … Continue reading →

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Hummer Manufacturing Co.

Posted on October 8, 2013 by editor

Operating under a variety of names, Hummer Manufacturing Co. (originally Sattley Manufacturing Co.) was one of Springfield’s most important industries for more than 70 years. The firm originated in 1851 as a small farm-machinery manufacturer operated in the Rochester area by brothers Archibald … Continue reading →

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Racine-Sattley Manufacturing Co.

Posted on October 8, 2013 by editor

See Hummer Manufacturing Co. 

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Sattley Manufacturing Co.

Posted on October 8, 2013 by editor

See Hummer Manufacturing Co. 

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Springfield Boiler Co.

Posted on October 7, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Boiler Co., established in 1890, operated for 73 years in the 1900 block of East Capitol Avenue. The firm, originally named Springfield Boiler and Manufacturing Co., produced a variety of steam boilers for power plants, breweries and manufacturers … Continue reading →

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Busher Brewery (Springfield Brewery)

Posted on October 7, 2013 by editor

The earliest recorded brewery in Springfield was started in 1840 by James Busher. Busher and his brother John emigrated from their native England and settled in Springfield in 1839. The brothers were tanners by trade, or at least worked in … Continue reading →

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