Category Archives: Industry

Springfield in 1912 (‘General Facts’)

Posted on November 12, 2014 by editor

Above is a page from Springfield: The Capital of the State of Illinois (1912), published by the Springfield Commercial Association, a forerunner of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps the most illuminating “general fact” to the modern reader is … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Media, Photos and photosets, Railroads | Leave a comment

The Pasfield family (1830s to 1930)

Posted on September 28, 2014 by editor

Three men named George Pasfield — father, son and grandson, usually distinguished as “the first George Pasfield,” “Dr. George Pasfield” and “George Pasfield Jr.” — played major roles in the growth of Springfield over nearly a century. 1830s George Pasfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Early residents, First Citizens, Historic Sites, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Industry, Local government, Parks, Prominent figures | 3 Comments

Central Illinois Public Service Co.

Posted on March 5, 2014 by editor

The utility company now part of the utility conglomerate Ameren Illinois was founded in Mattoon as an electric streetcar line in 1902. The firm eventually moved into other businesses — electric generation and distribution and delivery of  natural gas, water … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Business, Department stores, Depression, Industry | 6 Comments

Armbruster Manufacturing Co.

Posted on March 5, 2014 by editor

Update: Armbruster Manufacturing Co. announced its permanent closure in February 2024. Many artifacts and documents from the company’s almost 150 years in business were donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.  In 1875, Rudolph Herman “R.H”. Armbruster broke away from … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Military, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Illinois Agricultural Works

Posted on February 14, 2014 by editor

*This entry has been corrected. See note below. The Illinois Agricultural Works, founded in 1882, had a farm implement plant at 10th and South streets for a few years. However, it is most notable because of its status as an … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry, Prominent figures, Social services | 2 Comments

Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co.

Posted on November 2, 2013 by editor

The Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co. (later Fiat-Allis and Fiatallis) made heavy construction equipment from 1928 until 1985 at a 70-acre plant between Sixth and 11th streets and Stanford Avenue and Stevenson Drive. At its peak in the 1960s, A-C employed about … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Military | 85 Comments

Amrhein Bakery

Posted on November 2, 2013 by editor

Amrhein Bakery, founded in 1888 by Christoph Amrhein (1864-1935) operated first from a shop in downtown Springfield, but moved to Eighth Street and North Grand Avenue a few years later. Business grew to the point that Amrhein built a large … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry | Tagged | 4 Comments

Bunn-O-Matic Corp.

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

Update: Bunn-O-Matic, renamed BUNN Commercial, was sold in March 2026 to the Ali Group, a global food service conglomerate (though apparently now based in Chicago, Ali was founded in Italy). Ali’s plans for Bunn’s Springfield operations were unclear.  George Regan … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Prominent figures | 4 Comments

Carpenter’s Mill

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

Carpenter’s Mill, a saw and grist mill, was built in 1845 near where modern Business Route 55 crosses the Sangamon River south of Sherman. The rock cut where the old road went through the bluff is still visible. The mill … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Mills, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Chapman Laundry

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

The Edwards & Chapman Laundry was founded in 1905 by H.C. “Kelly” Edwards (1872-1938) and Alvin Chapman (1873-1958) and grew rapidly, moving into its own specially constructed building in the 100 block  of West Cook Street in 1908. The 26,500-square-foot … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Industry, Prominent figures | Tagged | 8 Comments