Category Archives: Industry

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 | 3 Comments

Bunn-O-Matic Corp.

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

George Regan Bunn (1915-2002), while managing the Capitol Wholesale Grocery Co. in the mid-1950s, started a division dedicated to coffee brewing equipment. In 1957, he perfected the world’s first flat-bottomed fluted paper coffee filter, a step that revolutionized coffee brewing, … 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 →

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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 →

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Clark’s Mill

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

Clark’s Mill was on the South Fork of the Sangamon River near Rochester. The Clark brothers, Edward and Phillip, came to the United States from England with the express purpose of building a watermill. They arrived in Sangamon County in … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Industry, Mills | 3 Comments

Culver Marble and Stone Co.

Posted on October 29, 2013 by editor

The Culver Marble and Stone Co. and its offshoots, headed by Col. James S. Culver (1852-1911), were among the Springfield area’s most prominent builders from the early 1870s until 1912. As a contractor, the Culver firm was given credit for … Continue reading →

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Darling’s Mill

Posted on October 29, 2013 by editor

Darling’s Mill was on the North Fork of the Sangamon River in Clear Lake Township, south of the modern Mechanicsburg Road crossing. One of the lesser known mills today, Darling’s Mill is actually well documented in the historical record. The … Continue reading →

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Frank Godley’s Shoddy Manufactory

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Frank Godley (1841-1922), proprietor of the Springfield Shoddy Mills, was born in Yorkshire, England, where he became involved in woolen manufacture starting at 10 years old. He emigrated to the United States in 1864 and reached Springfield in 1867. Godley … Continue reading →

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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 | 10 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 | 19 Comments