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View of the industries of Morris from across the Illinois River in the early 1900's (from left - Gebhard Brewery, Coleman Hardware Co., & Woelfel Leather Co.). The 1900 steel bridge crossing the river at the end of Calhoun Street is shown on the right. |
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Gebhard Brewery - beer shipped throughout Illinois. |
Coleman Hardware Co. - made door hinges, window locks, sash balances, & iron toys. |
Woelful Leather Co. (The Tannery) - manufactured fur coats, fur robes, footwear, harnesses, & saddles. |
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By 1877, Morris was a prosperous town. Business establishments consisted of 15 groceries, 6 dry goods, 5 grain merchants, 4 butchers, 10 blacksmiths, 6 cigar makers, and 20 saloons - to name a few. |
| In 1881, the Allen Paper Car Wheel Co. on East North Street made railroad car wheels out of straw. This industrial location underwent many changes throughout the years, but always remained a manufacturer of paper products. In 1915, it became the Morris Paper Mill which ceased operations in 1956. Then, it became the Federal Paperboard which closed in 1980. |
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The Morris Oatmeal Co. was started in 1901 by W.G. Norton and Conrad Elerding. They built it on the north side of the railroad between Wauponsee and Lisbon Street. Later, Quaker Oats Co. bought the company and shipped their product all of the world with "Morris, Illinois" on the box. By 1921, operations had ceased. |
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City of Morris • 320 Wauponsee Street • Morris, IL 60450 • (815) 942-0103
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