135 Years in Business is a BIG Deal!

At first glance, 135 doesn't necessarily sound like a milestone to celebrate - it's not like a 100th or 125th anniversary. But these 22 companies, which were founded in 1885, passed their 100th and 135th milestones and are still operating today. That's not an easy task. There is only one publicly-traded company in the group, but several generational family firms; these 22 companies span several industries and represent 11 different states. Let's take a few minutes to recognize the accomplishment of 125 years in business!

Belden Brick, Canton OH (4th & 5th generation)

Bemberg Iron Works, Little Rock AR (3rd generation?)

Block Drug Stores, New York City (2nd generation)

Cretors, Wood Dale IL (5th generation)

Central Michigan Paper, Ada MI

Clay City Pottery, Clay City IN (5th & 6th generations)

Cromwell Architects Engineers, Little Rock AR

E.C. Barton, Jonesboro AR (ESOP)

Gibson's Bakery, Oberlin OH (4th generation)

Havertys Furniture, Atlanta GA (public)

HLW International, New York City

Hayden & Sons Hardware, Cassopolis MI

Home Lumber, Whitewater WI (4th generation)

Humphrey's Building Supply, Tirerton RI

John Krtil Funeral, New York City

L. Sweet Lumber, Provincetown RI (3rd & 4th generations)

M.G. Newell, Greensboro NC (4th generation)

P. Flanigan & Sons, Baltimore MD (5th generation)

Randall Brothers, Atlanta GA (4th generation)

Reusch Jewelers, Petoskey MI (4th generation)

Steinkamp Home Center, Huntington IN (4th generation)

W.C. Bradley, Columbus GA (4th generation)

8 Companies Celebrate 140th Anniversaries in 2020

Eight companies founded in 1880 have survived world wars, economic depression and multiple recessions to celebrate their 140th anniversaries this year. If they practice the longevity factors identified in my research ("Lessons From Century Club Companies: Managing for Long-Term Success") I expect they will make it through these trying times as well. 

Ball Corporation, Broomfield CO (Public)

Citizens State Bank, Lena IL

Freeport Press, New Philadelphia PA

L. S. Starrett, Athol MA (Public, 5th generation, ESOP)

Sandersville Builders Supply, Sandersville GA (3rd generation)

Shaver Transportation, Portland OR (5th generation)

Usinger's, Milwaukee WI (4th generation)

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Altus AR (3rd & 4th generations)