Companies Celebrating 105th Anniversaries in 2020

The 27 companies founded in 1915 that are still prospering in 2020 show an industry concentration not often seen in Century Club Companies: 11 of them are associated in some way with the construction industry. One follower has speculated this is because of the strong local relationships and reputations that are necessary to succeed in the construction business and, as readers of my book Lessons from Century Club Companies: Managing for Long-Term Success know, being an active community supporter is one of the five longevity factors uncovered in my research. I also find it interesting that three of these companies are confectioners - yum! Though five of the companies celebrating their 105th anniversary are manufacturers, just two are public. At least 17 are generational family firms. Here is the list:

Attman's Delicatessen, Baltimore MD (3rd generation)

Baker Roofing, Raleigh NC (3rd generation)

Black & Veatch, Overland Park KS (ESOP)

Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, South Burlington VT (4th generation)

Campbell Lumber & Supply, Superior WI

Charles River Bancorp, Medway MA

Commercial Metals, Irving TX (public)

Cramer's Home Building Centers, East Stroudsburg PA (3rd generation)

Delaware North, Buffalo NY (3rd generation)

Donaldson Company, Bloomington MN (public)

Gannett Fleming, Camp Hill PA

General Agency, Mount Pleasant MI (5th generation)

Haven's Candies, Portland ME

Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Bloomfield Hills MI (3rd generation?)

Kogetsu-Do Confectionery, Fresno CA (3rd generation)

Kottler Metal Products, Willoughby OH (4th generation)

Kruse Lumber, Rocherster MN (2nd generation)

Lanzafame Furniture, Pittsburg CA (3rd generation)

Mannington Mills, Salem NJ (4th generation)

Midmark, Dayton OH (4th generation)

Patrick Lumber, Portland OR

Rygwelski's IGA, Rogers City MI (4th generation)

Ruhlin, Sharon Center OH (3rd generation)

Union Bank & Trust, Monticello AR

Weidel Real Estate, Pennington NJ (4th generation)

Western Specialty Contractors, St. Louis MO (3rd generation)

William P. Meyer, Stamford CT (4th generation)

Michigan's Oldest Companies, Updated

Having received several comments on my 2014 post about Michigan's oldest companies, I decided it was time to update this list. Thank you, readers, for your interest and information. Michigan has over 150 Century Club Companies, four of which began even before Michigan became a state in 1837. I look for companies that have been in continuous, independent operation for over 100 years. Any additional information you might have to update this list is appreciated!

Note: This data base does not include companies that have declared bankruptcy, such as General Motors which was founded in 1908 but declared bankruptcy in 2009. I also have not listed family farms unless they have a commercial presence.  

1825: Keeney and Miller Orchards, Erie MI (6th generation)

1827: Northville Lumber, Northville MI (6th generation)

1828: George Jerome & Co, Roseville MI (6th generation)

1831: New Hudson Inn, New Hudson MI

1846: Martin's Shoe House, Monroe MI
          Yaeger's Shoes, Monroe MI (5th generation)

1850: Preusser Jewelers, Grand Rapids MI
          Raymond Hardware, Port Sanilac MI

1852: Schaefer & Bierlein, Frankenmuth MI (6th generation)

1853: SmithGroup, Detroit MI
          Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea MI (2nd generation)

1854: Feigi's Interiors, Saginaw MI

1858: Winglemire Furniture, Holly MI (5th generation)

1859: Judd Lumber, Dowagiac MI (4th generation)

1860: Graafschap Hardware, Holland MI (7th generation)
          Langeland-Sterenberg & Yntema Funeral Homes, Holland MI (5th & 2nd generations)

1864: Independent Bank, Ionia MI (public)
          Johnston Boiler, Ferrysburg MI
          Rupp Funeral Home, Monroe MI (5th generation)

1865: Hubbard Supply, Flint MI

          Kositchek's, Lansing MI (4th generation)

1868: Frankenmuth Insurance, Frankenmuth MI
          Sieb Plumbing, Heating & AC, Monroe MI (5th generation)

1870: Challenge Machinery, Norton Shores MI
          Star of the West Milling, Frankenmuth MI (4th generation)

1871: French Paper, Niles MI (6th generation)

1872: Meyer Music, Grand Rapids MI (3rd generation)

          Michigan Supply Company, Lansing MI

1873: Sempliners Bride & Formal, Bay City MI
          White Insurance Agency, Fremont MI

1874: Votruba Leather Goods, Traverse City MI

1875: Daniel Orr Sons Hardware, North Branch MI (5th generation)
          Keep & Martinson Lumber, Tekonsha MI

1876: Bahle's, Suttons Bay MI
          Bissel Homecare, Grand Rapids MI (3rd generation)
          Dickinson's Hardware, Fennville MI (3rd generation)
          R.C. Hendrick & Son, Saginaw MI (5th generation)

1877: Ebonex, Melvindale MI (3rd generation)

1879: Masters-LaLonde Shoes, Alpena MI

1881: Groskopfs Luggage, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

1882: Alexander Dodds, Grand Rapids MI
          Dekker's Jewelry, Zeeland MI
          Sleder's Family Tavern, Traverse City MI
          Yale Expositor, Yale MI

1883: Chris Engel's Greenhouse, Detroit MI (6th generation)
          EJ (East Jordan Iron Works), East Jordan MI (4th & 5th generations)
          Golden Shoes, Traverse City MI
          Wolverine World Wide, Rockford MI (public)

1884: Grand Rapids Label, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

1885: Central Michigan Paper, Ada MI
          Hayden & Sons Hardware, Cassopolis MI
          Reusch Jewelers, Cheboygan MI (4th generation)

1886: American Seating, Grand Rapids MI
          Newberry News, Newberry MI

1887: Edge-Sweets (ESCO), Grand Rapids MI

1888: Varnum, Grand Rapids MI

1889: Carhartt, Dearborn MI (4th generation)
          Homer Monumental Works, Homer MI
          Siegel Jewelers, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

1890: Church's Lumber Yards, Auburn Hills MI (4th generation)
          Muskegon Awning & Fabrication, Muskegon MI
          Oliver Products, Grand Rapids MI
          Pomeroy Funeral Homes, Croswell MI (3rd generation)

1891: Bauer's Jewelry, Saginaw MI
          Krzyske Brothers, Waltz MI
          O-Leary Paint, Lansing MI (4th generation)
          Owens-Ames-Kimball, Grand Rapids MI (employee-owned)

1892: Johnson's Studio & Camera Shop, Chegoygan MI (4th generation)
          Mapes Furniture, Sunfield MI (4th generation)
          Vail Rubber Works, St. Joseph MI (4th generation)
          Women's Life Insurance Society, Port Huron MI

1893: Dittrich Furs, Detroit MI (5th generation)
          Henry the Hatter, Detroit MI (2nd generation)
          Young Bros. & Daley, Lansing MI
          ZR Graphics, Zeeland MI (4th generation)

1894: Buckley Shoes, Bad Axe MI
          Eikenhout, Grand Rapids MI
          Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, Frankenmuth MI
          Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funerall, Grand Rapids MI (5th generation)

1895: Kirlin Lighting, Detroit MI (4th generation)
          W.W. Fairbairn & Sons Alanson MI (5th generation)

1896: Donckers Candies & Gifts, Marquette MI

1897: Chelsea State Bank, Chelsea MI 
          Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)
          Tecla, Walled Lake MI (4th generation)

1898: Detroit Store Fixture, Detroit MI
          Mosher's Jewelers, Port Huron MI (4th generation)

1899: Continental Linen Service (CLS), Kalamazoo (3rd generation)

1900: Armstrong International, Three Rivers MI (5th generation)
          Dykstra Funeral Homes, Holland MI (3rd generation)
          Fris Supply Shop, Holland MI (5th generation)
          Getz's, Marquette MI (4th generation)
          Gilbert Chocolates, Jackson MI
          Mans Lumber, Trenton MI (4th generation)

1901: Chelsea Milling (Jiffy Mix), Chelsea MI (3rd generation)
          DeVries Jewelers, Grand Rapids MI
               Kindel Furniture, Grand Rapids MI
          Michigan Ladder, Ypsilanti MI

1902: Crandell Funeral Home, Fremont MI (4th generation)
          Holland Peanut Store, Holland MI (4th generation)
          Visser Farms, Zeeland MI (4th generation)

1903: Ford, Dearborn MI (public; 4th generation)
          Freestone Pickle, Bangor MI (5th generation)
          Herter Music Center, Bay City MI
          Smith Floral & Greenhouse, Lansing MI

1905: Bulman Products, Grand Rapids MI
          Herman Miller, Zeeland MI (public)
          Holiday Bar, Grand Rapids MI (3rd generation)
          Lovewell's Corner Store, Lupton MI
          Milkins Jewelers, Wyandotte MI (4th generation)
          Padnos, Holland MI (4th generation)

          Schaafsma Heating & Cooling, Grand Rapids MI
          Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Saginaw MI (5th generation)

1906: Frankenmuth News, Frankenmuth MI
          Kellog's, Battle Creek MI (public)
          LoPiccolo Bros Produce, Detroit MI (3rd generation)
          Sherriff-Goslin, Ypsilanti MI (4th generation)

1908: Armaly Brands, Walled Lake MI (3rd generation)
          Chelsea Lumber, Chelsea MI
          George W. Auch, Pontiac MI
          Harvey Ellis Devereaux, Southfield MI
          Irwin Seating, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

1909: Cascarelli's of Albion, Albion MI
          L.L. Johnson Lumber, Charlotte MI (4th generation)
          Schuler's Restaurant & Pub, Marshall MI (4th generation)
          Superior Sports Store, Holland MI (4th generation)
          Vredeveld's Shoes, Fremont MI (4th generation)

1910: Acme Manufacturing, Auburn Hills MI (4th generation)
          Indian Trails, Owosso MI (3rd generation)
          Koeze, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

1911: Skaff Furniture & Carpet, Flint MI (3rd generation)
          Whirlpool, Benton Harbor MI (public)
          Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids MI (2nd generation)

1912: Steelcase, Grand Rapids MI (public; 3rd generation)

1913: Buis Mattress, Holland MI (4th generation)
          Gezon Motors, Grand Rapids MI (3rd generation)
          Lokers Shoes, Holland MI (4th generation)

1914: Amstore, Grand Rapids MI
          Becharas Brothers Coffee, Highland Park MI (3rd generation)
          La Grasso Bros. Produce, Detroit MI (4th generation)

1915: General Agency, Mount Pleasant MI (3rd generation)
          Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Bloomfield Hills MI
          Rygwelski's IGA, Rogers City MI (4th generation)

1916: Auto-Owners Insurance Group, Delta Township MI
          Crain Communication, Detroit MI (2nd generation)
          Crane's, Fennville MI (4th generation)
          Koegel Meats, Flint MI (3rd generation)
          Krupp Farms, Comstock Park MI (4th generation)
          Michigan Lumber, Flint MI (3rd generation)
          Seitz's Tavern, Chelsea MI (3rd generation)
          Walbridge, Detroit MI (2nd generation)

1917: Acme Group, Bloomfield Hills MI
          American Coney Island, Detroit MI (3rd generation)
          E.W. Smith Insurance Agency, Wyandotte MI

          Penning Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric Grand Rapids MI             (3rd generation)
          SpartanNash, Byron Center MI (public)
          Stanco Metal Products, Grand Haven MI (4th generation)
          Wolverine Mutual Insurance, Dowagiac MI (3rd generation)

1918: Medler Electric, Alma MI (employee-owned)
          Terryberry, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

1919: Lamour Printing, Monroe MI
          Reno Agency, Wayland MI
          Rowerdink, Grand Rapids MI
          Scully-Monroe Agency, Monroe City MI (2nd generation)
          Whipple & Co, Moorestown MI

1920: Alpha Bar, Sault Ste. Marie MI (3rd generation)
          Dawn Foods, Jackson MI (3rd generation)
          

All Century Club Companies Celebrating 110 Year Anniversaries Are Privately-Owned

1910: The Titanic had not yet sailed and WWI had not begun when these companies were founded. Hard to know how many other businesses began that year, but we do know the 19 who survived to celebrate their 110th anniversary this year, and none of them are public firms. Ten are 3rd or 4th generational family-owned; four are co-ops (basically customer-owned); three are either employee-owned or have some employee stock ownership plan in place. Let's hope their longevity continues for the sake of all stakeholders, including the communities in which they are located.

Acme Manufacturing, Auburn Hills MI (4th generation)

Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento CA (co-op)

Collins Brothers Moving, Larchmont NY

Elford Inc, Columbus OH

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth WI (co-op)

Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions, McMinnville OR

Hallmark Cards, Kansas City MO (3rd generation; ESOP)

Henry Bierce Supply Co, Tallmadge OH (3rd generation)

Indian Trails, Owosso MI (3rd generation)

Koeze, Grand Rapids MI (4th generation)

Mead Lumber, Columbus NE (4th generation; ESOP)

Offerle Co-op Grain & Supply, Offerle KS (co-op)

Pier Fish, New Bedford MA (4th generation)

Proctor Dealerships, Tallahassee FL (3rd generation)

Remsen Farmers Cooperative, Remsen IA (co-op)

Steepleton, Lexington KY

Texas Press Clipping Bureau, Dallas TX

Toledo Ticket, Toledo OH (4th generation)

Urschel Laboratories, Chesterton IN (employee-owned)

Founded 1905, Survived to Celebrate 115th Anniversary

39 companies founded in 1905 are celebrating their 115th anniversaries this year. For some surviving this year will be a trial; our hope is that by following the longevity factors uncovered in my research (see book "Lessons from Century Club Companies: Managing for Long-Term Success") they will make it through and go on to celebrate more anniversaries in the future. 22 of these companies are generational family firms; 6 are co-ops (basically customer-owned); 5 have employee ownership; just 6 are public (and one of those is still run by the founding family). They span 18 states and many industries. Having made it through the pandemic of 1918 as well as world wars, economic depression and recessions, huge shifts in culture and technology affecting how we live and work, I'm confident most of them will still be here to celebrate their 120th anniversary in five years.  Here is the list:

Agfinity, Eaton CO (co-op)

Alexander Wolf & Son, New York, NY (4th generation)

American National Insurance, Galveston TX (public; 4th generation)

Artesian Resources, Newark DE (public)

Badger Meter, Milwaukee WI (public)

Bulman Products, Grand Rapids MI

C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie MN (public)

Columbia Restaurant, Tampa FL (5th generation)

Earlville Farmers Cooperative Elevator, Earlville IL (co-op)

E.F. Boyd & Son, Cleveland OH (3rd & 4th generations)

Farmers Elevator, Pelican Rapids MN (co-op)

Farmers Lumber, Rock Valley IA (co-op)

Frank Brunckhorst Company (Boars Head) Sarasota FL (5th generation)

Fremont Company, Fremont OH (4th generation)

G.W. Smith Lumber, Lexington NC (4th generation; ESOP)

Galatoire's, New Orleans LA (4th generation)

H-E-B, San Antonio TX (3rd generation)

Herman Miller, Zeeland MI (public, ESOP)

Holiday Bar, Grand Rapids MI (3rd generation)

Home Lumber, Ashland KS (ESOP)

Horween Leather, Chicago IL (5th generation)

Lovewell's Corner Store, Lupton MI

Manson Construction, Seattle WA (ESOP)

McKissack & McKissack, New York NY (3rd generations)

Meadowland Farmers Cooperative, Lamberton MN (co-op)

Milkins Jewelers, Wyandotte MI (4th generation)

Lang Building Supply, Brunswick GA (4th generation)

National Presto Industries, Eau Claire WI (public)

Padnos, Holland MI (3rd & 4th generations)

Red Wing Shoes, Red Wing MN (3rd generation)

Ridgway Mailing, Dallas TX

Rolland Safe & Lock, Dallas TX (3rd generation)

Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Saginaw MI (5th generation; ESOP)

Tabatchnick Fine Foods, Somerset NJ (5th generation)

UWM Men's Shop, Salt Lake City UT (5th generation)

Ward Office Furniture, Modesto CA (4th & 5th generations)

Wheaton-Dumont Cooperative Elevator, Wheaton MN (co-op)

Wigwam Mills, Sheboygan WI (4th generation)

Yakima Federal Savings & Loan, Yakima WA