Oldest Companies in Illinois

 

Illinois has at least 70 Century Club Companies, 11 of which are public. 84% of the state's companies over 100 years old are privately owned and of those, 47 are generational family firms. Here is the list - please leave a comment if you see an error or if you know of a company in continuous, independent operation for over 100 years that should be added to this list. 

1834: Galena Gazette Publications, Galena

1837: Deere & Company, Moline public

1838: Comstock-Castle Stove, Quincy 6th generation

1845: Brunswick, Mettawa public

1848: Knapheide Manufacturing, Quincy, 6th generation                  

1848: Maze Lumber, Peru, 6th generation

1854: Hoskins Building Center, Elizabeth

1855: Baird & Warner, Chicago 5th generation (real estate services)

1857: Iwan Ries & Co., Chicago 5th generation (tool manufacturing)

1857: Klein Tools, Lincolnshire, 5th generation

1857: Zengeler Cleaners, Northbrook, 5th generation

1864: R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Chicago public (printing & publishing)

1865: American Hotel Register, Vernon Hills, 3rd & 4th generations (manufacture hospitality products)

1865: Law Jones Funeral Home, Savanna 2nd generation

1870: The Tablet & Ticket Company, West Chicago 5th & 6th generations (display & signage products)

1873: Follett, Westchester 5th generation (publisher educational products) 

1873: George J Rothan, Peoria 5th generation (custom millwork)

1875: Anderson's Bookshops, Naperville 5th generation

1875: Oswald's Pharmacy, Naperville 6th generation

1876: RR Street & Co, Naperville/Chicago private (cleaning products) 

1880: Citizens State Bank, Lena public

1881L Kennicott Brothers, Chicago 100% employee-owned (floral distributor)

1882: Siemer Milling, Teutopolis 4th generation + ESOP

1885: Cretors, Wood Dale 5th generation (manufacture popcorn machines)

1886: Gonella Baking, Schaumburg 4th generation

1887: John Boos & Co., Effingham 3rd generation? (manufacture butcher block)

1888: Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park public

1888: Louis Glunz Beer, Lincolnwood 3rd, 4th & 5th generations

1888: Matot, Bellwood 4th generation (manufacture dumbwaiters)

1889: Northern Trust, Chicago public

1890: A.M. Castle & Co., Oak Brook public (metals distribution)

1890: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, Oak Brook public

1891: Alexander Lumber, Aurora 4th generation

1891: Bulley & Andrews, Chicago 4th generation (construction)

1892: Lambrecht's Jewelers, Wilmette 4th generation

1893: Moline Wheel, Moline 3rd generation

1893: Vienna Beef, Chicago

1894: Miner Enterprises, Geneva (manufacture rail car components)

1895: Stanford Grain, Stanford (agricultural co-op)

1896: Ed Miniat, South Holland, 4th generation (meat wholesaler)

1896: Tootsie Roll Industries, Chicago public + 2nd generation

1897: Glik's, Granite City 4th generation (retail apparel)

1898: American Nickeloid, Peru (manufacture metal products)

1898: Vita Food Products, Chicago

1899: Galloy & Van Etten, Chicago (stone cutting) 4th generation

1903: Morton Buildings, Morton employee-owned

1905: Earlville Farmers' Coop Elevator, Earlville 

1905: Horween Leather, Chicago 4th & 5th generations

1906: Kirchner Building Centers, Kansas 4th generation

1906: Sloan Valve, Franklin Park 4th generation (manufacture plumbing systems)

1908: C.C. Wagner, Summit 5th generation (lumber & building products)

1911: Milledgeville Home Center, Milledgeville

1912: Illinois Tool Works, Glenview public

1912: Lemfco, Galena 5th generation (manufacture iron castings)

1913: ILMO Products, Jacksonville 4th generation (wholesale industrial gases)

1914: DaValle Jewelers, Harwood Heights 3rd generation

1914: deBuhr's Seed & Feed, Mattoon family-owned

1914: IRMCO, Evanston 4th generation (industrial lubricants)

1914: Mechanical Devices, Bloomington 3rd generation

1914: P.J. Hoerr, Peoria 3rd generation (construction)

1914: Vogue Tyre & Rubber, Mount Prospect 

1914: Waukegan Roofing, Wheeling

1916: Boeing, Chicago public (HQ moved from Seattle 2001)

1916: Ideal Industries, Sycamore 4th generation (manufacture tools)

1917: Chicago Clock, Clarendon Hills 4th generation (retail clocks)

1917: Fellowes Brands, Itasca 4th generation (manufacture office products)

1917: Radio Flyer, Chicago 3rd generation

1918: Orlando Auto Top, Chicago family-owned

1918: Pearl City Elevator, Pearl City agricultural co-op

1919: ConAgra, Chicago public 

1919: Crescent Electric Supply Company, East Dubuque 3rd generation? (wholesale electrical products)

1919: Elgin Industries, Elgin 3rd generation (manufacture vehicle components)

1919: Griffith Foods, Alsip 4th generation (food products)

1919: Michuda Construction, Tinley Park, 5th generation

1919: Wahl Clipper, Sterling 3rd & 4th generations (manufacture personal grooming products)

1920: Darvin Furniture, Orland Park 3rd generation (retail mattresses)

For more information about how these and other Century Club Companies have survived over the decades, see my book: Lessons from Century Club Companies: Managing for Long-Term Success available in paperback or as an ebook from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Minnesota's Oldest Companies

 

Minnesota has at least 40 companies that have been in business for 100 years or more. Interesting industry concentrations reflect the nature of the state: there are 4 lumber yards and 2 window/door companies; 4 agricultural co-ops and 3 large agricultural products/food companies. Though over half of the companies are generational family firms, Minnesota has a larger percentage of old public companies - 30% - than seen in other states. (Nationally, only 14% of Century Club Companies are public.) Here is the list - as always, if you know of a company that has been in continuous, independent operation for over 100 years and should be added or have any corrections to the information provided, please leave a comment.

1865: Cargill, Minnetonka, 6th generation, agricultural products

1866: General Mills, Golden Valley, public, food products

1870: Tennant, Minneapolis, public, manufacture cleaning equipment

1877: Patterson Companies, St. Paul, public, wholesale medical equipment

1883: Alexander Lumber, Owatonna, private, lumber yard/home center

1886: Fred W. Radde & Sons, New Germany, 5th generation, auctioneers

1886: Shaw/Stewart Lumber, Minneapolis, private, architectural lumber & millwork

1888: Winkley Orthotics & Prosthetics, Golden Valley, 5th generation, prosthetics & orthotics

1891: Hormel, Austin, public, deli meats/food processing

1896: Schmitt Music, Brooklyn Center, 3d & 4th generations, retail musical instruments

1897: Molin Concrete Products, Lino Lakes, 5th generation

1899: Glamos Wire Products, Hugo, private, wire products for lawn & garden

1900: Specialty Mfg Co, St. Paul, 4th generation, manufacturing

1901: Tenvoorde Ford, St. Cloud, 3rd & 4th generations, retail autos

1902: 3M, St. Paul, public, conglomerate (business & consumer products)

1902: Hemmingsen's Transfer, Alden, 4th generation

1902: Target, Minneapolis, public, retail stores

1903: Andersen Corp., Bayport, family (generation?) and ESOP, windows & doors manufacturing

1905: C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, public, freight transportation

1905: Farmers Elevator, Pelican Rapids, agricultural co-op

1905: Meadowland Farmers Coop, Lamberton, agricultural co-op

1905: Red Wing Shoes, Red Wing, 3rd generation, footwear manufacture

1905: Wheaton-Dumont Cooperative Elevator, Wheaton, agricultural co-op

1908: Winter & Associates, St. Paul, financial services 4th generation

1912: Marvin Windows & Doors, Warroad, 4th generation, windows & doors manufacturing

1913: Simonson Lumber, St. Cloud, 3rd generation, lumber & building products

1914: Toro, Bloomington, public, manufacture lawn care equipment

1915: Donaldson, Bloomington, public, manufacture air filters

1915: Kruse Lumber, Rochester, 2nd generation, lumber & building products

1916: Bernick's, St. Cloud, 4th & 5th generations, beverage distributor

1916: Hubert White, Minneapolis, 3rd generation, retail apparel

1917: Cooper's Foods, Chaska, 3rd generation, retail groceries

1919: Jefferson Lines, Minneapolis, 3rd generation, bus transportation

1920: Bemidji Woolen Mills, Bemidji, 4th generation, apparel manufacture and retail sales

1920: Ostbye, Minneapolis, 4th generation, jewelry manufacture

1921: Coborn's, St. Cloud, 4th generaton/ESOP, retail groceries

1921: Land O'Lakes, Arden Hills, co-op, food products

1922: St. Paul Corner Drug, St. Paul, 5th generation, retail pharmacy

1924: H2I Group, Minneapolis, employee-owned, construction

1924: Mars Supply, New Brighton, 5th generation, industrial equipment supplier

1924: Sipe's Car Care Center, Robbinsdale, 3rd generation, garage/auto service

Ohio's Oldest Companies

 

Ohio has over 70 companies that have prospered for 100 years and more. Of these, 13 are public and at least 45 are generational family firms. (One, Smuckers, is both publicly-traded and run by 5th generation family.) If you know of a company that has been in continuous, independent operation for over 100 years and should be added to this list, or have a correction to any of the information provided here, please let me know.

1803: Golden Lamb, Lebanon Run by the family that purchased it in 1926 - generation?

1812: Rider's Inn, Painesville

1833: Austin Powder, Cleveland

1836: Stevenson Manufacturing (agricultural service), Wellsville

1839: Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati public

1840: Candle-Lite, Leesburg private (manufacture candles)

1840: End of the Commons General Store, Mesopotamia

1842: Verdin Company, Cincinnati 6th generation

1845: Wise Funeral Service, Bucyrus 5th generation

1846: Powell Valves, Cincinnati 3rd generation?

1847: Cleveland-Cliffs, Cleveland public

1848: Ohio Farmers Insurance (Westfield Insurance), Westfield Center private

1851: The Glenny Glass Company, Milford

1855: Schoedinger Funeral Services, Columbus 6th generation

1860: Requarth, Dayton 5th generation

          Wilson Bohannan Lock, Marion 7th generation

1866: Baker & Baker Jewelers, Marietta

          Huntington Bancshares, Columbus public

          Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland public

1868: Gordon Lumber, Fremont

1868: A.I. Root Company, Medina 5th generation

1870: Graeter's, Cincinnati 5th generation

1871: Ritter's Office Outfitters, Mansfield employee-owned

1872: Champion Bridge Co, Wilmington

1872: Ohio Valley Banc Corp, Gallipolis public

1873: Schantz Organ, Orrville 4th generation

1877: Greif, Delaware public

1880: Freeport Press, New Philadelphia

1881: Seeger Metal & Plastics, Toledo 5th generation

1882: Ohlman Greenhouse, Toledo 5th generation

1885: A.M. Leonard, Piqua 3rd generation

          Belden Brick, Canton 5th generation

          Gibson's Bakery, Oberlin 4th generation

1886: Mennel Milling, Fostoria 5th generation

1887: W.H. Fay, Cleveland 2nd generation

1888: Coyle Funeral & Cremation Services, Toledo 5th generation

1891: Acme Fresh Market, Akron 5th generation

1892: Rieck, Dayton 4th generation

1894: Carlisle & Finch, Cincinnati 4th generation

1895: Lincoln Electric, Cleveland public

1896: Hill & Griffith, Cincinnati

1897: Smucker's, Orrville public & 5th generation

1898: Gebauer Company, Cleveland

          Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Akron public

          Robertson's Building Center, Malvern 3rd generation?

1899: Timken Company, North Canton public

          Wayne Savings Bancshares, Wooster public

1900: Block Communications, Toledo 3rd generation

          French Oil Mill Machinery, Piqua 4th generation

          McNerney Companies, Northwood 4th generation

1901: Fifth Avenue Floral, Columbus

          Kuhlman Corp, Maumee 5th generation

1902: Hyde Park Lumber & Design Center, Cincinnati 4th generation

1905: E.F. Boyd & Son, Cleveland 4th generation

          Fremont Company, Fremont 4th generation

1906: American Electric Power, Columbus public

          American Greetings, Cleveland

1907: Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home & Crematory, Zanesville 3rd generation?

1908: Cellar Lumber, Westerville 4th generation

          Graves Lumber, Copley 4th generation

1909: Ansonia Lumber, Ansonia 4th generation

          Geiger Brothers, Jackson

1910: Elford, Columbus

          Henry Bierce Supply, Tallmadge 3rd generation

          Toledo Ticket, Toledo 4th generation

1911: Woolpert, Dayton

1912: Diamond K Meats (dba ChefKo), Cleveland 4th generation

1914: Bard Manufacturing, Bryan 4th generation

1915: Kottler Metal Products, Willoughby 4th generation

          Midmark, Dayton 4th generation

          Ruhlin, Sharon Center 3rd generation, ESOP

1916: Ondrus Hardware, Toledo 3rd generation

          Walt Sweeney Ford, Cincinnati 3rd generation (and more?)

          Wangler Hardware, Fort Recovery 5th generation

1917: LEWCO, Sandusky 2nd generation

          Parker Hannifin, Cleveland public

          RMS Freight Systems, Roseville 2nd generation

          Rulli Brothers, Youngstown 3rd generation

1919: Mill-Rose, Mentor 4th generation

          Schauer Group, Canton 4th generation

1920: Copp Systems, Dayton

If you'd like to learn more about how companies such as these have managed to survive for 100 years and more, you can find my book Lessons from Century Club Companies: Managing for Long-Term Success at Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

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

          MJS Packaging, Livonia MI (5th generation)
          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

          Langworthy-Kendall Insurance, Westland MI

          Penning Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, Grand Rapids                         (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