12 Companies Celebrate 125th Anniversaries in 2021

 

Of the 12 companies founded in 1896 still operating independently in 2021, just one is public (Tootsie Roll Industries) - and even they are run by a 2nd generation owner family member. Nine others are generational family firms. Representing a variety of industries and multiple states, here is the list:

Donckers Candies & Gifts, Marquette MI (retail confectionery)

Ed Miniat, South Holland IL (meat & poultry products) 4th & 5th generation

Hill and Griffith, Cincinnati OH (foundry & die casting products)

Lester Group, Martinsville VA (lumber products & real estate) 2nd generation

Leys, Christie & Co. Scarsdale NY (retail jewelers) 3rd generation

Lodge Manufacturing, South Pittsburg TN (manufacture cast iron pans) 5th generation

Matthews & Fields Lumber, Henrietta NY (lumber & building materials) 4th generation

Nugent Sand, Louisville KY (mining sand & gravel) 3rd generation

Paxton Media Group, Paducah KY (printing & publishing) 5th generation

Schmitt Music, Brooklyn Center MN (retail musical instruments) 3rd & 4th generations

The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach FL (accommodation services) 4th generation

Tootsie Roll Industries, Chicago IL (candy products) public; 2nd generation

Note: Faultless Healthcare Linen  of Kansas City MO, also celebrates their 125th anniversary this year. I don't include them in the list, above, because a majority interest in the company was purchased and they are now listed as "an ImageFIRST company" rather than an independent firm.