STEPHENSON COUNTY

Freeport Business and Manufacturing

Dorman & Co Henry Dorman Retires From Dorman & Co. (Change in Old Firm) C. E. Brubaker Purchases His Interest A change in one of the oldest business houses in Freeport goes into effect today, Henry Dorman, the well known head of Dorman & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in agricultural implements and vehicles, retires, his interest having been purchased by C. E. Brubaker, late manager at Ennega & Wagner's. Mr. Dorman retires on account of ill health. In addition he has well earned a rest, having been in the implement and livery business in Freeport for thirty-four years. Four years ago Dorman & Co. added a wholesale department to their trade. Two years ago the firm built a large storage warehouse at the foot of Douglas avenue. The firm's business has rapidly increased. It now employs three traveling men and expects to increase this force. Northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and part of Iowa are covered. Mr. Brubaker was formerly with the Bartlett Hardware company and with the Freeport Hardware company. He is one of the foremost of the young business men of the community. The members of the new firm are H. F. Dorman, J. Fred Smith and C. E. Brubaker. The two first named are also prominent young business men with, in addition, a large experience in this particular line of trade. Contributed by Karen Fyock -- May 24, 1906 clipping Henry Dorman Biography

Kahl Appliance Company The Kahl Appliance company is celebrating its 10th anniversary during the present month. Larry Kahl started in business in June of 1939 with a trailer as his first store, traveling the country roads to bring bottle gas to homes beyond the gas mains. The first little store and warehouse was in the old Brubaker cement company building, now the site of the Henney assembly plant. In the fall of 1939, the business moved to a small store on South State avenue. Two years later the need for larger quarters was met by moving to 122 East Stephenson street, and outgrowing the ground floor location, the company now utilizes three floors. In 1945, Mr. Kahl organized the K-L Gas division of the Kahl Appliance company and enlarged its service department and during the war received necessary priorities for steel for cylinders and regulating equipment for K-L gas. Today more than 5,000 persons eat food cooked with K-L gas, and the red and yellow trucks are familiar sights over a 40 mile radius. During the celebration the Kahl organization is holding open house and home service directors of four companies are aiding in this event. Free gifts will be distributed to all who attend. One of the special features of the 10th anniversary celebration will be the presence of Nancy Butler, home economist for the Hotpoint company June 6 to 11th. Miss Butler, a graduate of the University of Illinois and a former high school cooking instructress, is also widely known for her timely articles that have appeared in many trade journals. In achieving a minimum cooking time, Miss Butler uses the latest model pushbutton range. She then disposes of the tiresome task of washing and drying dishes and utensils with the latest automatic dishwasher. Her recipes and refreshing menus can be prepared in less than one quarter of the time the average housewife spends in her kitchen and Miss Butler makes a practice of having enough copies available for everyone present at her demonstrations. Contributed by Karen Fyock - June 4, 1949 clipping

Dr. William L. Karcher Dr. William L. Karcher, who was associated in business with the late Dr. Firestone, has purchased the equipment of the office and taken over the business which he will maintain as before. Dr. Karcher will take in an assistant in the near future, and the same office and nursing staff will be retained. Dr. Karcher is one of the city's promising young physicians and has built up a large patronage by his ability and courtesy. In addition he is a very pleasing young man and has legions of friends. Contributed by Karen Fyock - January 11, 1907 clipping

Lincoln-Mercury Co Grand Opening of New Location - July 2-10, 1955 The corner site (northeast corner of East Main and South State) which originally was the location of the Palace Garage is now the new home of the Freeport Lincoln-Mercury Co. The building, modern in every detail is one of the largest in this area. The three floors can accommodate 275 cars. (Designed by Cheeseman Const. Co. of Freeport) Owner - Gene Marchesi General Manager - Tony Pizzolato Office Manager - Paul DiModica Service Manager - Laverne Bocker Parts Manager - Harold Lausch Contributed by Karen Fyock

Metal Specialties The Metal Specialties company, one of the pioneers in northern Illinois in rebuilding wrecked cars, is observing its 25th anniversary. The company is offering free safety-lace check for cars Tuesday through Friday this week as part of its celebration. The company was founded in 1924 by the late C. E. McCool, and from the first specialized in rebuilding smashed cars and trucks. This phase of the business originally was largely woodworking, as little metal was used in car bodies 25 years ago, and a mechanical jack was the only specialized tool of the trade. A metal parts department made fenders, running boards and other parts for the Stephens Motor Car company, makers of the one-time "Stephens Salient Six." The Metal Specialties company claims another "pioneer" record - from the first, the business was departmentalized, certain workers handling the woodworking, others the metal working, others the painting and trim-and-glass departments. The modern business of rebuilding wrecks was progressed from the jack, hammer and saw days to the use of all kinds of specialized machinery, including hydraulic presses to press bodies and frames back into shape, and frame machines for checking alignment after straightening. The company is an official safety lane station for the state of Illinois for checking trucks and trailers, and an official service station for the Chicago Motor club. The business was originally located on East Stephenson street on property now incorporated in the Kraft factory site. From there it moved to the Henney building. In 1946, when its new building operations started, the company moved into temporary quarters with the Freeport Motor Sales. The building at 406 South Adams avenue, four blocks south of Stephenson street, completed in 1947, is owned by Mrs. F. D. Eastman, mother of C. P. McCool and R. J. McCool, who own and operated the business their father founded. C.P. McCool has been with the company since 1930 and R. J. McCool since 1937 except while in military service. The company employs about 20 persons. John A. Johnson, 828 West Homer street, has been with the Motor Specialties company since it started operations 25 years ago. Contributed by Karen Fyock - June 13, 1949 clipping