Sandwich–Marseilles Manufacturing Building

SANDWICH-MARSEILLES MANUFACTURING BUILDING, POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

The Sandwich–Marseilles Manufacturing Building is a historic industrial building located in Sandwich, Illinois. This building is significant for its role in the development of the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

The Sandwich–Marseilles Manufacturing Building was constructed in the late 1800s by the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, which was founded by Hiram Sibley and Albert D. Cook. The company was known for producing high-quality agricultural equipment, including the famous Sandwich corn sheller. In the early 1900s, the company merged with the Marseilles Manufacturing Company, leading to the building's current name.

Architecture

The building is an excellent example of late 19th-century industrial architecture. It features a brick facade with large windows that provided natural light to the factory floor. The interior includes heavy timber framing, which was typical of industrial buildings of that era. The design of the building reflects the functional requirements of manufacturing while also incorporating elements of the Romanesque Revival architecture style.

Significance

The Sandwich–Marseilles Manufacturing Building is significant for several reasons:

• It represents the industrial heritage of Sandwich, Illinois.
• It played a crucial role in the development of agricultural equipment manufacturing.
• It is an example of late 19th-century industrial architecture.

Current Use

Today, the Sandwich–Marseilles Manufacturing Building has been repurposed for various commercial uses. It houses several businesses and serves as a reminder of the city's industrial past.

See Also

• Sandwich, Illinois
• Agricultural equipment
• Industrial architecture
• Romanesque Revival architecture