Hulman Building - 1892
In the mid 1880’s, it became very apparent to Herman Hulman
that the Hulman Wholesale Grocery location at Fifth and Main was
rapidly becoming congested. The store itself was overcrowded, as
was the spice mill and the stables across Fifth Street could not
hold much more of the surplus from the other buildings. The increase
of business from year to year was a forerunner of the fact that
larger quarters and better facilities had to be secured.
By 1888, Herman
Hulman began looking around. His attention was almost immediately
drawn to the property at the northeast corner of Ninth Street and
Main, extending about half way through the next block north on Ninth
Street. Part of the property was unoccupied, and the rest held small
frame shacks. At the corner stood the old Pig and Whistle, a tavern
of the very early days.
Construction
of the new Hulman building complex began on April 12, 1892 and ended
in August of 1893. The Grand Opening was held in September of 1893
and was one of the biggest events in Terre Haute history.
The building
still stands today, and although the original wholesale grocery
business closed in 1995, it is still the main office of Hulman &
Company and Clabber Girl Corporation. Clabber Girl Baking Powder,
and other food ingredient products, are manufactured in the adjacent
buildings.
Under Construction |
Grand Opening |
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