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George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site: A Glimpse into Elgin's Industrial Past

Explore Elgin's industrial heritage at the George Ludlow & Company Historic Site, a landmark showcasing the city's manufacturing past.

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The George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site in Elgin, Illinois, offers a window into the city's industrial heritage. The site showcases the legacy of the George Ludlow & Company shoe factory that once thrived in the area. Visitors can explore the historical structures and artifacts that tell the story of the company's impact on the local economy and culture.

A brief summary to George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site

  • Elgin, Illinois, 60120, US

Local tips

  • Check local calendars for special events or tours that may enhance your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you may want to walk around and explore the outdoor areas.
  • Consider visiting during the fall for stunning foliage that complements the historic scenery.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're in downtown Elgin, head east on Chicago Street toward the Fox River. Follow the riverwalk north until you reach the intersection with Douglas Avenue. Turn left on Douglas Avenue and walk until you reach the intersection with Shoe Factory Road. Turn right onto Shoe Factory Road, and the George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site will be on your left. This route is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Elgin Metra Station, exit and head towards the bus stop located near the station entrance. Take the Pace bus Route 550 towards Elgin and ride it for about 8 stops until you reach the stop at Douglas Avenue and Shoe Factory Road. From there, walk south for a short distance, and you will arrive at the George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site. The total travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the bus schedule. A single ride on Pace bus costs $1.75.

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Discover more about George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site

Located in Elgin, Illinois, the George Ludlow & Company Historic Site is a reminder of the city's industrial past. The site is an excellent representation of the early 20th-century American manufacturing scene, reflecting the craftsmanship and innovation that characterized the era. The factory was built in 1891 by George Ludlow and George Keep, who moved their shoe business from Chicago to Elgin. The Elgin Improvement Company offered the partners land at the corner of Congdon and Dundee Avenues, with the agreement that their shoe factory employ 350 people for five consecutive years. In its first August, the factory employed 370 people who worked 10-hour days, six days a week. For two years, the plant produced approximately 900 pairs of shoes each day. The shoe business was not able to survive the financial Panic of 1893 and went under. In 1897, another shoe factory, the Selz-Schwab Company of Chicago, took over and made shoes there for 32 years. During its peak year of 1920, 300 employees manufactured 2,000 pairs of shoes a day. The Palm Sunday tornado of 1920 tore the roof from the building, but the factory was able to repair and recover, and Selz-Schwab remained there for another 9 years. After the Crash of 1929, Selz-Schwab closed shop. In the years following, many other businesses occupied the Shoe Factory, including a chair manufacturer, a metal working business, and a sign shop for the Illinois State Highway Department. In 1999, the building was rehabilitated and made into residential lofts. Visitors can explore the historical structures and artifacts that tell the story of the Ludlow Company and its impact on the local economy and culture. The architecture itself offers a glimpse into the past and the industrious spirit of Elgin.

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