The Inskeet Glove Company was lured into Marion under a three year contract with the Marion Board of Trade which in 1913 was a group of businessmen operating to promote Marion’s economy. Housing and manufacturing was encouraged. The Glove Company was one of a small handful of hopeful manufacturing businesses that were committed to Marion ‘s future.

The glove factory was operated by the Inskeet Manufacturing Company of Washington Courthouse, Ohio, which built and occupied a three story brick building built by local developers at the West Union Street Crossing on the C & EI Railroad.

Beginning in 1914 or 1915, the factory was in operation until the expiration of its three year contract with the community was completed. Unfortunately, this timed out with our entry into World War I and things changed. A shortage of materials and manpower and the national economy likely forced the  glove factory out. It also caused the demise of two other big manufacturing company deals. One was a piano manufacturing company and the other was a tractor manufacturing plant. The first world war definitely changed the course of Marion history.

The building was later occupied for many years by the Goddard Wholesale Company, and later by Cox Hardware & Furniture and the Pepsi Cola Company as a warehouse.

Sam’s Note: As of 02/20/2013 it is still in use and currently owned by the Pepsi Bottling Company to store corn syrup and manufacturing products.

(Extracted from Glimpses at life, by Homer Butler, 1970’s; Postcard photos gathered off internet sources; Marion, Illinois, Opportunity City)