Springfield’s Manufacturing Past Highlighted in New Exhibit

A new exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is highlighting Springfield’s manufacturing past and the role one of the nation’s largest flour mills played in shaping the city’s economy and community life.

The exhibit features tools, barrels, flour sacks and other artifacts from the Pillsbury Flour Mills Co., along with employee cartoons, photographs of workplace gatherings and social events, and a plaque honoring workers from the mill who died during World War II. The items are displayed in a case dedicated to sharing stories from communities across central Illinois.

The Pillsbury plant opened in Springfield in 1930, providing jobs during the early years of the Great Depression. Over the following decades the operation expanded significantly. By 1955 the mill employed about 1,500 workers and produced roughly 1.65 million pounds of flour each day.

The facility became a central part of life on Springfield’s north side. Many employees lived in nearby neighborhoods and were involved in local schools, businesses and community activities. Workers often participated in sports teams and bowling leagues connected to the mill.

Changes in manufacturing practices and shifting market conditions led to a steady decline in the plant’s workforce during the 1980s and 1990s. When the mill closed in 2001, employment had fallen to about 45 workers.

The Pillsbury artifacts and related documents will remain on display for approximately six months. Additional information about the history of the Springfield mill is available at pillsburyproject.org.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s mission is to encourage civic engagement through the study of Illinois history while sharing the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The institution carries out that mission through research, public exhibits and educational programming built on a collection of roughly 13 million historical items representing many eras of Illinois history.

More information about the museum is available at PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov.