SWIFT AND COMPANY - Revision history

Randylyon at 16:09, 28 June 2025

2025-06-28T16:09:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:09, 28 June 2025
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	SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)		SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)

	In 1875, Swift began buying cattle in Chicago to send to his family's butcher operations back East. He revolutionized the meat industry by using newly developed refrigerated ~~railcars~~ to ship fresh meat from Chicago to ~~Eastern~~ markets. (2) The company soon set up a national network of branch offices, which allowed it to control the distribution of its meat across the country. By 1886, when the company slaughtered more than 400,000 cattle a year, Swift employed about 1,600 people. (3)		In 1875, Swift began buying cattle in Chicago to send to his family's butcher operations back East. He revolutionized the meat industry by using newly developed refrigerated rail cars to ship fresh meat from Chicago to eastern markets. (2) The company soon set up a national network of branch offices, which allowed it to control the distribution of its meat across the country. By 1886, when the company slaughtered more than 400,000 cattle a year, Swift employed about 1,600 people. (3)

	Between 1887 and 1892, new packing plants were opened in Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Louis. By the time the founder died in 1903, his company grossed $200 million in annual sales and employed about 23,000 people across the country, including over 5,000 workers at its slaughtering plant in Chicago's Union Stock Yard. In 1908, Swift plants across the country slaughtered a total of about eight million animals. By this time, Swift owned a fleet of nearly 5,000 refrigerated rail cars. (4) Annual sales reached $700 million by the late 1920s, when the total workforce of the company—which ranked as one of the largest industrial corporations in the United States—consisted of about 55,000 people. Swift stopped slaughtering in Chicago in 1953, but its corporate headquarters remained in the city. (5)		Between 1887 and 1892, new packing plants were opened in Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Louis. By the time the founder died in 1903, his company grossed $200 million in annual sales and employed about 23,000 people across the country, including over 5,000 workers at its slaughtering plant in Chicago's Union Stock Yard. In 1908, Swift plants across the country slaughtered a total of about eight million animals. By this time, Swift owned a fleet of nearly 5,000 refrigerated rail cars. (4) Annual sales reached $700 million by the late 1920s, when the total workforce of the company—which ranked as one of the largest industrial corporations in the United States—consisted of about 55,000 people. Swift stopped slaughtering in Chicago in 1953, but its corporate headquarters remained in the city. (5)
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	[[Image:swiftco.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Undated flood picture. Photo courtesy: Marvin Ney]]In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (7)		[[Image:swiftco.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Undated flood picture. Photo courtesy: Marvin Ney]]In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (7)

	Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (8) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (9)		Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it to require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" for company officials to be more agreeable for the sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (8) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (9)

	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (10)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (10)

Randylyon at 02:41, 17 December 2019

2019-12-17T02:41:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:41, 17 December 2019
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	[[Image:swiftletter.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy:Cathy's Treasurers,156 Main, Dubuque]]		[[Image:swiftletter.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy:Cathy's Treasurers,156 Main, Dubuque]]

	The 1911-12 ''Dubuque City Directory'' listed 575 6th.		The 1911-12 '''Dubuque City Directory''' listed 575 6th.

	The 1922 ''Dubuque Telephone Directory'' listed 22 S. Locust.		The 1922 '''Dubuque Telephone Directory''' listed 22 S. Locust.

	The 1929 ''Dubuque City Directory'' listed 698 White for this wholesaler.		The 1929 '''Dubuque City Directory''' listed 698 White for this wholesaler.

	The 1939 and 1941 ''Dubuque City Directory'' listed 26 S. Locust for this hatchery.		The 1939 and 1941 '''Dubuque City Directory''' listed 26 S. Locust for this hatchery.

	The 1945 and 1951 ''Dubuque City Directory'' listed 30 S. Locust.		The 1945 and 1951 '''Dubuque City Directory''' listed 30 S. Locust.

	---		---
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	5. Ibid.		5. Ibid.

	6. "Swift Day Draws Crowd to College Gym," Telegraph-Herald, October 31, 1933, p. 12		6. "Swift Day Draws Crowd to College Gym," ''Telegraph-Herald,'' October 31, 1933, p. 12

	7. "Buy Swift Building for Bridge Approach," Telegraph-Herald, November 2, 1941, p. 2		7. "Buy Swift Building for Bridge Approach," ''Telegraph-Herald''''Italic text'', November 2, 1941, p. 2

	8. Ibid.		8. Ibid.

Randylyon at 01:23, 25 June 2019

2019-06-25T01:23:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:23, 25 June 2019
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	~~Being researched~~

	SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)		SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)

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	In Dubuque, "Swift Day" became an annual event at [[COLUMBIA COLLEGE]] for hundreds of local farmers. In 1933 the focus was on dairy farming which had grown from 17% of national agricultural income in 1925 to 31% in 1932. Professor Earl N. Schultz urged farmers to weed out the estimated six million "boarder cows" which were no longer good producers. The meeting was concluded after lunch by a tour of the local plant. (6)		In Dubuque, "Swift Day" became an annual event at [[COLUMBIA COLLEGE]] for hundreds of local farmers. In 1933 the focus was on dairy farming which had grown from 17% of national agricultural income in 1925 to 31% in 1932. Professor Earl N. Schultz urged farmers to weed out the estimated six million "boarder cows" which were no longer good producers. The meeting was concluded after lunch by a tour of the local plant. (6)

	In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (7)		[[Image:swiftco.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Undated flood picture. Photo courtesy: Marvin Ney]]In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (7)

	Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (8) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (9)		Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (8) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (9)

Randylyon at 17:20, 10 September 2018

2018-09-10T17:20:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 10 September 2018
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	SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)		SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)

	In 1875, Swift began buying cattle in Chicago to send to his family's butcher operations back East. He revolutionized the meat industry by using newly developed refrigerated railcars to ship fresh meat from Chicago to Eastern markets. The company soon set up a national network of branch offices, which allowed it to control the distribution of its meat across the country. By 1886, when the company slaughtered more than 400,000 cattle a year, Swift employed about 1,600 people. (2)		In 1875, Swift began buying cattle in Chicago to send to his family's butcher operations back East. He revolutionized the meat industry by using newly developed refrigerated railcars to ship fresh meat from Chicago to Eastern markets. (2) The company soon set up a national network of branch offices, which allowed it to control the distribution of its meat across the country. By 1886, when the company slaughtered more than 400,000 cattle a year, Swift employed about 1,600 people. (3)

	Between 1887 and 1892, new packing plants were opened in Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Louis. By the time the founder died in 1903, his company grossed $200 million in annual sales and employed about 23,000 people across the country, including over 5,000 workers at its slaughtering plant in Chicago's Union Stock Yard. In 1908, Swift plants across the country slaughtered a total of about eight million animals. By this time, Swift owned a fleet of nearly 5,000 refrigerated rail cars. (3) Annual sales reached $700 million by the late 1920s, when the total workforce of the company—which ranked as one of the largest industrial corporations in the United States—consisted of about 55,000 people. Swift stopped slaughtering in Chicago in 1953, but its corporate headquarters remained in the city. (4)		Between 1887 and 1892, new packing plants were opened in Kansas City, Omaha, and St. Louis. By the time the founder died in 1903, his company grossed $200 million in annual sales and employed about 23,000 people across the country, including over 5,000 workers at its slaughtering plant in Chicago's Union Stock Yard. In 1908, Swift plants across the country slaughtered a total of about eight million animals. By this time, Swift owned a fleet of nearly 5,000 refrigerated rail cars. (4) Annual sales reached $700 million by the late 1920s, when the total workforce of the company—which ranked as one of the largest industrial corporations in the United States—consisted of about 55,000 people. Swift stopped slaughtering in Chicago in 1953, but its corporate headquarters remained in the city. (5)

	In Dubuque, "Swift Day" became an annual event at [[COLUMBIA COLLEGE]] for hundreds of local farmers. In 1933 the focus was on dairy farming which had grown from 17% of national agricultural income in 1925 to 31% in 1932. Professor Earl N. Schultz urged farmers to weed out the estimated six million "boarder cows" which were no longer good producers. The meeting was concluded after lunch by a tour of the local plant. (5)		In Dubuque, "Swift Day" became an annual event at [[COLUMBIA COLLEGE]] for hundreds of local farmers. In 1933 the focus was on dairy farming which had grown from 17% of national agricultural income in 1925 to 31% in 1932. Professor Earl N. Schultz urged farmers to weed out the estimated six million "boarder cows" which were no longer good producers. The meeting was concluded after lunch by a tour of the local plant. (6)

	In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (6)		In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (7)

	Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (7) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (8)		Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (8) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (9)

	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (9)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (10)

	Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (10) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erecting a modern building as soon as the war was over. (11)		Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (11) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erecting a modern building as soon as the war was over. (12)

	In ~~1973~~, ~~by which time meat had become only one~~ of ~~its businesses~~, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (12)		In November, 1946 company officials announced construction of a new addition on Dodge Street. To be known as the poultry and egg plant, the 60 x 180 building was designed specifically for the dressing of poultry and processing of eggs. The plant was expected to add significantly to the number of employees hired locally. (13)

			In 1973, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (14)

	[[Image:swifttruckfleet.jpg\|left\|thumb\|450px\|My father, Andy Hemmer, was the head mechanic for Swift & Company in the early 1930s when they were in Dubuque. The plant, dealing mostly with chickens, was located where the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]] now exists. Dad is the only image on the photo I know. He's wearing the leather jacket. Photo courtesy: Paul Hemmer]]		[[Image:swifttruckfleet.jpg\|left\|thumb\|450px\|My father, Andy Hemmer, was the head mechanic for Swift & Company in the early 1930s when they were in Dubuque. The plant, dealing mostly with chickens, was located where the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]] now exists. Dad is the only image on the photo I know. He's wearing the leather jacket. Photo courtesy: Paul Hemmer]]
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	1. "Swift and Company"--encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2869.html		1. "Swift and Company"--encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2869.html

	2. ~~Ibid~~.		2. "Swift,Chicago Packer is Dead," ''Telegraph-Herald'', May 12, 1937, p. 1

	3. ~~Ibid~~.		3. "Swift and Company..."

	4. Ibid.		4. Ibid.

	5. "Swift Day Draws Crowd to College Gym," Telegraph-Herald, October 31, 1933, p. 12		5. Ibid.

			6. "Swift Day Draws Crowd to College Gym," Telegraph-Herald, October 31, 1933, p. 12

			7. "Buy Swift Building for Bridge Approach," Telegraph-Herald, November 2, 1941, p. 2

	6. ~~"Buy Swift Building for Bridge Approach," Telegraph-Herald, November 2, 1941, p~~. 2		8. Ibid.

	7. ~~Ibid~~.		9. "$76,200 Paid to Swift for Bridge Area," ''Telegraph-Herald'', November 9, 1941, p. 2

	8. "~~$76,200 Paid to~~ Swift ~~for Bridge Area~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', ~~November 9~~, ~~1941~~, p. 2		10. "Seek Suitable Spot for Swift," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 19, 1942, p. 45

	9. "~~Seek Suitable Spot for~~ Swift," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 19, ~~1942~~, p. 45		11. "City Council Holds Swift Can Run Here," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 23, 1943, p. 1

	10. "~~City Council Holds Swift Can Run Here~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', ~~March 23~~, 1943, p. 1		12. "New Park in Making," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 12, 1943, p. 5

	11. "New ~~Park in Making~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', ~~September 12~~, ~~1943~~, p. 5		13. "Swift Starts New Addition," ''Telegraph-Herald'', November 17, 1946, p. 13

	12. "Swift and Company"		14. "Swift and Company"

	Paul Hemmer, e-mail, November, 2010		Paul Hemmer, e-mail, November, 2010

Randylyon at 01:00, 10 September 2018

2018-09-10T01:00:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:00, 10 September 2018
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			Being researched

	SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)		SWIFT AND COMPANY. During the 1850s, when he was still a teenager, Gustavus F. Swift began working in the beef business in Massachusetts. (1)

Randylyon at 00:51, 10 September 2018

2018-09-10T00:51:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:51, 10 September 2018
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	In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (6)		In 1941 an agreement was reached between the Iowa State Highway Commission and officials of Swift and Company for the purchase of the company's building at the southeast corner of Dodge and Locust. The area was planned for right-of-way for the Dubuque Plaza approach for the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]. This was the last piece of property needed for the bridge right-of-way. The purchase threatened the future of the company in Dubuque. The Dubuque branch employed one hundred local residents and spent more than $1 million in the purchase of eggs and poultry from local farmers. (6)

	Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (7)		Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (7) In an apparent effort not to encourage the employer to leave the city, the Iowa State Highway Commission in November, 1941 agreed to pay Swift and Company $76,200 for the property. (8)

	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (9)

	Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of ~~erectng~~ a modern building as soon as the war was over. (10)		Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (10) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erecting a modern building as soon as the war was over. (11)

	In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)		In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (12)

	[[Image:swifttruckfleet.jpg\|left\|thumb\|450px\|My father, Andy Hemmer, was the head mechanic for Swift & Company in the early 1930s when they were in Dubuque. The plant, dealing mostly with chickens, was located where the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]] now exists. Dad is the only image on the photo I know. He's wearing the leather jacket. Photo courtesy: Paul Hemmer]]		[[Image:swifttruckfleet.jpg\|left\|thumb\|450px\|My father, Andy Hemmer, was the head mechanic for Swift & Company in the early 1930s when they were in Dubuque. The plant, dealing mostly with chickens, was located where the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]] now exists. Dad is the only image on the photo I know. He's wearing the leather jacket. Photo courtesy: Paul Hemmer]]
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	7. Ibid.		7. Ibid.

	8. "~~Seek Suitable Spot~~ for ~~Swift~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', ~~March 19~~, ~~1942~~, p. 45		8. "$76,200 Paid to Swift for Bridge Area," ''Telegraph-Herald'', November 9, 1941, p. 2

	9. "~~City Council Holds~~ Swift ~~Can Run Here~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 23, ~~1943~~, p. 1		9. "Seek Suitable Spot for Swift," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 19, 1942, p. 45

	10. "~~New Park in Making~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', ~~September 12~~, 1943, p. 5		10. "City Council Holds Swift Can Run Here," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 23, 1943, p. 1

	11. "Swift and Company"		11. "New Park in Making," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 12, 1943, p. 5

			12. "Swift and Company"

	Paul Hemmer, e-mail, November, 2010		Paul Hemmer, e-mail, November, 2010

Randylyon at 00:30, 10 September 2018

2018-09-10T00:30:09Z

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	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)

	Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[~~PETR~~ J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erectng a modern building as soon as the war was over. (10)		Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[PETER J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erectng a modern building as soon as the war was over. (10)

	In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)		In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)

Randylyon at 00:29, 10 September 2018

2018-09-10T00:29:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:29, 10 September 2018
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	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)

	Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erectng a modern building as soon as the war was over. (10)		Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[PETR J. SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erectng a modern building as soon as the war was over. (10)

	In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)		In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)

Randylyon at 00:28, 10 September 2018

2018-09-10T00:28:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:28, 10 September 2018
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	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)

	Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9)		Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9) By September, however, Swift and Company had moved into the buildings once owned by the [[SEIPPEL LUMBER COMPANY]] south of the bridge with plans of erectng a modern building as soon as the war was over. (10)

	In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)		In 1973, by which time meat had become only one of its businesses, Swift became part of Esmark Inc., a holding company. During the 1980s, Esmark's meat division was spun off and moved to Texas. From the early 1990s through the early 2000s, food conglomerate Conagra owned Swift's operations. Swift & Company's divisional headquarters were located in Greeley, Colorado. (10)
Line 46:		Line 46:
	5. "Swift Day Draws Crowd to College Gym," Telegraph-Herald, October 31, 1933, p. 12		5. "Swift Day Draws Crowd to College Gym," Telegraph-Herald, October 31, 1933, p. 12

	5. "Buy Swift Building for Bridge Approach," Telegraph-Herald, November 2, 1941, p. 2		6. "Buy Swift Building for Bridge Approach," Telegraph-Herald, November 2, 1941, p. 2

	6. Ibid.		7. Ibid.

	7. "Seek Suitable Spot for Swift," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 19, 1942, p. 45		8. "Seek Suitable Spot for Swift," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 19, 1942, p. 45

	8. "City Council Holds Swift Can Run Here," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 23, 1943, p. 1		9. "City Council Holds Swift Can Run Here," ''Telegraph-Herald'', March 23, 1943, p. 1

	9. "Swift and Company"		10. "New Park in Making," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 12, 1943, p. 5

			11. "Swift and Company"

	Paul Hemmer, e-mail, November, 2010		Paul Hemmer, e-mail, November, 2010

	~~Swift and Company--encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2869.html~~

Randylyon at 19:25, 9 September 2018

2018-09-09T19:25:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 9 September 2018
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	Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (7)		Relations between the company and bridge officials had been tense. In October, 1941 the commission went before the city council and asked it require a loading platform be removed by the company because it extended into the building line. The council refused to become involved in what was considered a "squeeze play" to for company officials to be more agreeable to sale of the building. At the same meeting, members of the bridge commission presented a plan for a new approach to the bridge which eliminated the ornate plaza approach. Observers did not consider this proposal truthful because the commission had the right of condemnation of any property it desired. (7)

	Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, ~~FREDERICK~~ Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)		Efforts were made almost immediately to find a place for Swift and Company to operate in Dubuque. A committee was formed including [[RHOMBERG, Albin Anton\|Albin Anton RHOMBERG]], city manager; [[KERPER, John A.\|John A. KERPER]], secretary of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], and [[BISSELL, Frederick Ezekiel\|Frederick Ezekiel BISSELL]], representing the Planning and Zoning Commission. Temporary use of the purchased building was ruled out. Leasing of a temporary building was considered impractical because refrigeration appliances were not available. Any agreements would also have to be approved by various federal bureaus--a situation considered unlikely. (8)

	Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9)		Despite the challenges, a plan allowing at least a temporary solution was reached in March, 1943. Swift petitioned the city council to be permitted to operate the plant as a war measure. The council agreed despite fire regulations if the company agreed to such an operation only for the duration of the war and for not more than one year after the end of the conflict. (9)