Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KEY CITY SPICE MILLS
KEY CITY SPICE MILLS. KEY CITY SPICE MILLS. Key City Spice Mills was first established and operated in 1858 by W. K. Bowdish. Mr. Bowdish was succeeded by H. A. Dean, and he by R. S. Allison who sold the company to Solomon Smith. In May, 1862, Smith sold his interest to N. L. Alden.
Under Alden the business more than doubled its business. New machinery was introduced and other improvements completed, enabling him, in addition to the compounding of spices, to roast upward of a dozen sacks of coffee per day.
The mills were located at 254-258 Fourth Street, between Main and Iowa.
Fierce competition from spice mills throughout the United States caused the Dubuque company to close in 1875.
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Source:
Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County