This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Black family stores and growth of Waterloo empire
A historical article traces the rise of a Waterloo dry goods business founded by Mr Black born in Ballgreen Ireland in 1857. He built a large Waterloo operation from a small 1892 storefront to a fleet of eight motor trucks and a full service department by the 1920s. The piece notes relocations, annex growth, and modernizations including a warehouse, garage, basements and iceless refrigerators. It highlights family leadership, trust in advertising, and long neighborhood ties.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Ohio
Gladbrook
Iowa
Marshalltown
Ireland
Waterloo
Ballgreen
County Donegal
Black
Mr. Black
Park Avenue