1800-1829: Before Sandwich
May 10, 1806 – Augustus Adams is Born
His later move to Sandwich would help shape the town’s industrial history.
1818 – Illinois admitted to the union
Illinois is admitted to the Union, opening the region to increased migration and settlement across northern Illinois.
October 15, 1829
Theron Potter is born in Genoa, Cayuga County, New York.
1830s–1850s: Foundations of Sandwich
1845 – The Four Corners Land Purchase
Joseph Latham, Albert Grover, and Almon Gage purchased four adjoining tracts totaling 240 acres, land that would become Sandwich.
Read more →
Early 1850s – Settlement Begins
The open prairie began transitioning into a settled landscape as additional land was acquired and prepared for development.
1850 – Sandwich has a name!
A notice in the Illinois State Register (Springfield), dated March 28, 1850 (p. 1), lists “Sandwich, DeKalb County” among newly established post offices—confirming the name was already in use at least five years earlier than commonly stated accounts.
Read more →
May 8, 1852
James A Patten born near Freeland Corners
1853 – Construction of the Emmons House
Built at the southwest corner of Main and Center Streets, the Emmons House became one of Sandwich’s earliest and most prominent hotels.
1853 – The Railroad reached Sandwich.
1854 – Survey of the Town Plat
The first formal layout of Sandwich established streets, lots, and the framework for future growth. Read more →
1854 – “Sandwich” Appears on first official plat map
The name appears in use on a map earlier than traditionally believed, suggesting the town’s identity was already taking shape.
December 17, 1854 – Augustus Adams replies to a letter sent to him by Abraham Lincoln
Concerning the turbulent political realignment following the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, Augustus Adams replied to a letter sent to him by Abraham Lincoln.
1855 – Expansion of the Emmons House
A third story was added, enlarging the building as the community grew.
April 17, 1856 – Augustus Adams Establishes A. Adams & Sons
Augustus Adams purchases Lot 2, Block 8 in Eddy’s Addition from William Patten for $200, believed to be Adams’s first property acquisition in Sandwich. The parcel would later become part of Sandwich’s evolving downtown commercial district and remain tied to generations of business, banking, and manufacturing history.
1856 – Establishment of the Steam Mill
Later known as the Stone Mill, this steam powered grist mill became one of Sandwich’s earliest industrial landmarks.
1857 – Hollenback Dry Goods Store Established
Located at the southeast corner of Main and Railroad Streets, reflecting early commercial growth.
October 6, 1858 – Meteor Masonic Lodge #283 Chartered
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, the lodge became the oldest continuously operating organization in Sandwich.
1860s: Agriculture, War, and Industry
February 11, 1860 – Agricultural Institute Organized
Local leaders formed what became the Sandwich Agricultural Institute.
October 16–18, 1860 – First Agricultural Fair
The Institute’s first fair established Sandwich as a regional center for agricultural exchange.
1860 – A freight office was built on the north side of Railroad Street
1861 – Sandwich Guards Formed
Company H of the 10th Illinois Infantry was organized in Sandwich at the outset of the Civil War.
March 12, 1862 – Death of Captain Lindsay H. Carr
Captain Lindsay H. Carr, a leader of the Sandwich Guards, died during operations near New Madrid, Missouri.
April 14, 1865 – Lincoln Assassination Night
Meteor Masonic Lodge held a stated meeting in Sandwich on the night President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Washington, D.C.
May 12, 1865
Theron Potter and Dr. Charles Winne form the firm of Winne & Potter in Sandwich.
1867 – Formation of Sandwich Manufacturing Company
A. Adams & Sons was incorporated as the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, marking the beginning of one of the town’s most important industries.
1870s – Growth, Industry, and Community
1870s – Expansion of Sandwich Manufacturing Company
The company’s growth helped define Sandwich as an industrial town.
Read more →
February 26, 1870 – Union Agricultural Institute holds annual meeting
Officers were elected for the coming year, with reports noting continued success of the Institute’s fairs.
September 13- 15 1870 – Annual Agricultural Fair Held in Sandwich
1872 – Commercial Activity at Future Wallace Block Site
A meat market operated on the corner lot that would later become the site of the Wallace Block.
Read more →
September 22, 1877
Local newspaper promotes upcoming Union Agricultural Institute in Sandwich. J. M. Hummel praised the town’s “banner grounds” and promised strong daily attractions.
October 2–5, 1877 — Union Agricultural Institute held in Sandwich.
The event reinforced Sandwich’s role as a regional agricultural center.
1878 – Commercial Hotel in Operation
The former Emmons House was known as the Commercial Hotel, continuing its role as a key lodging place.
1878 – Construction of the Opera House
The Opera House, a permanent venue for performances, civic events, and community gatherings was established.
January 2, 1879– Dedication of the Opera House
The building formally opened and quickly became a social and cultural centerpiece.
September 15, 1879 – Bathsheba Hummel deeds property to DeKalb County for the Freeland Cemetery
1881 – Construction of the Hummel Building
A prominent downtown commercial structure housing agricultural implements and machinery.
Read more →
May 15, 1882
Abram H. Hill receives the unanimous vote of the Sandwich city council as city marshal.
July 1, 1883
Abram H. Hill, Civil War veteran and Sandwich city marshal, dies at age 40. A veteran of the 127th Illinois Infantry, Hill had served under Mayors Brigham and Hummel and was remembered for his wartime service and devotion to duty.
1888 – First Sandwich Fair
The Sandwich Fair was established, continuing the agricultural traditions of earlier institutes.
September 15, 1888
Castle & Mosher advertise Lumber, ccoal, lime, lath, and shingles.
Sandwich Manufacturing advertises corn shellers, andfeed grinders, Reliance harvesters and Argentine mowers.
Henning & Ross advertise John Deere farm implements in Sandwich
1890s: A Maturing Downtown
1893 – Construction of the Wallace Block
Built by P. W. Wallace and his sons, becoming a defining downtown landmark.
Read more →
1893 – Joseph Francis purchases a coal yard on West Railroad St.
Francis was in the coal and transfer business for 38 years.
1894 – Construction of the Marcy Block
Another major commercial building added to the Main Street corridor.
Read more →
1898 – Sedgwick Bank at Wallace Block
Reflecting increasing financial activity in the community.
Read more →
May, 1898
James A. Patten and W. G. Beveridge open Patten & Beveridge Grain Elevator on Railroad Street, it suceeds the Marselus Brothers.
May 22, 1899
A petition signed in DeKalb County connected the long-vanished Freeland Cemetery to Oak Ridge, noting that earlier burials had been relocated.
Early 1900s: Daily Life and Community
November 23, 1901 – Merchant of Venice Performed
Sandwich High School seniors staged Shakespeare’s play at the Opera House.
Read more →
March 20, 1903
Theron Potter, local Pharaicist passes away
May 12, 1904 – J. Phelps Adams passes away.
1905 – Converse & Smith Partnership
An important development in Sandwich’s drug store and business history.
Read more →
Early 1900s – Daily Life and Community
Clubs, church societies, lectures, and gatherings shaped daily life.
Downtown landmarks in constant use
The Opera House, Wallace House, Marcy Block, Hummel Building, and surrounding storefronts formed the center of everyday life.
November 17, 1903
Entre Nous Club forms at Erve Wallace’s home, beginning a tradition of regular social gatherings in Sandwich. (See: Entre Nous Club)
February. 12, 1907
Entre Nous Club members travel to Aurora for a banquet and attend a performance at the Grand Opera House.
March 26, 1908
Costume evening held at E.E. Wallace’s, with members appearing in playful, themed attire.
1909
James Patten of Sandwich gains national attemtion through large scale wheat market operations on the Chicago Board of Trade.
1910s
June 27, 1914
Sandwich Manufacturing Company picnic held at the Fairgrounds.
August 14, 1915
Sandwich Manufacturing holds second annual picnic at the Fairgrounds.
1916
Auustus B. Henry arrived in Samdwich and acquired a branch operation of the Sandwich Creamery. Originally established on College Street.
May 18–19, 1916
Twenty-one members of the Entre Nous Club embark on an automobile excursion to Dixon, Oregon, and Rockford, attending a parade of thousands of schoolchildren.
November 15, 1918
Victory supper held at Dr. Culver’s just days after the end of World War I; members later gather at Jud Latham’s for a commemorative photograph. (See: Entre Nous Club)
July 30, 1919
Mrs. James A. Patten participates in a northern Illinois historical survey that includes visits to Freeland related historic sites and the H.W. Fay collection.
November 11, 1919
Entre Nous Club hosts a discussion at Dr. Culver’s debating the League of Nations, reflecting engagement with national issues.
1920s–1940s: Industry and Innovation
September 2, 1920
Bonfire gathering and storytelling evening held at Griswold Springs.
October 26, 1923
Entre Nous marks its 25th anniversary at Howison’s, with discussion of inviting new members.
December 31, 1925
New Year’s Eve gathering continues until dawn, closing more than two decades of recorded club activity. (See: Entre Nous Club)
1928 – Knights Opens on N. Wells Street
James Knights began his business serving early automotive needs.
December 8, 1928
James A. Patten, grain trader and philanthropist known as the “Wheat King,” dies in Evanston, Illinois.
1930s – Knights Battery & Electric Expands
Reflecting the increasing importance of electrical and automotive services.
June 16, 1930
Property formerly owned by Captain William Davis and later held by Jessie M. Walker sold for non payment of drainage assessment, likely tied to low lying land near the Davis slough.
1930
John & Randa Duvick open the Sandwich Cash Grocery at 425-427 E, Railroad St.
The Sandwich Township Library began operating at Frank King’s formery Livery and feed stable at the corner of W. Center and Green St.
September 25, 1940 – The Sandwich library at W. Center and Green destroyed by fire.
1942 – Founding of the James Knights Company
Knights and Leon Faber launched a company tied to wartime electronics production.
Read more →
1948 – Idle Hour Lanes Opens
Wesley Scents and Arthur Anderson open their newly constructed bowling alley at 927 East Railroad Street.
1949 – New Knights Facility Constructed
A larger building reflected continued growth.
1950s–1970s: Change and Preservation
March 23, 1951 – Sandwich Airmen Lost at Sea
Captains Roger Vincent and Walter Peterson were lost after being recalled to service.
Read more →
1952 – Griswold Feed & Supply
Brothers Carl and Merle Griswold opened their feed and supply store at 211 E. Railroad Street.
1959 – William Lenhart’s Variety Store opens at Main & RR Street
1964 – Stone Mill Donated
James Knights donated the building to the Sandwich Historical Society. Read more →
1964 – Formation of CTS Knights
A merger marked a new phase in the company’s history.
Read more →
1967 – Construction began on the telephone building
Located at the corner of Railroad and Pearl Streets, this two story building was built around and over the single story building that its replacing.
1974 – CTS Knights Moves to Reimann Avenue
Operations relocated as industry modernized.
1978 – Veterans Park Gazebo Dedicated
Constructed and dedicated to the memory of Virginia Hood.
Into the Present
2001 – Veterans Memorial Bench Installed
A marble bench honoring Lester Hage was placed in Veterans Park.
2020 – Sandwich Fair Interrupted
The fair did not take place in its traditional form due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today – Ongoing Preservation of Local History
Sandwich’s story continues through research, artifacts, and community memory.