YESTERYEAR-Fendrich Cigar Company

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Herrmann  Fendrich opened a tobacco products company in Evansville in 1855. After a fire destroyed the Fendrich plant on Main Street in 1910, a new factory was built on Oakley Street behind Willard Library. For decades, the company employed thousands of people, mostly women who rolled millions of cigars by hand each week, as well as salesmen who helped turn such cigar labels as La Fendrich and Charles Denby into internationally recognized names. The firm relocated to Pennsylvania in 1969, and the Evansville plant is now occupied by Berry Plastics.

FOOTNOTES: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.

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