PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2023

Dick Oakford at Lutheran Hillside Village

Dick Oakford’s collection of memorabilia of Aaron S. Oakford

“The business took on an ever-increas ing part in the economic development of central Illinois,” noted Dick Oakford, suggesting that his grandfather showed a “lifelong readiness to readjust business methods to evolving conditions.” Oakford and Fahnestock became the largest food wholesaler in the Midwest, serving more than 460 stores with reve nue of $1.5 million, stated his grandson. “The company roasted their own coffee under the brand ‘America’s Cup,’ processed their own pickles and milled their own spices under the ‘Blue Ribbon’ label,” he said. The robust buildings that Oakford and Fahnestock constructed in Downtown Peoria remain in service today. Goods and seasonings were packaged at 311 Water Street, now the home of RC Out fitters, while the nearby Maxam Build ing, at 316 SW Washington St., housed the company offices as well as storage areas for frozen foods, said Art Oakford, 92, another of Aaron’s grandsons. But business success was only part of what his grandfather accomplished in Peoria. “Aaron S. Oakford was an

influence in Peoria, not simply a mer chant,” said Dick. That influence powered institutions that remain vital in this community to this day. Oakford helped organize and sustain Neighborhood House, the Peoria YWCA, the development of Grandview Drive and the Creve Coeur Club. In addition, he was among the founders of the Illinois National Bank (now PNC Bank) and served as president of both the Proctor Endowment Home and Proctor Hospital. Oakford served as president of the Peoria County Board as well as a director on the Peoria Association of Commerce. He played a role in the formation of the United Way campaign in town as well as the building of the Cedar Street Bridge. Oakford was also part of a group that built a sugar factory in Pekin in 1898, its product derived from sugar beets. When that proved unprofitable, the plant was sold to Corn Products Refining Co. (now Alto Ingredients). Oakford and wife Elizabeth raised five children, four sons and a daughter, and their actions and offspring would go on to benefit the Peoria community in

myriad ways. Elizabeth died in 1890. Ten years later, Oakford married Mary Lines, the flower girl from that first marriage. Aaron and Mary became known as the patron saints of Neighborhood House, Dick Oakford stated. In 1927, the president of Boston Uni versity sought Oakford’s opinion on the qualities a college student should possess. Oakford’s response cited the need for “open-mindedness — not only a willingness but a desire and a pur pose to weigh carefully both sides of every controversy and to recognize the fact that we are living in a constantly changing world.” Good advice from a man whose 70 year business career in Peoria saw the transition from covered wagons to airplane travel.

Steve Tarter is a Peoria Magazine contributor who was born in England, raised in Boston, moved to Peoria to attend Bradley University and decided to stay. He has spent a career in journalism and public relations

NOVEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 117