State to Mark Site of Former Corn Flake Maker
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA historical marker will be dedicated Sunday, commemorating the location of a once-prominent Columbus company. Cerealine Manufacturing Co. began producing corn flakes and brewers' products in the 1880s. News Release
Originally Posted June 26, 2013
COLUMBUS, Ind. – A public dedication ceremony for an Indiana state historical marker, commemorating Cerealine Manufacturing Co., an early producer (circa 1880) of corn flakes, is scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2013. The marker will be dedicated at 2:00 P.M. (EDT) near 600 Jackson Street, Columbus, Indiana 47203.
The text follows for the state marker entitled “Cerealine Manufacturing Co.”:
In late 1800s, railroads and new technology opened national markets to Midwest producers, including Indiana, a leader in corn products. Joseph Gent patented operations and devices to mass-produce flaked corn. Gaff, Gent, & Thomas Co. began making Cerealine Flakes here circa 1880. A precursor to cold breakfast cereal, it was also used as a malt alternative by brewers. Company moved to Indianapolis, 1892, to take advantage of lower freight cost. The mill paid high prices to Indiana farmers for white corn and by 1898 processed 12,000 bushels daily. A wave of mergers swept U.S. industry at the turn of the twentieth century; Cerealine joined nine Midwestern mills in 1902 to form American Hominy Co., which continued business into 1920s.
The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony for this Indiana state historical marker which will be located not far from one of the Cerealine Company's original mill buildings, now restored and serving as offices for Cummins, Inc. The program is being hosted by the Joseph Hart Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. On-street parking is available; a reception will be held at the Bartholomew County Historical Society, 524 3rd Street, Columbus.
State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places, and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve, and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages. For more than 95 years the Indiana Historical Bureau, an agency of the State of Indiana, has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. There are approximately 500 of these markers across the state.
For more information about this marker, the Indiana Historical Marker Program, and other resources about Indiana, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at www.IN.gov/history or call 317-232-6276.
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