Ihling Brothers Everard Company

Place: Kalamazoo

Born: 1869

Death: 1995

Biography:

Ihling Brothers Everard Company, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is one of the oldest Masonic and Fraternal Regalia manufacturers in the United States. The company was founded in 1869 by Otto Ihling, a 22-year-old journeyman bookbinder, who moved from Milwaukee to Kalamazoo to open his new shop. In 1871, Otto persuaded his brother Reinhold to join the partnership, and the three men were the publishers and proprietors of 'The Michigan Freemason.' In 1872, these blank books, records and ledgers became the original accounting system developed specifically for lodges. In 1879, Herbert H. Everard, a printer by trade, joined the firm as a full partner. The company supplied many institutions including the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate with their stationery. In the Chicago World's Columbian Exhibition of 1893, the patented Duplicate Whist Trays of Ihling Bros. & Everard won a top award. The company was known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service, and it remained in business until 1995.