Grain Elevators

Every farming town includes a grain elevator and Center Point was no exception. Although there was a grain buying company earlier, the first elevator was built in 1891 by J. F. Wormer at 905 Central Avenue. Soon after the building was erected, John Wormer became a partner. On March 1, 1910, L.J. Dennis became a partner. Two years later, J.F and John Wormer retired, leaving L.J. as the sole owner. L.J. installed shelling and grinding machinery. He then added a grain dryer in 1951. Eventually, L.J.’s son, Keith, joined the business and the business became known as L. J. Dennis and Son.

Wormer Elevator being constructed in 1891.

The original elevator used by L. J. Dennis and Son, burned on February 15, 1958; Dale Matheny vividly recalls that night. The fire had started at the top of the elevator. By the time the firemen arrived on the scene, the fire was raging. Two large propane tanks were located close to the elevator. The firemen spent the evening trying to keep the propane tanks cool and dousing sparks that had fallen on the lumberyard. The elevator was a total loss, but the firemen were able to keep the fire from spreading.

LJ Dennis & Son Elevator in 1954.

Don Carver remembers the fire for a very different reason. His family lived a few blocks from the elevator. He claims that many of the rats, who vacated the burning building, took up residence in his family’s out-house, their basement and under the porch.

A new building was built using concrete and steel. L. J. remained in the grain elevator business with his son, Keith, and sonin- law, William Bull, until his death in 1972. William and Keith’s wife, Irma, continued to operate the elevator until their retirements in the 1980s.

In 1911, the Farmers Elevator Company purchased a piece of ground on First Street, near the Rock Island railroad tracks. An article appearing in the Center Point newspaper, questioned how the town could support two elevators. The editor’s concerns appear legitimate, since the company dissolved in 1916. The building was razed in the 1970s.