McLean County Musem of History

The Ensenberger Furniture Store Collection

Processed by John Socha
Fall 1999

Reprocessed by Michael Kozak
Spring 2008

Table of Contents

Collection Information
Historical Sketch
Scope and Content Note
Box and Folder Inventory

Collection Information
Volume of Collection:	Six Boxes.
Collection Dates:	1880-1927
Restrictions:	Many brittle documents. Use photocopies unless authorized by Librarian / Archivist.
Reproduction Rights:	Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History.
Location:	Archives
Notes:	For additional information, see: Photograph file: Architecture (B) - Center St., N., 200 Block.

Collection Information

Volume of Collection:

Six Boxes.

Collection Dates:

1880-1927

Restrictions:

Many brittle documents. Use photocopies unless authorized by Librarian / Archivist.

Reproduction Rights:

Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained in writing from the McLean County Museum of History.

Location:

Archives

Notes:

For additional information, see: Photograph file: Architecture (B) - Center St., N., 200 Block.

Historical Sketch
Gustave Adolph Ensenberger came to the United States from Bavaria in Germany in 1854. Only three years old at the time, he and his family initially settled in Ohio and then moved to Indiana. Gustave went to school until the age of twelve when he began to work in order to help support his family. George Ensenberger, Gustave's father, went off to fight with the Union Army in the Civil War in the early 1860s. Upon his return, George brought his family to Bloomington, Illinois, in April 1868. He was encouraged to do so by an old friend, Dr. Herman Schroeder, a horticulturist. Dr. Schroeder encouraged many of his friends to make a home in Bloomington because of its rich farmland, prosperity, and great opportunity. After establishing a new residence, Gustave went to work in Dr. Schroeder's vineyard. He then followed in the footsteps of his father and the many other woodworkers from his family's past. He was hired by the Bloomington Manufacturing Company where he assisted in the making of cabinets and other furniture. After this experience, Gustave decided he wanted to start his own furniture manufacturing business. In 1879, he opened the Bee Hive store on the corner of Front and Center Streets. The making of the furniture was done inside the building, and then it was put out on the sidewalk to be sold. Not long after opening its doors, the business moved a couple doors east on Front Street into the Gridley Building. In the next few years, Gustave's efforts fueled the growth of his company. In 1886, he purchased the D.B. Harwood Hardware Store Building at 212 N. Center Street. This address was the location of the business for the next 109 years. While business was booming, Gustave decided that he needed to continue expanding. In 1909 and 1910, a six-story building was constructed to connect with the original building on the Madison Street side. It was designed by George Miller. In the same years, a warehouse for the Ensenberger business was created on the corner of Washington Street and Roosevelt Avenue. Over the years, the business began to sell other manufacturers' merchandise in addition to its own. Expansion was also evident by the fact that the store added a rug department along with draperies, linoleums, window shades, phonographs, lamps, and pianos. As a result of all these events, the business prospered, and Gustave became an admired Bloomington citizen. He was also considered an upstanding citizen because of his involvement in the community's civic affairs. Meanwhile, while Gustave was attempting to run a successful business, his wife, Elizabeth Reisch Ensenberger, gave birth to five children, Frank, Gus, Joseph, Eleanor Marie, and Marie Frances. Both daughters died at a very young age. However, Frank, Gus, and Joseph survived and grew up with the business, which proved to be a major influence in their lives. After Gustave retired in 1913, his sons took control of the business. Frank became president; Joe became vice-president; and Gus became secretary-treasurer. Also, in 1914, the firm was incorporated as G.A. Ensenberger & Sons. The three sons managed the firm successfully even after their father's death in 1917. As the years progressed, the sons decided that they wanted to construct a new building that would replace the present one. In 1925 and 1926, a modern English Gothic building was created to house the furniture store. Designed by the A.L. Pillsbury firm, this structure was unlike any other building in Bloomington. With its gothic spires, colorful terra-cotta medallions, and ornate indoor decorations, the new seven-story Ensenberger building was an architectural wonder that cost between $250,000 and $300,000 to create. The opening of the store occurred on May 11, 1926. It was estimated that 40,000 people, some from as far away as California and New York, visited the store during the first five days after the opening. Frank, Gus, and Joe continued to operate the store for the next few decades. In 1972 when Joe died, his son, Joseph, became president of the business. Five years later, Joseph moved to New Mexico and left control of the company in the hands of his brother, Jack Ensenberger. Jack continued to operate the firm with the help of his son, David, and his daughter, Lucy, the fourth generation of Ensenbergers to take part in this furniture enterprise. In the 1990s, the Ensenberger store was being hurt by the changing behavior of consumers. Customers were more likely to shop at a variety of stores. They paid more attention to prices. Lastly, there was a declining loyalty to longtime retailers among customers. Therefore, since the business had trouble competing in the furniture market, Jack closed its doors in November 1995.

Historical Sketch

   Gustave Adolph Ensenberger came to the United States from Bavaria in Germany in 1854. Only three years old at the time, he and his family initially settled in Ohio and then moved to Indiana. Gustave went to school until the age of twelve when he began to work in order to help support his family. George Ensenberger, Gustave's father, went off to fight with the Union Army in the Civil War in the early 1860s. Upon his return, George brought his family to Bloomington, Illinois, in April 1868. He was encouraged to do so by an old friend, Dr. Herman Schroeder, a horticulturist. Dr. Schroeder encouraged many of his friends to make a home in Bloomington because of its rich farmland, prosperity, and great opportunity.
   After establishing a new residence, Gustave went to work in Dr. Schroeder's vineyard. He then followed in the footsteps of his father and the many other woodworkers from his family's past. He was hired by the Bloomington Manufacturing Company where he assisted in the making of cabinets and other furniture. After this experience, Gustave decided he wanted to start his own furniture manufacturing business. In 1879, he opened the Bee Hive store on the corner of Front and Center Streets. The making of the furniture was done inside the building, and then it was put out on the sidewalk to be sold. Not long after opening its doors, the business moved a couple doors east on Front Street into the Gridley Building. In the next few years, Gustave's efforts fueled the growth of his company. In 1886, he purchased the D.B. Harwood Hardware Store Building at 212 N. Center Street. This address was the location of the business for the next 109 years. While business was booming, Gustave decided that he needed to continue expanding. In 1909 and 1910, a six-story building was constructed to connect with the original building on the Madison Street side. It was designed by George Miller. In the same years, a warehouse for the Ensenberger business was created on the corner of Washington Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
   Over the years, the business began to sell other manufacturers' merchandise in addition to its own. Expansion was also evident by the fact that the store added a rug department along with draperies, linoleums, window shades, phonographs, lamps, and pianos. As a result of all these events, the business prospered, and Gustave became an admired Bloomington citizen. He was also considered an upstanding citizen because of his involvement in the community's civic affairs. Meanwhile, while Gustave was attempting to run a successful business, his wife, Elizabeth Reisch Ensenberger, gave birth to five children, Frank, Gus, Joseph, Eleanor Marie, and Marie Frances. Both daughters died at a very young age. However, Frank, Gus, and Joseph survived and grew up with the business, which proved to be a major influence in their lives. After Gustave retired in 1913, his sons took control of the business. Frank became president; Joe became vice-president; and Gus became secretary-treasurer. Also, in 1914, the firm was incorporated as G.A. Ensenberger & Sons. The three sons managed the firm successfully even after their father's death in 1917.
   As the years progressed, the sons decided that they wanted to construct a new building that would replace the present one. In 1925 and 1926, a modern English Gothic building was created to house the furniture store. Designed by the A.L. Pillsbury firm, this structure was unlike any other building in Bloomington. With its gothic spires, colorful terra-cotta medallions, and ornate indoor decorations, the new seven-story Ensenberger building was an architectural wonder that cost between $250,000 and $300,000 to create. The opening of the store occurred on May 11, 1926. It was estimated that 40,000 people, some from as far away as California and New York, visited the store during the first five days after the opening. Frank, Gus, and Joe continued to operate the store for the next few decades.
   In 1972 when Joe died, his son, Joseph, became president of the business. Five years later, Joseph moved to New Mexico and left control of the company in the hands of his brother, Jack Ensenberger. Jack continued to operate the firm with the help of his son, David, and his daughter, Lucy, the fourth generation of Ensenbergers to take part in this furniture enterprise. In the 1990s, the Ensenberger store was being hurt by the changing behavior of consumers. Customers were more likely to shop at a variety of stores. They paid more attention to prices. Lastly, there was a declining loyalty to longtime retailers among customers. Therefore, since the business had trouble competing in the furniture market, Jack closed its doors in November 1995.

Scope and Contents Note
The Ensenberger Furniture Store Collection sheds light on the activities of this Bloomington company from its initial founding in 1879 by Gustave A. Ensenberger to its construction of a new building in 1926. A good portion of the collection consists of accounting records that describe in detail the business transactions and the finances of the store. There are numerous inventory records that list the merchandise in the store at the beginning of the year. In addition, the collection contains daybooks, journals, and ledgers that keep track of the company's sales, expenses, inventory, and many other accounts. In some cases, one can trace the movement of a particular transaction from its initial entry into the daybook to its recording in the double entry format journal to its placement under the correct accounts in the ledger. The last few accounting books record the cash flows of the store, the checks that the business wrote to cover its expenses (not the cost of goods), the bills that remained to be paid, and the profit made on each item that was sold. Aside from the accounting books, there are several items related to the businesses from which Ensenberger purchased goods. The business cards and price lists of a variety of furniture manufacturers and dealers reveal the names of the companies with which Ensenberger did business. These items, mostly from the 1880s, contain prices and illustrations of many furniture products. There are also a few sample pictures of merchandise from the 1880s. When dealing with these suppliers, Ensenberger used order books to keep track of what they ordered, from whom they ordered, the amount to be paid, and payment terms. All of these items help explain how Ensenberger obtained its merchandise. The collection also includes financial records relating to the Illinois Club. Including records concerning a loan the Ensenbergers received for the purpose of constructing their new building in 1926. Gustave A. Ensenberger was the treasurer of this organization in the 1890s. The Illinois Club was a men's social/business group located in Bloomington. Illinois. The Ensenberger collection was donated by the Ensenberger Family in May 1997.

Scope and Contents Note

  The Ensenberger Furniture Store Collection sheds light on the activities of this Bloomington company from its initial founding in 1879 by Gustave A. Ensenberger to its construction of a new building in 1926.
   A good portion of the collection consists of accounting records that describe in detail the business transactions and the finances of the store. There are numerous inventory records that list the merchandise in the store at the beginning of the year. In addition, the collection contains daybooks, journals, and ledgers that keep track of the company's sales, expenses, inventory, and many other accounts. In some cases, one can trace the movement of a particular transaction from its initial entry into the daybook to its recording in the double entry format journal to its placement under the correct accounts in the ledger. The last few accounting books record the cash flows of the store, the checks that the business wrote to cover its expenses (not the cost of goods), the bills that remained to be paid, and the profit made on each item that was sold.
   Aside from the accounting books, there are several items related to the businesses from which Ensenberger purchased goods. The business cards and price lists of a variety of furniture manufacturers and dealers reveal the names of the companies with which Ensenberger did business. These items, mostly from the 1880s, contain prices and illustrations of many furniture products. There are also a few sample pictures of merchandise from the 1880s. When dealing with these suppliers, Ensenberger used order books to keep track of what they ordered, from whom they ordered, the amount to be paid, and payment terms. All of these items help explain how Ensenberger obtained its merchandise.
  The collection also includes financial records relating to the Illinois Club. Including records concerning a loan the Ensenbergers received for the purpose of constructing their new building in 1926. Gustave A. Ensenberger was the treasurer of this organization in the 1890s. The Illinois Club was a men's social/business group located in Bloomington. Illinois. The Ensenberger collection was donated by the Ensenberger Family in May 1997.

	Inventory Books for Furniture Store
1.1.1	Inventory list as of January 12, 1888, January 15, 1890, and January 20, 1892; merchandise categorized by location in store
1.1.2	Inventory list as of January 7, 1893, January 11, 1894, January 15, 1895, and January 8, 1896; merchandise categorized by location in store
1.1.3	Inventory list as of January 6, 1902; merchandise categorized by location in store
1.1.4	Inventory list as of January 3, 1905; merchandise categorized by location in store
1.1.5	Inventory list for the rug department as of July 31, 1911; merchandise categorized by manufacturer
1.1.6	Inventory list for the rug department as of January 1, 1912 and December 27, 1912; merchandise categorized by manufacturer
1.1.7	Section One of inventory list as of December 31, 1920; merchandise includes phonographs, records, and accessories; merchandise categorized according to departments listed on inside of front cover
1.1.8	Section Four of inventory list as of December 31, 1920; merchandise includes rugs, carpets, linoleums, and carpet sweepers; merchandise categorized according to departments listed on inside of front cover
1.1.9	Section Five of inventory list as of December 31, 1920; merchandise includes curtains, shades, draperies, rods, fixtures, tables, coverings, and ornamental pillows; merchandise categorized according to departments listed on inside of front cover

	Daily Journal of Miscellaneous Debit and Credit Entries
	(examples of entries include sales, salary expense, freight expense, other expenses)
1.2.1	Journal dated March 1, 1883-[September 10, 1883, sic] September 8, 1883
1.2.2	Journal dated September 10, 1883-March 7, 1884
1.2.3	Journal dated March 8, 1884-September 23, 1884 -includes unattached papers such as bills, advertisements, and correspondence
1.2.4	Journal dated July 29, 1887-[December 31, 1888, sic] December 31, 1887
1.2.5	Journal dated January 2, 1888-June 7, 1888
1.2.6	Journal dated November 19, 1888-April 16, 1889
1.2.7	Journal dated August 5, 1890-[December 20, 1890, sic] December 19, 1890
1.2.8	Journal dated December 20, 1890-[May 16, 1891, sic] May 15, 1891
1.2.9	Journal dated March 3, 1892-July 26, 1892
1.2.10	Journal dated December 21, 1892-[May 20, 1893, sic] May 19, 1893
1.2.11	Journal dated May 20, 1893-[November 12, 1893, sic] November 11, 1893
1.2.12	Journal dated May 1, 1895-September 30, 1895
1.2.13	Journal dated April 2, 1896-October 17, 1896
1.2.14	Journal dated April 24, 1897-October 30, 1897
1.2.15	Journal dated March 1, 1898-[June 25, 1898, sic] June 24, 1898
1.2.16	Journal dated February 27, 1899-July 25, 1899
1.2.17	Journal dated July 25, 1899-December 8, 1899
1.2.18	Journal dated December 8, 1899-March 31, 1900
1.2.19	Journal dated April 2, 1900-[July 14, 1900, sic] July 13, 1900
1.2.20	Journal dated July 14, 1900-[November 9, 1900, sic] November 8, 1900-includes unattached papers related to an individual sale and the monthly sales for 1900
1.2.21	Journal dated November 9, 1900-February 1, 1901
1.2.22	Journal dated [February 1, 1900, sic] February 1, 1901-May 15, 1901-includes unattached paper, a receipt certifying payment by a customer
1.2.23	Journal dated May 16, 1901-[September 6, 1901, sic] September 5, 1901
1.2.24	Journal dated March 22, 1902-[July 1, 1902, sic] June 30, 1902-includes unattached paper related to monthly sales for the first half of 1902 and the first half of 1903
1.2.25	Journal dated July 1, 1902-[October 18, 1902, sic] October 20, 1902
1.2.26	Journal dated October 20, 1902-January 15, 1903
1.2.27	Journal dated January 15, 1903-[April 28, 1903, sic] April 27, 1903
1.2.28	Journal dated November 9, 1903-January 16, 1904
1.2.29	Journal dated January 16, 1904-[May 1, 1904, sic] April 30, 1904
1.2.30	Journal dated July 28, 1904-[November 5, 1904, sic] November 4, 1904-includes unattached papers such as bills
1.2.31	Journal dated November 5, 1904-[January 17, 1905, sic] January 16, 1905
1.2.32	Journal dated January 17, 1905-March 17, 1906-includes unattached papers related to monthly sales and customers’ addresses

	Daybooks and Journals
2.1.1	Daybook describing important Ensenberger business transactions such as investments in the business, major sales, and payment of expenses; dated January 1898-January 1899-includes unattached paper, an advertisement for the Ensenberger furniture store
2.1.2	Journal for the debits and credits of the transactions described in the daybook of 3.1; accounts include cash, merchandise, expense, bills receivable, bills payable; dated January 1898-October 1898
2.1.3	Sales journal listing cash sales from May 22, 1915-May 8, 1916, and credit sales from May 22, 1915-March 15, 1916; journal lists date of purchase, customer, amount, and date of payment
2.1.4	Sales journal listing cash sales from May 9, 1916-January 29, 1917, and credit sales from March 16, 1916-December 6, 1916; journal lists date of purchase, customer, amount, and date of payment
2.1.5	Sales journal listing cash sales from January 30, 1917-September 20, 1917, and credit sales from December 6, 1916-July 19, 1917; journal lists date of purchase, customer, amount, and date of payment
2.1.6	Daybook describing purchases, cash sales, and credit sales for the rug department in 1912
2.1.7	Monthly journal listing Ensenberger customers in alphabetical order along with each customer’s purchase amount, the amount paid, and date of payment; book dated September 1915-May 1917
2.1.8	Portion of journal is a list of Ensenberger customers in alphabetical order along with each customer’s purchase amount, the amount paid, and date of payment; this portion is dated June 1918; book also consists of an unidentified accounting system and a list of customers’ names and addresses
2.1.9	Approximately weekly journal of Ensenberger’s purchases from April 27, 1914-October 30, 1916; book lists manufacturer’s name, amount of purchase, discount, and amount to be paid

	Ledgers
2.2.1	Ledger with monthly entries to accounts like cash, merchandise, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and others; related to items 3.1 and 3.2; book dated January 1898-October 1898-includes unattached paper, an advertisement for Emerson Piano Co.
2.2.2	Ledger with entries to accounts like cash, merchandise, freight expense, advertising, insurance, rent, salaries, and others; book dated 1917; also consists of alphabetical list of customers’ accounts
2.2.3	Ledger with alphabetical list of customers’ accounts and the corresponding page numbers on which the accounts are located; remainder of book consists of the entries related to the business transactions for each account; book dated 1880-1889
2.2.4	Ledger with alphabetical list of customers’ accounts and the corresponding page numbers on which the accounts are located; remainder of book consists of the entries related to the business transactions for each account; book dated 1889-1898
2.2.5	Ledger with alphabetical list of customers’ accounts and the corresponding page numbers on which the accounts are located; remainder of book consists of the entries related to the business transactions for each account; book dated 1898-1905

	Cash Books
3.1.1	Cash book that records daily cash inflows and outflows for the Ensenberger business from April 1893-[March 1896, sic] February 1896; left page consists of inflows, right page consists of outflows
3.1.2	Cash book that records daily cash inflows and outflows for the Ensenberger business from March 1896-February 1900; left page consists of inflows, right page consists of outflows
3.1.3	Cash book that records daily cash inflows and outflows for the Ensenberger business from April 1904-April 1908; left page consists of inflows, right page consists of outflows
3.1.4	Cash book that records daily cash inflows and outflows for the Ensenberger business from August 1917-December 1917; left page consists of inflows, right page consists of outflows

	Records of Checks Written by Ensenberger Store
3.2.1	Book has a double entry format showing the amount of the expense along with the amount of the check; these checks did not cover the costs of purchased goods but rather other expenses; book dated September 1, 1906-June 9, 1914
3.2.2	Book has a double entry format showing the amount of the expense along with the amount of the check; these checks did not cover the costs of purchased goods but rather other expenses; book dated June 10, 1914-January 2, 1918

	Registers of Bills Payable
3.3.1	Book labeled #1; records the date and amount of bills Ensenberger receives from other companies; also records the date and amount paid; recordings begin ~1890; each company’s page number is listed in the front of the book
3.3.2	Book labeled #2; is a continuation of item 7.1
3.3.3	Book labeled #3; is a continuation of item 7.2; recordings end in 1905

	Profit Books
3.4.1	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with their cost, sale price, and profit; book dated October 2, 1915-December 10, 1915
3.4.2	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with their cost, sale price, and profit; book dated April 15, 1916-July 12, 1916

	Business Cards of Furniture Manufacturers and Dealers
4.1.1	C. Sidney Norris & Co.; manufacturers, importers, and jobbers of cabinet hardware and upholstery goods; located in Baltimore, Maryland
4.1.2	Glover & Willcomb; importers and manufacturers of curled hair; located in Chicago, Illinois
4.1.3	Kraus, Butzow, & Peters; wholesale furniture manufacturers; specialty is bureaus and book cases; located in Chicago, Illinois
4.1.4	L. Puster & Co.; manufacturers of furniture; located in Evansville, Indiana
4.1.5	Miller Brothers; manufacturers of varnishes, mixed paints, and japans; located in Cleveland, Ohio
4.1.6	Shimmin & Gobel; manufacturers and wholesale dealers in curled hair, moss, wool, husks, tow, excelsior, and mattresses; located in Chicago, Illinois
4.1.7	W.D. Gibson; wholesale dealer in upholstery materials, cabinet hardware, and wire springs; located in Chicago, Illinois

	Price Lists of Furniture Manufacturers and Dealers
4.2.1	A. Steinmetz & Co.’s price list of furniture marble tops; located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; dated March 1, 1880
4.2.2	Adolph Meinecke & Son’s Milwaukee Willow Works’ price list of fancy baskets; located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; dated 1882
4.2.3	Adolph Meinecke & Son’s descriptive price list; only pages 31 and 32 are present in collection; items described on these two pages include cooking tools, brooms, pails, wooden shoes, and a spinning wheel; n.d.
4.2.4	Bottriel & Palmer’s price list of hammock reclining rockers; located in Reading, Michigan; dated March 1, 1880
4.2.5	Burlington Wire Mattress Co.’s price list and catalogue of woven wire mattresses, canvass and wire cots, spring beds, and walnut stain and filler; located in Burlington, Iowa; n.d.
4.2.6	Capital City Chair Factory’s price list of chairs; n.d.
4.2.7	Cincinnati Cabinet Co.’s descriptive price list of revolving book-cases; located in Cincinnati, Ohio; n.d.
4.2.8	Cooley-Morrison Furniture Manufacturing Association’s price list of bureaus, wash stands, beds, and dress case suits; located in Connersville, Indiana; dated 1880
4.2.9	Crescent City Chair Works’ price list of double cane and rattan seats and maple and walnut chairs; located in Evansville, Indiana; dated 1882
4.2.10	Emrich, Paulini, & Co.’s price list of bedsteads, lounges, stands, and center tables; located in Indianapolis, Indiana; dated 1883
4.2.11	Francis Karr’s price list of spring beds; located in Chicago, Illinois; dated 1884
4.2.12	H. Lauter’s price list of center tables, library tables, and window stands; located in Indianapolis, Indiana; dated April 1, 1882
4.2.13	H. Lauter’s price list of center tables, library tables, and window stands; located in Indianapolis, Indiana; dated April 1, 1882
4.2.14	H.M. Freeman & Co.’s price list of McLean rockers and parlor suits; located in Cincinnati, Ohio; n.d.
4.2.15	Hermon W. Ladd’s price list of folding cot beds; locations in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago; n.d.
4.2.16	Miller Brothers’ descriptive price list of varnishes and japans; located in Cleveland, Ohio; n.d.
4.2.17	Parker & Cooley’s price list of wood filler; made by Parker, Coit & Co.; located in Chicago, Illinois; n.d.
4.2.18	Payson Manufacturing Company’s price list and catalogue of builders’ and cabinet hardware; located in Chicago, Illinois; dated February 1882
4.2.19	Richardson Brothers’ price list of chairs; located in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; n.d.
4.2.20	Robbins and Franklin Manufacturing Co.’s descriptive price list of wood filler, primer, and paints; located in Chicago, Illinois; dated February 25, 1880
4.2.21	San-itai-rie’s price list of crack and crevice filler and wood surfacer; for sale by Lussky, White, and Coolidge in Chicago, Illinois; n.d.
4.2.22	Western Furniture Co.’s price list of miscellaneous furniture including bureaus, bedsteads, and tables; located in Indianapolis, Indiana; dated February 1882
4.2.23	Western Furniture Co.’s price list of miscellaneous furniture including bureaus, bedsteads, and tables; located in Indianapolis, Indiana; dated July 1882

	Sample Pictures of Furniture
4.3.1	Pictures of bed frames and tables manufactured by Emrich, Paulini, & Co.; located in Indianapolis, Indiana; dated 1882
4.3.2	Four pieces of paper with pictures of chairs manufactured by Crescent City Chair Works; located in Evansville, Indiana; n.d.
4.3.3	Five pictures of bureaus and mirror frames; no manufacturer listed; n.d.

	Invoices and Related Documents
4.4.1	Bill received from Jacob Caro of New York, manufacturer and importer of looking glasses; G.A. Ensenberger instructed to make payable to assignee, Isidore S. Horn; dated July 17, 1883
4.4.2	Portion of bill received from Burd & Little of St. Louis, Missouri; dated December 188?
4.4.3	Notes relating to an Ensenberger purchase from Kraus, Butzow, & Peters; dated November 20, 1882
4.4.4	Notes relating to an Ensenberger purchase from Indianapolis Cabinet Co.; dated November 23, 1882
4.4.5	Notes relating to an Ensenberger purchase from McCord & Bradfield of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Ford Furniture Co.; n.d.
4.4.6	Notes relating to an Ensenberger transaction with C.C. Hollon; n.d.
4.4.7	Notes relating to an Ensenberger transaction with William Gifford of Chicago, Illinois
4.4.8	Notes relating to an Ensenberger transaction with L. Shiffman & Co.; dated December 15, 1882

	Materials Related to Orders Placed by Ensenberger
4.5.1	Order form for chairs made by the Bloomington Furniture Manufacturing Company; located in Bloomington, Illinois; n.d.
4.5.2	Order form for bedsteads made by Showers Brothers; located in Bloomington, Indiana; n.d.
4.5.3	Order book that records Ensenberger orders from manufacturers and dealers; requested items are listed along with payment terms; book dated September 15, 1879-November 20, 1882-includes unattached papers such as order forms, exchange papers, and correspondence
4.5.4	Order book that records Ensenberger orders from manufacturers and dealers; requested items are listed along with payment terms; book dated January 23, 1883-April 12, 1887-includes unattached papers such as order forms and advertisements
4.5.5	Order book that records Ensenberger orders from manufacturers and dealers; requested items are listed along with payment terms; book dated October 14, 1891-[February 29, 1896, sic] March 23, 1896-includes unattached paper, a bill from F.T. Plimpton of Chicago, Illinois
4.5.6	Order book that records Ensenberger orders from manufacturers and dealers; requested items are listed along with payment terms; most of the orders are recorded between August 1896 and December 1899-includes unattached papers such as stationery of the Illinois Club, a picture of the McLean County Courthouse, and a list of furniture to be provided to the courthouse
4.5.7	Order book that records Ensenberger orders from manufacturers and dealers; requested items are listed along with payment terms; book dated January 1900-October 1903
4.5.8	Order book that records Ensenberger orders from manufacturers and dealers; requested items are listed along with payment terms; book dated October 1903-March 1905-includes unattached papers such as order forms
4.5.9	Record of orders placed by Ensenberger from July 1906-January 1909; manufacturer listed along with amount owed; book also includes an incomplete inventory list for 1903 and pages of an unidentified system of accounting
4.5.10	Record of orders placed by Ensenberger from 1918-1920; categorized into different departments; manufacturer listed along with amount owed

	Bond Papers
4.6.1	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 3; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $1000 paid on January 14, 1926
4.6.2	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 4; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $1000 paid on January 14, 1926
4.6.3	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 5; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $1000 paid on June 26, 1926
4.6.4	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 6; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $1000 paid on June 26, 1926
4.6.5	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 7; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $1000 paid on June 26, 1926
4.6.6	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 18; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927
4.6.7	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 19; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927
4.6.8	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 20; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927
4.6.9	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 21; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927
4.6.10	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 22; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927
4.6.11	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 23; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927
4.6.12	First Mortgage Coupon Gold Bond no. 24; bond certificate stating the conditions of the loan obtained through First Trust and Savings Bank of Bloomington, Illinois; principal of $500 paid on June 28, 1927

	Illinois Club Documents
4.7.1	Book of notices from G.A. Ensenberger, treasurer of the Illinois Club; notices are requests for members’ quarterly dues; book dated 189?
4.7.2	Book of receipts recognizing the payment of dues; book dated 1893-1894
4.7.3	Treasurer’s book; consists of lists of Illinois Club members, those members that have paid their dues, and the receipts and expenditures of the Club; book dated 1893-1894
4.7.4	Box labeled “The Challenge File”; consists of bills, sales slips, checks, and other documents related to the finances of the Illinois Club; most are dated 1893-1894

	Ephemera
4.8.1	Announcement for Chaddock College in Quincy, Illinois, for the school year 1884-1885; consists of a school calendar, a list of faculty, prices for tuition and board, and a brief description of the courses of study
4.8.2	Advertisement for Tiffin Union Churn Co.; manufacturer of woodenware; located in Tiffin, Ohio; no prices given; n.d.
4.8.3	Book listing Ensenberger customers who made payments weekly, biweekly, or monthly; book dated ~1919-1920; book is missing its first 46 pages
4.8.4	Book of names and addresses of couples who were newlyweds or had a baby; Ensenberger wrote letters to these people encouraging them to shop at Ensenberger’s; examples of letters in the back of book; book dated 1915-1919
4.8.5	Book consists of lists of customers’ names and addresses; the cover is labeled “Columbia Record”; book dated 1920
4.8.6	Book consists of a list of customers’ names and addresses along with the date; the cover is labeled “Edison Records Cash”; the heading “Instruments on Approval” is written at the top of every page; book dated February 1920-May 1920

	Inventory Books for Furniture Store
5.1.1	Inventory list as of January 1, 1900; merchandise categorized by location in store
5.1.2	Inventory list as of January 1, 1906; merchandise categorized by location in store
5.1.3	Inventory list as of January 1907; merchandise categorized by location in store
5.1.4	Inventory list as of January 1908; merchandise categorized by location in store
5.1.5	Inventory list for the rug department as of January 1, 1914; merchandise categorized by manufacturer
5.1.6	Inventory list for the warehouse as of January 1, 1914; merchandise categorized by location in store and by manufacturer
5.1.7	Inventory list for rugs and tapestries as of Fall 1915; merchandise categorized by manufacturer and size

	Daily Journal of Miscellaneous Debit and Credit Entries
	(examples of entries include sales, salary expense, freight expense, other expenses)
5.2.1	Journal dated September 5, 1882-[March 1, 1883, sic] February 28, 1883
5.2.2	Journal dated August 13, 1886-January 19, 1887
5.2.3	Journal dated April 17, 1889-September 25, 1889
5.2.4	Journal dated September 25, 1889-March 3, 1890
5.2.5	Journal dated March 4, 1890-August 4, 1890
5.2.6	Journal dated May 16, 1891-October 17, 1891
5.2.7	Journal dated October 19, 1891-[March 3, 1892, sic] March 2, 1892
5.2.8	Journal dated July 27, 1892-[December 21, 1892, sic] December 20, 1892
5.2.9	Journal dated November 13, 1893-May 7, 1894
5.2.10	Journal dated May 8, 1894-[November 9, 1894, sic] November 8, 1894
5.2.11	Journal dated November 9, 1894-[May 1, 1895, sic] April 30, 1895
5.2.12	Journal dated October 1, 1895-[April 2, 1896, sic] April 1, 1896
5.2.13	Journal dated October 19, 1896-April 23, 1897
5.2.14	Journal dated November 1, 1897-[March 1, 1898, sic] February 28, 1898
5.2.15	Journal dated June 25, 1898-[November 1, 1898, sic] October 31, 1898
5.2.16	Journal dated November 1, 1898-[February 26, 1899, sic] February 25, 1899
5.2.17	Journal dated September 6, 1901-[December 19, 1901, sic] December 18, 1901
5.2.18	Journal dated December 19, 1901-March 21, 1902
5.2.19	Journal dated April 28, 1903-August 8, 1903
5.2.20	Journal dated August 10, 1903-November 7, 1903
5.2.21	Journal dated [May 1, 1904, sic] May 2, 1904-July 27, 1904

	Daybooks and Journals
6.1.1	Daybook listing sales from October 2, 1882-November 29, 1884; daybook lists date of purchase, customer, items purchased, and amount to be paid
6.1.2	Daybook listing sales from June 1, 1887-March 31, 1890; daybook lists date of purchase, customer, items purchased, and amount to be paid
6.1.3	Daybook listing sales from July 20, 1917-February 1, 1920; in most cases, daybook lists date of purchase, customer, and amount
6.1.4	Sales journal listing total daily sales from February 28, 1916-December 29, 1916
6.1.5	Monthly journal listing Ensenberger customers in alphabetical order along with each customer’s purchase amount, the amount paid, and date of payment; book dated June 1917-December 1917

	Cash Books
6.2.1	Cash book that records daily cash inflows and outflows for the Ensenberger business from March 1900-[April 1904, sic] March 1904; left page consists of inflows, right page consists of outflows

	Profit Books
6.3.1	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with their cost, sale price, and profit; book dated July 1, 1915-October 1, 1915
6.3.2	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with their cost, sale price, and profit; book dated December 11, 1915-February 8, 1916
6.3.3	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with their cost, sale price, and profit; book dated February 9, 1916-April 14, 1916
6.3.4	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with the profit for each item; book dated July 13, 1916-September 23, 1916
6.3.5	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with the profit for each item; book dated September 25, 1916-November 4, 1916-includes unattached papers such as inventory lists for January 1916
6.3.6	Book lists sold items of furniture and rugs along with the profit for each item; book dated November 5, 1916-January 6, 1917

	Materials Related to Orders Placed by Ensenberger
6.4.1	Record of orders placed by Ensenberger from January 1912-April 1914; manufacturer listed along with amount owed
6.4.2	Record of orders placed by Ensenberger from November 1916-December 1917; manufacturer listed along with amount owed

	Ephemera
6.5.1	Book consists of lists of Edison Records sold to individual customers; dated 1915-1916
6.5.2	Book consists of an alphabetical list of customers’ names and addresses along with the date; the cover is labeled “Edison”; book is dated but no year is provided
6.5.3	Book consists of a list of names and addresses; sticker on front cover labeled “Votes for Little Women / Kitchened Girl”; book dated 1914-includes unattached paper, a letter from Grand Rapids Cabinet Furniture Co.
6.5.4	Book consists of a list of customers’ names and addresses along with information about phonograph material; the top of the first page is labeled “Phonograph Prospects”; book dated 1915
6.5.5	Book consists of a list of names and addresses; top of first page is labeled “Names of people without cabinets”; n.d.
6.5.6	Book records unfilled orders from August 1919-July 1920; remainder of book records customers’ names and their purchase amount