Broomcorn Warehouse

At its peak, around 1900, around 35,000 acres of broom corn was planted in the fields around Mattoon.  Mattoon was booming in the broomcorn industry. 

 

The broomcorn warehouse was located at the northwest corner of the New York Central and the Illinois Central Railroad.  It was uniquely shaped because it was on the rail line that connected the two railroads before the subway was built.

 

As migration headed west, so did the broomcorn industry.  The demand for corn brooms declined with technology.  Carpeting became popular, and synthetics were used for brooms.  By 1937, broomcorn in the area had declined, and the factories mostly closed.

 

In the 1990’s the owners of the broomcorn warehouse donated the site to the city.  A fire station annex was built at that location.

 

Circa 1930

the former building was much more attractive