Chuse Engine

In 1872, Chuse Engine Company began producing steam engines between 13th and 14th street adjacent to the Big Four Railroad tracks in Mattoon. By 1927, Chuse was taken over by Atlas Diesel Company and were producing large diesel engines here. During World War II, work shifted to the production of 155-millimeter shells for the war.

Young Radiator took over the plant in 1948. Additions were made in 1953 and 1967. They employed over 300 people. In March of 1983, the plant threatened to close and move operations to Centerville, Iowa where Young’s non-union plant was expanding. An 11th hour deal kept the plant open for three more years; 1986 negotiations were not as successful and the plant closed.

The city entered into negotiations to have the severely dilapidated building razed in 1999. The original portion of the plant was razed in 2000. The landmark smoke stack that donned the City’s skyline for over a century came down February 16, 2001. The skeletal remains of the 1953 and 1967 additions remain as a scar in the center of the city.

Diesel Engines produced at Atlas Diesel

During World War II, munitions rounds were produced at the Atlas Diesel plant

Shortly before demolition in 2000

Graveyard

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