"Shuler and Benninghofen -- Know Product Throughout Country -- Oldest Industry Founded in Hamilton and Retained in Same Families," Hamilton Daily News "Continuous and prosperous history of more than three quarters of a century is the unusual record of one of Hamilton's great industries -- the Shuler and Benninghofen Woolen Mills in Lindenwald. It was organized as a partnership in 1838 by Asa Shuler and Benninghofen and throughout the years that have followed, it has remained as a Shuler and Benninghofen partnership.

Woolen Mills, 1893, corner of Heaton and Lowell Sts.

Hamilton people may well indeed have a deep pride in the Shuler and Benninghofen Woolen Mills. In the history of the continuous growth of the this business there is a romance that is woven around two of Hamilton's prominent families.  Today, the name Shuler and Benninghofen has a deep meaning for Hamilton people, for this is the oldest Hamilton industry in which members of Hamilton families have taken part and have retained management through the years.
 

So there is a double pride for Hamilton -- pride in this outstanding example of  Hamilton industry woven by two of Hamilton's prominent families and pride in the fact that Shuler and Benninghofen products, blankets and paper mill felts are known in the markets of the entire world for their quality.
	Miami Woolen Mill Employees, circa 1890

The first Shuler and Benninghofen plant was in 1858 on North Fourth Street where the Long and Allstatter foundry now stands.  It was a small shop and the location was chosen because of the supply of water power from the hydraulic was close by.  In 1862, a new plant was built at Heaton and Lowell Streets and this was destroyed by fire in 1865, being rebuilt and occupied in 1866.  Originally, the sole output of the partnership was blankets but in 1864 the first felt was produced and this has grown into the major part of the business.

In 1881, John W. Benninghofen died and his place was taken by Christian and Peter Benninghofen, the later having died only a year ago after becoming one of the outstanding citizens and philanthropists of Hamilton.  His brother still takes an active part in the management.  In 1895 Mr. Shuler died and his place was taken by William and Charles Shuler, the latter dying in 1927.  The partnership now is composed of Christian Benninghofen, W.B. Shuler, Misses Carrie and Pauline Benninghofen, and Mrs. C.A. Shuler and Mrs. Ellen Whitaker. Rapid growth of the business and the further development of steam and electric power, caused the partners to build a plant in Lindenwald in 1893. As more business came additions were required and these were erected in 1905, 1912, and the last, a carding and spinning mill at Symmes and Benninghofen Avenues in 1920.

Hamilton Blankets,  sold for $7.50 per pair

	As the year draws to a close the partnership enjoys a wonderful business.  It ranks as one of the foremost plants in the country in the production of felts, used by paper mills.  These felts, as are also the blankets, are sold in all sections of the country." Shuler and Benninghofen ceased operations in Hamilton in 1967 when it became affiliated with Orr Felt Company of Piqua, Ohio.
Lindenwald Mills, Pleasant and Williams Avenues

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society