There have been several elevators in Roberts at different times. J. B. Meserve (1876) put up an elevator that stood in the northeast part of town. After he sold the elevator, he put a flax seed and corn room where the lumber yard now is.
R. Risser & Sons owned the elevator after this but it was still known as the Meserve elevator. This was around 1880-1882. W. G. Thrasher was just one of the many who managed the elevators.
John P. Smith in the fall of 1889, started in the grain business in Roberts, building a new elevator at a cost of $4,800.
On June 1, 1912, the first meeting of the stockholders of the Roberts Farmers Grain Company was held. This same year a new elevator was built next to the Illinois Central tracks. In 1913, the next elevator was built beside the tracks.
In 1921 the Roberts Farmers Grain Company dissolved and the Roberts Grain Company was formed.
In 1934 John J. Minch purchased the Roberts Grain Company. He operated it as the only owner until 1944, at which time he sold one-half interest to Howard Cook. In 1955 Art Falter purchased Howard Cook's interest. In March of 1969, Mr. Minch passed away.
The quonsets were built in 1955, pole buildings in 1957. In 1959 the feed mill was built. A 60 foot truck scale was installed in 1964.
The elevator has been managed by Bob Corban since January, 1956.
--Roberts Area Centennial. 100 Years of Plowing Planting Progressing. 1872-1972.
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