Central Business District in Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Emery and Kroger Historic Foundation Walls
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 27, 2016
1. Emery and Kroger Historic Foundation Walls Marker
These foundation walls date from at least the 1840s and represent the foundations of two global corporations which are also local icons.
In the early years of the City, this site was occupied by a number of small buildings until the arrival of Thomas Emery who established his lamp oi1 and candle works here in 1840. The probable date of these foundations is during this era. Emery occupied this site for over 40 years, moving to a new location on Mill Creek after massive floods in 1883 and 1884. Emery's business grew and later expanded into real estate. Their projects included the Carew Tower and the planned community of Mariemont among others. The company is known today as Emery Oleochemicals.
As shown in the 1904 Sanborn Map, one of Kroger's earliest production facilities later occupied this location. Kroger has since grown into the world's 5th largest retailer and the nation's largest grossing supermarket chain.
After Kroger left the site in 1960, the city acquired the property for parking space at Riverfrot Stadium. The Park Board opened this transformed space as an addition to Smale Riverfront Park in 2015.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 39° 5.705′ N,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John A. Roebling Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); World’s Largest Chime Foot Piano (within shouting distance of this marker); 1 West Vine Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Marian A. Spencer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); About the Labyrinth (about 400 feet away); The Black Brigade of Cincinnati (about 700 feet away); The Berlin Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harriet Tubman - The Beacon Of Hope (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cincinnati.
More about this marker. The marker is located in Smale Riverfront Park, on the west side of the foot of the bridge.
Also see . . .
1. The History of Kroger. Kroger website entry:br> In 1883, Barney Kroger invested his life savings of $372 to open a grocery store at 66 Pearl Street in downtown Cincinnati. The son of a merchant, he ran his business with a simple motto: “Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.” (Submitted on December 23, 2019.)
2. Emery Oleochemicals History
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 27, 2016
2. Emery and Kroger Historic Foundation Walls and Marker
Here the foundation walls are in the foreground, with the back of the marker visible in the center background.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 27, 2016
3. Emery and Kroger Historic Foundation Walls and Marker - overhead view
View taken from the bridge. The marker is visible in the upper left of the picture.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 27, 2016
4. Marker inset picture
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 23, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
