Henry Schrage and Whiting

Henry Schrage and Whiting. . , Henry Schrage (1844-1932) was born into one of the first families of Whiting. An entrepreneurial spirit, he learned a strong work ethic from his humble beginnings as a German immigrant. Upon returning home after serving in the Union Army in the American Civil War, Henry opened Whiting's first general store in 1868, on lakefront land that his family owned., Henry's general store opened for a small, but growing community, with only a dozen or so families in the area. He managed his store with his wife, Carolina, selling textiles, produce, food staples, and horse harnesses. As with many general stores during that era, Henry's store became the social center of the community., With its proximity to Chicago, the location of Whiting was ideal for transportation, though the ground was sand and railroads were scarce along the lakeshore at first. In an effort to attract industry and development, the state of Indiana offered low prices for land in the Northern region of the state with hopes to entice investors and stimulate an economy. Among those interested in the location of Whiting were the B&O Railroad and the Standard Oil Company., Before long, plans were underway to develop the nation's largest oil refinery on land that included 50 acres that belonged to the Schrages. This sale of land would be a pivotal point in the future of Whiting, and the history of Centier Bank., In 1871, Henry became Whiting's first postmaster. During this time, (1870s - 1880s), Henry also served as the area road supervisor in charge of a large number of roads between the State Line and the Calumet River. The B&O Railroad established a station stop by Lake Shore Road, adding to the importance of the Schrage Family Store as more and more traffic passed through the area en route to Chicago., On April 21, 1895, Henry opened a private bank, Bank of Whiting, with $5,600 in the first day's deposits. Much like his corner store, the Bank of Whiting was fondly received as the cornerstone of town happenings. As a result, Henry became even more serious about his role in his community, a passion that he shared with his children., Henry Schrage made an unparalleled commitment in his bank's history. During the Great Depression, when over 30 banks failed in Lake County Indiana, Henry set up a 15-year trust fund with his personal assets that could not be touched by heirs to his estate. These funds were set aside to protect the depositors in his bank, so that any loans that turned bad during these difficult years could be recovered from Henry's trust fund assets. A keen business visionary, Henry insured his depositors, allowing his bank to survive the most severe economic downturn of the 20th century.,

1840 - Christoff Schrage travels to Chicago from Germany. , 1844 - Henry Schrage, Sr. is born in Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany on January 21. , 1854 - The entire Schrage family left Bremen, Germany, immigrating to the United States on board a ship named "Agnes." Heinrich Christoff Schrage purchased land in northwest Indiana, later moving to Chicago where he was a merchant, before returning to Whiting. , 1863 - Christoff purchased his second tract of land for $1.25 an acre. Henry Sr. enlists in the Federal Army serving in the 30th Illinois Regiment with Company K and fights in the South for the Union. , 1865 - Henry Sr. returns home to Whiting after the war. , 1868 - Henry marries Carolina Wustenfelt. They have six children. To support his growing family, and community, Henry opens a general store. , 1871 - Whiting's first Post Office is placed inside the general store, with Henry as Postmaster. During this time (18705 - 1880s), Henry was also the area road Supervisor, in charge of a large number of roads between the state line and the Calumet River. , 1874 - The B&O railroad establishes a station stop by Lake Shore Road, which adds to the importance of this settlement. At this time, the family establishment was at the center of a bustling downtown Whiting. They would start building a new store in the 1880s. , 1889 - Construction of Standard Oil Company begins. The location chosen included 50 acres of Schrage property from the family's original land purchase. W.P. Cowan of the Standard Oil Company commissions Henry to buy 246 acres of land bordering Lake Michigan. , 1892 - Henry Jr. (son of Henry) takes over responsibilities of Postmaster for his father until 1899. He was then appointed Postmaster and held that position until 1917. , 1895 - Henry sells his business in the store, and on April 21, a private Bank in Whiting is opened by Henry using money from Standard Oil sale) at 1738 119th St. Whiting is incorporated as a town. Henry begins service on the town council and serves for six years as a township trustee. , 1903 - Whiting is incorporated as a city. Henry becomes a Councilman.

, [Captions:] , Henry Schrage , Henry Schrage on his property in Whiting. , The original Bank of Whiting was located at 1738 119th Street. , The Bank of Whiting moved to 1500 119th Street in 1910. , A view of the Standard Oil Company Grounds , Interior of bank's first location in Whiting. , Standard Oil Co.'s Plant, Whiting, Ind.