Blue Island in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Jebens Hardware Store

Built 1894

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

1. Jebens Hardware Store Marker

Inscription. The business that originally operated from this storefront began in 1876 as a harness, blacksmith, and hardware shop owned by Friedrich (Fred) and Henrietta Jebens in a wood frame structure that stood here until 1894. That structure was replaced by the two-story, limestone-faced building designed by architect Otto A. Kupfer that still stands today. The one-story addition to the south was built in 1938, where a separate building was razed to make space for an expansion of Jebens Hardware.

After Fred Jebens' death, the business was carried on by his sons: William, John, & Alfred. The hardware store stayed in the Jebens family, eventually run by Fred's grandson, Stanley Jebens, until his death in 1976. It was carried on for 10 more years by Ethel, Stanley's wife, until the building and the business was purchased by longtime employee Arthur Bulmann in 1986. Following the sale of the business, Ethel Jebens continued to live in the apartment above the hardware store until her death in 2012 at the age of 86.

The building and business remained in Bulmann's possession until his death in June of 2019, and after 143 years of

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serving Blue Island and beyond, Jebens Hardware closed.

Historic Blue Island - Founded 1835

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 41° 39.066′ N, 87° 40.86′ W. Marker is on Blue Island, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Old Western Avenue 0.1 miles north of Broadway Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13311 Old Western Avenue, Blue Island IL 60406, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago

and in the Calumet Region.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Stephan & Martha Jones House (a few steps from this marker); The Klein Residence, Tavern, & Boarding House (within shouting

Jebens Hardware Store building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

2. Jebens Hardware Store building

"F. Jebens," refering to the store's founder Friedrich, can be seen etched into the top of the building. The hardware store closed in 2019 after 143 years and was replaced by a restaurant.

distance of this marker); The "Groskopf Corner" (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Heimbach's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Herman & Sophia Heimbach House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fiedler-Mohr Motors (about 500 feet away); Henry & Catherine Doehler House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blue Island's Sister Cities (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blue Island.

Regarding Jebens Hardware Store. When it closed in 2019, Jebens was considered the oldest hardware store in Cook County. The building as of 2025 is occupied by a restaurant called Bub Cafe.

Also see . . . Daily Southtown: Billed as Cook County’s oldest hardware store, Jebens Hardware closes.

Exerpt: "'When (customers) realize we’re closing they’re devastated,” Tuma said. “They say, ‘Where are we going to go now?'”

"Residents of historic homes in the area will no longer be able to walk in and get a brass valve to repair a steam radiator, or rope and pulleys to fix an old window."

(Submitted on June 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

3. Jebens Hardware Store Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.