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

Fiedler-Mohr Motors

Built 1923

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

1. Fiedler-Mohr Motors Marker

Inscription. George F. Fiedler opened a Dodge dealership at the southwest corner of Western Avenue and York Street in 1921 with his neighbor George Burmeister. Its original name was Central Auto Sales. According to Fiedler, it took 5 months in business before he and his partner sold their first new Dodge to Emmet Kooken, an employee of the Rock Island Railroad who "immediately became a booster."

Within a few years sales steadily improved, and under a new partnership with Henry F. Mohr, "Fiedler-Mohr Motors" was established, with this building constructed to house its showroom, offices, and repair shop. Additions were completed in 1927 to the east of the original building, and the two-story section housing an accessory department was added in 1947. A lot was acquired across the street in 1937 for the sale of used cars.

Mohr sold his interest in the business in 1949, with George's sons - Leroy and George Jr. - joining their father as vice president and secretary of the company, renamed Fiedler Motors, Inc. The dealership closed in 1979, and the building was repurposed and divided to house several businesses.

Historic Blue Island

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- Founded 1835

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 41° 38.978′ N, 87° 40.848′ W. Marker is on Blue Island, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Old Western Avenue north of Western Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13357 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

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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: Herman & Sophia Heimbach House

Fiedler-Mohr Motors building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 31, 2025

2. Fiedler-Mohr Motors building

The marker is on the right (south) side of the building. The modern Western Avenue can be seen in the background to the right.

(a few steps from this marker); Henry & Catherine Doehler House (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Heimbach's Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blue Island's Sister Cities (about 300 feet away); The "Groskopf Corner" (about 400 feet away); The Klein Residence, Tavern, & Boarding House (about 400 feet away); Jebens Hardware Store (about 500 feet away); Stephan & Martha Jones House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blue Island.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.