Galva in Henry County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Hayes Pump and Planter Company

Galva, IL

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021

1. Hayes Pump and Planter Company Marker

Inscription.
The Bubbler
In 1886, Hayes Pump and Planter set up a manufacturing plant that eventually took up two blocks of space and supplied about 250 jobs in Galva. Mr. E. K. Hayes, the founder and owner, was well respected for his inventions and ingenuity, especially for his planters and pumps. As a practical farmer born in nearby Stark County, he was invited by the citizens in Galva to move his company from Kewanee to Galva to build his enterprise that grew to world-wide acclaim. One of his marketing ventures was the setting up of a booth to show his products at the 1893 Chicago World's fair.

A solution to a nation-wide and international problem
Around the turn of the 20th century, there was a germ-passing scare throughout the country and many states outlawed the use of the “common drinking cup”. Having the “common drinking cup” hanging on the water pump for anyone to use was a typical procedure especially on the farm and/or country school. In the city, there were drinking fountains that pumped streams of water into the germ-laden mouth. In the country there was no water tower and/or electricity to create such pressure, thus the

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dreaded “common drinking cup” that was handy was also regarded as the evil transmitter of disease.

To help solve this problem, especially in rural areas, the Hayes Company created a pump that could build up pressure when pumping the handle. Simply turning a valve on this pump would release an upward bubble of water for a healthy “no cup needed” drink.

By buying the adapter, one could simply add the afore-mentioned fixture to any force pump.

[captions]
• Patent
• The Hayes Bubbler attached to the 917 Pump
• The Hayes Bubbler attached to the 701 Force Pump
• Adapter – By the simple turn of the handle, the water will go up into the cup or down the spout

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 41° 9.974′ N, 90° 2.697′ W. Marker is in Galva, Illinois, in Henry County. It is on Front Street just east of Exchange Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is beside the walkway in Veterans Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 338 Front Street, Galva IL 61434, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Marker detail: Hayes Check-Row Planter Advertisement image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Hayes Check-Row Planter Advertisement

FYI — In Australia, all drinking fountains are called “bubblers.”

this marker is in Northern Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sgt. Schuyler Brent Patch (here, next to this marker); Wistrand Manufacturing Co. and the Blue Star line (a few steps from this marker); Olof Krans (a few steps from this marker); Galva Opera House/Temperance Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Galva Creamery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Scrap Drive of 1942 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Push/Pull (within shouting distance of this marker); To the Sons of this Community Who Gave Their Future to Preserve Our Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galva.

Also see . . .
1. Galva Hayes Pump and Planter Company history (Illinois History - Facebook).

Excerpt: Hayes
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021

3. Hayes Pump and Planter Company Marker
Looking south through Veterans Memorial Park.
Pump and Planter Company produced pumps and planters. The company also produced cultivators and harrows. At one time this company was one of Galva’s largest, and employed two hundred fifty men, and they had over 3000 distributors and dealers in several parts of the United States.

(Submitted on September 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Hayes Pump and Planter Company (Farmers Voice, 15 January 1898).

Excerpt: A bird s eye view of the works of the Hayes Pump and Planter company at Galva. This company has been doing business for a good many years and their well-known corn planters are in use wherever corn is grown. At the Illinois State fair last fall the exhibit of this company in the machinery building attracted universal attention and much favorable comment. The pumps made by this company are as well-known as their other machinery and the same high standard has been adhered to in making them. The goods of the Hayes Pump and Planter company must be among the best, for from making ten planters in 1887, they have grown until they stand among those making the largest number.

(Submitted on September 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.