Galva in Henry County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wistrand Manufacturing Co. and the Blue Star line
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
1. Wistrand Manufacturing Co. and the Blue Star line Marker
In 1900 the Wistrand Manufacturing Company finally moved to northeast Galva from nearby Kewanee and built the plant alongside the C. B. & Q. Railroad. Because there were at least five manufacturing plants located in Galva at the turn of the century, the two railroads were seriously interested in Galva.
The owner and builder of the Wistrand Galva plant was Peter E. Wistrand and although he and E. K. Hayes were good friends in nearby Kewanee, E. K. moved to Galva years before but used the Rock Island Rail Road. Similar to what Hayes made, Wistrand's products were also pumps, planters but in addition made windmills. When Hayes moved to Galva in 1886 and started his business, his planter and pump designs eventually took off and grew to be sold by nearly 3,000 dealers world-wide.
Even though Hayes made a popular planter, Wistrand's Blue Star pump also was in great demand probably due to the “Peter's Pump” line he developed and manufactured in Kewanee. Because there were many foundries in Galva around the turn of the 20th century “sharing the wealth” seemed to be the way to do business. As an example, in 1901 - 250 planters were
this page online
Eventually, the Galva Wistrand plant was sold to the Great Western Patent Manufacturing Co. of Casper, Wyoming in 1926 after the Wistrand plant sat idle for 3 years. But Great Western Patent didn't last but a year. The plant was finally purchased by John H. Best and Sons in 1929 through a bank and the Blue Star line was integrated into their rug and carpet display line.
During World War II, parts were made by John H. Best and Sons for Corsair airplanes, the P-47 Thunderbolts, the P-38 fighters, M-7 tanks and large landing barges. Sadly, planters are no longer made due to technological advancements and since it was decided to
2. Marker detail: Double Cylinder Pump Patent
Formerly Peter’s Pump.
[captions]
• While the Wistrand factory was being built in 1900, orders had to be filled. They were assembled by Galva’s blacksmith shop (J.O. Gyling) with parts cast at Hayes manufacturing and finished by others (at Sopher’s Corner).
• An early photo [of the plant] facing east.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 41° 9.978′ N, 90° 2.694′ 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, 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); Hayes Pump and Planter Company (a few steps from this marker); Olof Krans (a few steps from this marker); The Galva Creamery (within shouting distance of this marker); Galva Opera House/Temperance Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Push/Pull (within shouting distance of this marker); Galva, Illinois in the 1870's (within
3. Marker detail: An artist’s rendition of the proposed Wistrand plant facing south
Wistrand’s plant in Kewanee had a similar building design and was also located by the C. B. & Q.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
4. Wistrand Manufacturing Co. and the Blue Star line Marker
Looking south through Veterans Memorial Park.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
5. Wistrand Pump
Exhibit on the left side of the marker.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
6. Wistrand Pump — Blue Star line
Exhibit on the right side of the marker. Donated by the Nordstrom family in memory of David Nordstrom.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 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, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 19, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
