Larkin Co Antique Tiger Oak Secretary Desk

Midwestern Ties
Founded by John D. Larkin, the company began as a family operation. The selection of Peoria for its major facility outside of Buffalo no doubt reflected Larkin’s ties to central Illinois. His wife, the former Frances Hubbard, grew up near Bloomington, as did her brother, Elbert, who joined as a “commercial traveler,” on the road selling soap. Ultimately, it manufactured furniture, dishes, housewares, paint and even clothing, and began selling through mail-order catalogs.