Location of this building
“The Souderton Improvement Company erected this building to attract more industry to town. In 1899 cigar manufacturers Theobold & Oppenheimer leased the space. The building is an example of the factories that manufactured items from cigars to textiles at the turn of the 20th century.”
Main Street looking south
In July 1897, local businessmen formed the Souderton Improvement Company to promote industrial growth. This three-story, 50-by-100-foot building was designed specifically as a cigar factory. Two years after completion, Theobold & Oppenheimer advertised for 50 workers – “at once” – marking the beginning of its industrial use.
Within a year, the Henry B. Grauley Cigar Company of Philadelphia took over production, manufacturing its “Golden Rule” cigars. Subsequent cigar firms occupied the building until 1923, when it was sold to the Souderton Towel Mills. Under owners Arthur Rosenberger and Arthur Landes, the facility was outfitted with 32 looms and later became the Cheltenham Towel Mills.
After the towel business closed, the building stood vacant for several years and even hosted an indoor carnival. In 1935, it reopened as the Souderton Furniture Mart – the painted name visible on the building for many years. Today, fully renovated, the building houses a variety of modern businesses.
Main Street looking north
The historical markers were made possible by generous donations from Souderton Connects, Univest Corp, and the Souderton-Telford Historical Society. We hope you enjoy them.
