Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Star, April 25, 1913, p. 1. A Big Time at the "Hub" >From 10 o'clock in the morning until 12 at night, last Friday, the center of population of the United States was the scene of the gayest and most noteworthy festivities that that spot ever got mixed up in; and the big light on top of the shaft that marks the distinctive spot shone down on 15 acres of saw-toothed factory buildings, the newest addition to which was causing this to be dedicated as the largest furniture manufactory in the world-the Showers company. Over half of the population of the city of Bloomington turned out, inspected and enjoyed the industry that for so long has been the pride of the city. And all were royally stertained [sic]. Personally conducted tours thru the factory during the day caused the visitors to marvel at the great plant in operation. And at night the big day was concluded with the entertaining of nearly four thousand invited guests in the mammoth new addition just completed. The evening's program was opened by an address of welcome by Edward Showers who spoke impressively, giving the people in a few words some ideas of the constant perseverance that made the big enterprise possible, and praised the faithful workmen and all who had co-operated in bringing this industry its present high standard. Then Wm. N. Showers, President of the company, stepped forward without any pomp or ceremony, and pulled a cord which blew the old factory whistle, a relic and pride of the plant. Then the festivities were on. Next to the refreshment stands, the minstrel show was the center of attraction and rivaled anything that has been given in Bloomington along that line. Sanford Teter, as interlocutor, was surrounded by a host of the best talent in the city. The first part was handsomely set, the musical numbers well put over, and in all it showed a lot of time and care in the preparation. It was one of the largest public gatherings ever held in Bloomington, and without a doubt the most democratic and congenial. Merchants, university professor, students and laborers all mingled together in having a good time. And after it is all over, there is one fact that dawns upon everybody: That in 1868 some of the Showers went over in the northeast end of town with a saw and a board and started to make furniture, and 45 years later, on April 18, W. N. Showers, as president, stood in the midst of, and dedicated the largest furniture factory in the world. Constance T. Shotts, Ed.D., CG(SM) CG and Certified Genealogist are Service Marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluations by the Board and the board name is a trademark registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.