Parchment Community Library

Photographs

Local History

Photos of the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company

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Jacob Kindleberger, seen here in the 1930's, purchased a sugar beet factory in 1909 and converted it into a paper mill. The Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company prospered and by 1925 a model village, called Parchment, had grown around the mill.

KVP | 1910-1949

(23 Photos)

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The administration building, constructed in 1928, is seen in the center of the photo.

Parchment | 1910-1945

(17 Photos)

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If you can identify anyone in this photo, please contact the library at 269-343-7747 or ref@parchmentlibrary.org.

Schools | 1910-1958

(12 Photos)

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Shortly after construction in 1922. Jacob Kindleberger, who founded the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company in 1909, wanted to create a model village for his workers and its centerpiece was the Community House. Constructed in 1922, the building had a full-size auditorium and a dining hall. It was used for meetings and concerts and served as the village's first church. It was expanded in 1935 to include a wood shop and a gymnasium. The building was demolished in 1966. On the site today is a PNC bank at 317 S Riverview Drive, immediately north of the Parchment Community Library.

Community House | 1922-1966

(12 Photos)

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