Before us stands a testament to industry and artistry: the Bemis. It’s a place where the echoes of bag manufacturing intertwine with the vibrant energy of artists. Today, the Bemis Building stands as a unique space. It’s a space where artists live and work, showcasing fine art exhibitions. But let’s journey back to the roots of this fascinating structure.
The Bemis Company has a rich history that began in 1858. Judson Moss Bemis, a Massachusetts native, founded it in St. Louis, Missouri. He revolutionized bag production using machine-sewn textile bags. This innovation quickly set his company apart.
Bemis guaranteed the bags. This boosted consumer confidence. The Union Army’s orders during the Civil War further accelerated growth. They needed haversacks and burlap grain storage bags. The company headquarters later moved to Boston in the 1870s. As grain milling became centered in Minneapolis, Bemis opened a factory there in 1881.
By 1900, Bemis Bro. Bag Company had eight factories nationwide. They made burlap and cotton bags for various products. The company expanded, running cotton mills and importing burlap from India. In 1913, Bemis built its first paper mill in Peoria, Illinois. This marked its move into paper products.
Now, let’s focus on the Seattle plant. It became the ninth branch of Bemis Bro. Bag Company in 1904. Robert MacAusland and Reginald Parsons built the plant on Colorado Avenue near Atlantic Street. Production began the following year. A 1917 addition more than doubled the plant’s floor space. Thomas M. Scruggs designed and constructed it.
Disaster struck in 1949 when an earthquake badly damaged the original building. A third building was subsequently constructed. The Seattle plant initially produced textile bags. It expanded into paper bags in 1941. Textile production ceased completely in 1978.
In 1993, the Seattle plant closed and its production moved to Vancouver, Washington. However, the story of the Bemis Building didn’t end there. In 1994, a group of artists bought the four-story brick building. They reopened it in 1996 as a space for artists.
The Bemis Building transformed into a hub of creativity. It provides living and working spaces for artists. Its gallery showcases fine art exhibitions. The Bemis Building stands as a symbol of adaptation and artistic reinvention.
Consider the original artwork for bags produced at the Bemis Seattle plant. Imagine designers creating unique designs on bag-shaped templates. These designs represented a wide range of products and companies. The Bemis plant created bags for flour, feed, grain, and miscellaneous items. The artwork offers a glimpse into the diverse industries that relied on Bemis’s packaging solutions.
The Bemis Company’s legacy extends beyond bag production. It includes community engagement and employee recognition. The company held annual meetings and banquets for its 20 Year Club. These events celebrated long-term employees.
From its humble beginnings to its transformation into an artists’ haven, the Bemis Building encapsulates the spirit of innovation. It exemplifies community, and artistic expression. It is a place where the past informs the present, creating a vibrant space for creativity to flourish.