Did you know the Chrysler assembling plant was not the first manufacturing facility in Illinois? It's true.

Back in the 1900s, there was a place company with more than 1,500 employees responsible for assembling more than just automobiles.

National Sewing Machine Co.

Yes, National Sewing Machine Co. produced more than just sewing machines. The factory in Belvidere also produced bicycles, cast iron toys, food grinders, vices, and more.

Credit: City of Belvidere (Illinois)
Credit: City of Belvidere (Illinois)
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There is such a long history lesson behind this building. National Sewing Machine Co.'s story actually began in Chicago in the 1800s and eventually became an important piece of Belvidere, Illinois' history.

Credit: City of Belvidere (Illinois)
Credit: City of Belvidere (Illinois)
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For about 60 years, National Sewing Machine Co. was Belvidere's largest employer but, like most this in the 1900s, times changed.

The company closed its doors in 1957 and, by 1965, most of the buildings were demolished.

A furniture store you may remember, Leath Furniture, used the remaining building from the mid-1950s until 2007, according to the City of Belvidere.

Fast forward many decades later and the building has become somewhat of an eyesore, but Belvidere officials have a plan.

Credit: City of Belvidere (Illinois)
Credit: City of Belvidere (Illinois)
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However, to get to said plan some sad things need to happen. The once-thriving building needs to be taken down. Though the space holds many memories for many people, all things must come to an end.

As another phase of demolition and another step toward the space's future begin, someone has captured some photos of the process.

Speaking of history, let's take a look at the MetroCentre, aka BMO Harris Bank Center

Photo Flashback History Lesson Of The BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford

... and this 160 year old repurposed home in Wisconsin

Not one detail was missed in giving this very old farmhouse new life. A couple new buildings added and a connecting underground tunnel, too.

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