Various Newspaper Articles from the Clinton Illinois Newspaper about Henry and Louise Blome

1932
Both Hold Lodge Offices

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Blome both hold records as office holders which are believed to be unequalled. This past week for the 17th consecutive time Mrs. Blome was elected recorder of the Forest Camp NO. 172, Royal Neighbors of America. She is serving her 17th year as treasurer of White Shrine, Order Eastern Star. Mr. Blome was elected to the office of clerk of Clinton Camp NO. 364, Modern Woodman of America, for the 14th time. The Blomes will observe their 53rd wedding anniversary on April 5. Mr. Blome was born in Hanover, Germany, 75 years ago, and his wife, whose maiden name was Louise Kern, was born in Dwight, 69 years ago. They have lived in Clinton since 1886. Mr. Blome is a cigar maker. They have two sons, Dr. Fred Blome, of Kenney, and Dr. Albert Blome, a dentist, of Peoria.

1934
Local Couple Wed 55 Years, Celebrate

The fifty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Blome, which falls on Thursday, April 5, was celebrated with a family dinner in their home Sunday. In attendance at the dinner were their two sons, Dr. Albert Blome and his family of Peoria, and Dr. Fred Blome and his family of Kenney.

Mrs. Blome, whose maiden name was Louise Kern, was 71 November 30 last and Mr. Blome celebrated his 77th birthday March 19 last. They were married at Dwight, Illinois, April 5, 1879 and moved to Clinton in 1886. Since 1890 they have lived in the same location where they now reside. Mr. Blome is a cigar maker and is still following that trade.

Both are members of the Clinton Presbyterian Church, having joined that church 36 years ago under the pastorate of Rev. William Hunter. Among the anniversary gifts received by this couple was a beautiful Easter plant presented them by the Clinton Presbyterian Church and the minister, Rev. R. E. Karben.

1935
Old Firm Passes Out of Existence

One of Clinton’s oldest business houses passed out of existence Tuesday, January 1, when Henry Blome, 78, cigar manufacturer at 216 E. Main St, closed his factory and quit business.

Mr. Blome was the first and only cigar manufacturer in the city. The factory was started by Mr. Blome July 23, 1886—49 years ago—in the building now occupied by Longbrake & Moore, grocers, on the west side of the square. After four years, Mr. Blome in May 1890 purchased the lot at 216 E. Main and erected the fine brick building in which he had, up until January 1, conducted his factory.

For 26 years, Mr. Blome was assisted by his wife, but she gave up the work to enter the millinery business, an establishment she conducted until 1926. Mr. Blome manufactured several well known brands of cigars, including “Espinole”, “34s”, “Ringlets”, and “Little Gem”.

Mr. Blome was born in Hanover, Germany, March, 1853, the son of Fred and Margaret Blome. He came to this country when he was 15 years old, settling at Downer’s Grove, Illinois. It was from Downer’s Grove that he moved to Clinton in 1886 {Note: Much of this information is incorrect. He came when he was 14, and he lived in Dwight and Gardner, Illinois, before moving to Clinton. BAL}

He was married at Dwight, Illinois, to Louise Kern and they have two sons, Dr. Fred M. Blome of Kenney and Dr. Albert Blome of Peoria.

Mr. Blome expects to take a well-earned rest

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