File:M. C. Lilley & Company building engraving - DPLA - 39de92cdc0d418f88607cb5efcf9f101.jpg

From modest beginnings in 1864, the M. C. Lilley & Company eventually became world renowned as manufacturers of regalia. The company was founded by four leading citizens of Columbus, Ohio all veterans of the Civil War. They were Mitchell Campbell Lilley, John Siebert and brothers, Charles and Henry Lindenberg. All four men were members of the Odd Fellows and published the “Odd Fellows Companion”, a publication of the fraternal organization. Through this newsletter they received many requests from people wanting to purchase regalia. They decided to produce the items themselves and thus a company was born. The Lilley Company produced swords, banners, flags, emblems and uniforms for fraternal societies and organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias, as well as police and military uniforms. Beginning in a small building at 253 South High Street, the Company eventually grew to occupy several large buildings at the corner of East Long and North 6th Streets. Items produced by the Company can be roughly dated by the changes in the Company’s name. From 1865 to 1881 the name was the “M. C. Lilley & Co.”. In 1882 after the death Of Mr. Lilley the name changed to “The M. C. Lilley & Co.” and remained such until 1925 when it was shortened to “The Lilley Co.”. The Company was merged with the Henderson-Ames Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1931 and the name was changed to “The Lilley-Ames Company” until 1951 when it was sold to C. E. Ward. It operated under the name of “Lilley Ames Co.” until 1953. It went out of business in 1965.