We feel so fortunate to be in such a unique and stunning building and we are often asked what the history of this place is, so we thought we’d share that with you!
The iconic iron bridge was constructed in 1894, allowing the trolley to cross the Elkhart River. In the background you can see the Old Bag Factory, operating as the Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Co. at the time. Photo via the Goshen News.
Built in 1896, the building originally housed the Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Co., manufacturing fine laundry and bath soap as well as toilet paper. Strategically located next to the railroad, the 80,000 square foot building was perfect for getting soap shipments out and across the country. If you look at the outside of the bar door in the Ballroom Suite, which was originally the third floor safe, you can still see the beautiful Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Co. logo.
In 1910, the building was purchased by the Chicago-Detroit Bag Company, and later the Chase Bag Company after a merger. The building was renovated and began making specialty bags and items, including the sheer white paper used in Hershey Kiss wrappers. The Chase Bag Company continued to occupy the building until 1982 when it officially closed its doors.
The building sat unoccupied until 1984 when it was privately purchased and restored into a custom wood furniture shop. Eventually, other artists came to the Old Bag Factory and it became a haven for local artists to showcase and sell their work. The building changed ownership again in 2010 and continued to grow, adding restaurants, a concert venue (the Gallery) and more shops.
The term “bagology” was coined during the time that the Chase Bag Factory was operating, meaning “to elevate the production of bags to the level of science.”
Bread & Chocolate occupied the third floor when renovations were complete, also in 2010. The third floor renovations included adding in the full service kitchen, bathrooms and offices, as well as restoring the Ballroom Suite. We love that the renovations were able to maintain the integrity of the historical building with the original hardwood floors, exposed beams and beautiful brick!
Photo by Grant Beachy
We hope that you enjoy the history and beauty of the building as much as we do!