Former Cadiz wool warehouse recalled as part of town’s agricultural past

Back in the day, this building on West Warren Street in Cadiz served as one of several wool warehouses where local farmers brought their wool to sell. 

A report from the Cadiz Republican dated June 11, 1914, recalled, “Last Friday and Saturday were two splendid days for business in Cadiz. The horse sale on Friday attracted a larger crowd than usual, while on both days quite a number of farmers were delivering their wool at the railway station and to warehouses of local buyers for shipment east.”

When I came to Cadiz in 1969, the building was known as Mattern’s Wool House and operated as a furniture store. I still have several pieces purchased there in my home.

This photo, taken in 1990 by Jim McFarlan, shows the building when it housed Jo El’s Lighting. Its last occupant was John’s Lawns before it was torn down about a year ago. The site is now a vacant lot, but it remains a reminder of Cadiz’s rich agricultural and business history.