The business climate of Libertyville during the 1920s was bustling. Many new businesses came upon the scene: Onsrud Cutter Manufacturing Company, Libertyville Floral, the Michael-George Company (a pen factory on Church and Fourth), a gift shop in the Dall building, the Libertyville Paint Store, the McLaughlin Company (men’s clothing), the Nimrod Company (a hunting and outdoor factory), the Petroleum Products Company at the end of Sunnyside Avenue, and even a new taxi company.

 

 

Old businesses also thrived: Foulds was a successful macaroni factory and contributed to the community in many ways. Langworthy’s, which opened in 1911, bought the Carroll dry goods store and expanded their operation in 1928. Otto Boehm, who began selling insurance in 1918 out of his car, was so successful that he not only moved into an office building but partnered with the bank for their insurance business. Several businesses remodeled or made renovations to their buildings.

 

 

One of the decade's biggest pieces of business news was the completion of the new Public Service Building in 1929. Samuel Insull, owner of the Public Service Company of Northern Illinois, built the showcase edifice as a regional utilities office and rented out storefronts on the first floor and kitchenette apartments above. The Chicago Tribune called it “a beauty spot” because of the courtyard in the back which featured a sunken garden and lighted fountain.