Founded in New York by David Collier in 1895 as Collier's Weekly Magazine, Collier's was the main challenger to the dominance of the Saturday Evening Post  as America's favorite household magazine of the era. The name of the magazine was shortened in the first years of the 20th century when the word “weekly” was dropped from the masthead. In the age before electronic media Collier's was a mix of news, features, tame humor and short stories-- a format that is virtually non-existent today. The magazine was also recognized for its art work and illustrations.  Among the famous who contributed to Collier's was Maxfield Parrish - recognized in the early 20th century as the most popular illustrator of the day. 

Colliers and its relationship with Springfield began when the magazine and its interests were acquired by the Crowell Publishing Company.  Their modern facility -- built in 1924 -- had most of the capacity that the magazine would require, although future expansion would be required to accommodate circulation increases.  Manufacturing would remain in Springfield, however the newly formed Crowell Collier moved its editorial offices to New York in order to be closer to the "center" of the publishing industry.

In 1925 the Editor of Collier's sent three reporters on a nationwide tour to look at the effects of Prohibition. They found wide spread corruption and graft within law enforcement and as a result, Collier's became the first national publication to call for repeal of the 18th Amendment. Colliers lost 3,000 readers but overall circulation shot up by an additional 400,000 new readers. 

Circulation of the magazine declined steadily after 1950 as radio, television and the rise of a new generation of national news weekly’s – including Time, Life and Newsweek – adapted to the changing national tastes. Compounding Collier's problems was the television industry which provided less expensive advertising then the magazine could afford. While the Saturday Evening Post exists today in monthly format, Collier's Magazine ceased publication on December 16, 1956.

While occupied by a number of "endeavors", this massive industrial complex has been under used since the closure of Crowell Collier.  In May 1999 the complex was engulfed in a fire which caused the evacuation of the immediate area for two days.  According to sources in downtown business community, the city placed the owners under orders for basic repairs to stabilize building, which we understand have been met.  The owner is open to sale of the property, but demolition of the building remains a very real possibility. 

Source: Peoples Chronology
 

The Crowell Collier Publishing Building, November 1999.  Fire damage from the May 1999 fire can be seen in this photograph.

The Crowell Collier facility as it appeared on a linen finish postcard just shortly after WWII.

Collier's Magazine (Cover Art by Maxfield Parrish) Back to School Issue