Page 47 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

Oliver Timeline 5

1900 May 30 James Oliver was presented with a large solid gold loving cup by the
citizens of South Bend, in his recognition of the building the Oliver
Hotel. The cup was made by Tiffany and Company.

1901 May 20 Cornerstone laid to City Hall built by James Oliver on the old roller
skating rink on North Main Street.

1902 Sep. 13 Mrs. James Oliver died at 7:10 p.m.

1903 Mar. 31 Sittings commenced for a bust of James Oliver in Chicago by the
famous sculptor, Lorado Taft.

1903 May 14 Work started on the construction of the Oliver mausoleum in Riverview
Cemetery, South Bend.

1905 May 5 James Oliver celebrated the 50th anniversary of his entry into the plow
manufacturing business on the West Race, where he started in 1855.

1905 Jun. 6 The Oliver electric plant started for the first time to furnish electricity for
the Plow Works, Oliver Hotel, and Oliver Opera House.

1906 Jan. 29 James drove to Riverview Cemetery and visited the Oliver mausoleum.
In his diary he wrote, “once more I walked up those steps without being
carried.”

1906 Jun. 12 James was granted the last patent of his life. By this time he had
amassed 45 patents in 49 years!

1907 Throughout most of 1907, James was experiencing health problems
that he seemed to rally from.

1908 Jan. 17 James Oliver visited his office at the Oliver Chilled Plow Works for the
last time. He was again confined.

1908 Mar. 2 James Oliver passed away at his residence at 6:40 a.m., in his 86th
year.

1908 Mar. 15 Public memorial services were held in the Oliver Opera House for
James.

1908 Mar. 19 James Oliver II was elected Director of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works to
fill the vacancy caused by his grandfather’s death. J.D. was elected
President, succeeding his father in that office.