The inception of the Starline began when the three founding fathers created the Hunt, Helm, Ferris & Company in the basment of a hardware store on Ayer Street, in Harvard, IL. The company produced inventive farm equipment, registering many patents focused on farm efficiency.
1888 – 1898 : Soon the basement of the hardware store was too small for the company. In 1888, the partners located property on the south side of Front Street and developed a multi-building facility.
Star Logo appears on marketing items and products. Buildings expanded and were replaced by brick-and-mortar.
Hunt, Helm, Ferris & Company name was changed to Star-line and Company. The purpose for the name change was because they manufactured the “star or leading line” of agricultural equipment.
Starline building sold for $85,000, but soon was in disrepair. The owner planned to develop the building but never followed through on the plans.
Orrin Kinney purchased the building with plans to revive it to house events and artist studios. The Starline Factory Building was reborn. The ivy that was planted over 100 years ago still blankets the great building.
Orrin Kinney
I’ve always liked a challenge. All I need to hear is ‘it can’t be done’. As long as I’m able, I have a project to finish.
Starline is Born
More than three decades ago, Orrin Kinney rescued the building from demolition. Kinney’s vision to restore and repurpose the old factory inspires a sense of awe, he imagined unlimited creative possibilities. Kinney took a seemingly useless space and created an amazing niche for pioneering artists to establish their studios.
Art shows were held soon after the restoration began, inviting the community and beyond to experience the magnificence of the Starline Factory and its artists.
Today, the building has become a destination for artists, art enthusiasts, and those seeking to host their special event in a unique setting.
300 W. Front Street
Harvard, Illinois 60033