1400 College Avenue

1400 College Avenue in 2023
Dies in Hospital Mrs. Minnie Driver, 73, of 1400 College avenue, died Saturday in St. Luke's hospital.
Minnie Driver, 1868-1941
1400 College Ave.
Racine Journal Times, December 29, 1941
Racine Journal Times, April 20, 1942 Philo R. Driver Dies, Aged 73 Was Active in Business and Fraternal Circles Many Years Philo R. Driver, 73, of 1400 College avenue, active connected with the business and fraternal life of this city for more than half a century, died this morning in St. Luke's hospital. Mr. Driver retired in November, 1941, after being associated with the Kelley Lumber company since 1887. Son of Manufacturer. Born in Racine Oct. 10, 1868, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Driver, pioneer settlers, Philo Driver received his early training as a lumberman in his father's sash and door factory, for many years a fixture on Second street and later on East State street. Mr. Driver was a member of the First Presbyterian church U. C. T., and P. T. A. and the Royal Arcanum. Survivors are two sons, Romayne Driver of Racine, and Dr. C. O. Driver of Los Angeles; two stepsons, James of Racine and Russell of Detroit; two brothers, Charles Driver of Racine, and Walter Driver of Minneapolis, and four grandchildren. To Announce Funeral Later. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Thomas Driver, father of Philo, was a native of Island Westray of the Orkney islands, where he was born June 28, 1818. He learned the carpenter's trade and in 1851 came to Racine, where he was employed by L. Bradley, an early building contractor. By 1863, Mr. Driver had purchased a third interest in the business. The planing mill was established on Second street, between Main and Wisconsin streets, but was destroyed by fire in 1870. By the time the Thomas Driver & Sons Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in 1886, the company occupied a three-story building, 70 by 70 feet square and a planing mill, 150 by 70 feet. Philo Driver, after working at the mills for a short time, was employed by Kelly, Weeks & Co., later the Kelley Lumber company, which is still in business.
Philo Driver, 1868-1942
1400 College Avenue
Racine Journal Times, April 20, 1942