Who are the Hulmans? Part One

Some of the most recognizable landmarks in Terre Haute were gifts from the Hulman Family. The Hulman Center, Rose Hulman, the Hulman Airport, Hulman Links, and ISU's Student Union are all examples of the Hulmans' philanthropy. I have lived in Terre Haute for 15 years and knew very little of the Hulmans or what brought them here. The story of the Hulmans' journey to Terre Haute actually started in Cincinnati. Diedrech Hulman first moved to Cincinnati in 1842 from Lingen, Germany. Anxious to make a fortune of his own Francis Hulman, Diedrech's brother, quit a book-keeping job in Paris.

In Cincinnati Francis started a partnership with Charles B. Meyer, specializing in importing luxury items. Francis became frustrated with the inconsistency of selling non-essential goods. After attempting to convince his partner to diversify their offerings, Francis accepted that his partnership would not last. During this period Francis was first told of "Terra Haute" by John Bernhard Ludowici. Ludowici had been a grocer in Cincinnati for several years and was convinced Terre Haute's position on the nation's first interstate hinted at it's potential for growth.

After first arriving in 1850 Francis saw a place different from what Ludowici had described as a "territory is rich with wealthy farmers in the surrounding country and beautiful prairies". Terre Haute is often noted for it's smell and during this period the smell resulted largely from the pork packaging industry. Nevertheless, their partnership began with a $700 investment from Francis and $1400 from Ludowici. Their offerings included groceries, liquor and tobacco, glassware, nails and leather. Once the store began to experience success Francis asked for a larger percentage of earnings and was denied. Again Francis tried to convince another partner to try new ventures and Ludowici refused. Arguments intensified and in 1853 the partnership ended with Ludowici keeping ownership as the dominant investor.

Having only been in Terre Haute for three years, Francis had very little to keep him there. Undeterred Francis decided to open a store directly across from Ludowici's. The ``F.T. Hulman Wholesale Store'' was advertised in local papers and as profits grew so did the size of the ads. Francis was married in 1854 to Eleanora Sophia Wiesmer. As his business grew Francis sought the aid of his brothers Herman and Theodore to help. After surviving 1857, a year when many businesses closed Francis allowed himself a vacation the following year. He along with his wife and daughter would take a summer long trip to Europe while visiting family in Germany. Francis felt comfortable with his brothers at the helm.

Prior to launch the boat needed to be fumigated. This required the heating of a heavy chain until it was red hot. The chain would then be dipped in tar to create clouds of smoke. While heating the chain one of the officers was overcome by the heat and dropped the chain setting the deck on fire. The ship's heavily varnished woodwork was like a candlewick. Some passengers were able to board a lifeboat, while others jumped into the sea. A passing boat was only able to rescue 65 of 538 passengers. Francis and his family were not among the survivors. Herman was now left to run his brother's business in very uncertain times.