years were good for Palmer, who later sold this business to Tolerton and Warfield Wholesale Grocers in 1887. Palmer then entered into business with Riley J. Willey. Their partnership in the dry goods business was brief.

Though Edward Cook Palmer remained an important businessman in Sioux City, his efforts in civic boosterism made him one of the most important figures in the city. He was the builder and chief owner of the Sioux City and Nebraska Pontoon Bridge, on the board of several banks, and helped form many real estate developments across Sioux City. In 1890 his success as a promoter won him Sioux City’s mayoral election.

This eldest Palmer helped grow the recognition of his family’s name. By 1892, however, his sons William B. Palmer and Charles E. Palmerhad made names of their own when the formed the Palmer Company. At first the Palmer Company concentrated its efforts on wholesale fruit, but by 1898 candy making began to turn the business in a new direction.

Business was booming for the Palmer Company. The company’s fruit business was selling products to retailers throughout Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska. The candy business was also very prosperous, with products selling well throughout Sioux City’s trade territory. By the late 1890s it was clear to the Palmer Company that more space was needed to keep up with demand and a new four-story facility was built at 209 Douglas Street in 1900.The building was a modern and efficient facility in 1900, but by 1908 even more space was needed to keep