As part of Gibson City’s Sesquicentennial celebration we are continuing to celebrate and recognize some of Gibson City’s long-term businesses.  Davis Welding, established in 1949 is the oldest (or one of) the oldest family (non-corporate) run businesses in Gibson City. 

From the Davis Welding website:

Davis Welding and Manufacturing was founded in 1949 by Robert Glen Davis. The company was started as a blacksmith shop in a small building in downtown Gibson City Illinois. It has grown into a widely respected manufacturing and welding shop with an ever-expanding variety of services and products.

Their business has grown from a small blacksmith shop to currently producing and repairing hydraulic cylinders.

From Tom Davis, one of the previous owners of Davis Welding:

This is a pic of Dad (on the left) in I think 1949 when he bought out Fitzhenry. The Davis Welding shop was originally Located where drive thru liquor is on 8th street.  Moved down to where it is now around  1951 or 1952. Started out as a blacksmith and repair shop. Along with many other projects we Moved into manufacturing of skid steers and hydraulic manure removal equipment in the 60s and 70s. Then we started to specialize in hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and repair While continuing to service community and farmers with all types of repairs.  My brother and I took over operations in 1996 when Dad passed  we continued tradition of helping HS students with the DO cooperative program from 1965 when it started until 2015. The business had a  many great students and employees over that time. Sold business in 2015 to the Wachstetter’s.  They continue to operate the business as Davis Manufacturing and serving Gibson City and the surrounding community.

Correspondence from Tom Davis, 2021