The beginning

On June 7, 1922, Mecherle's 45th birthday, G.J. and two associates established State Farm in a temporary office in the Durley Building on Jefferson Street in Bloomington, IL. This date marked the birth of State Farm Mutual (1922), as well as the birthday of the founder, G.J. Mecherle (born in 1877).

In its first few months of business, State Farm began accepting auto insurance applications for local farmers. By June 7th, G.J. issued the company’s first handwritten auto policy written for a local man’s 1919 Hudson Sedan. The company’s first customer paid a total of $71.17 for his policy. This price included a membership fee, deposit and semi-annual premium.

On June 7th 1928 the office force "sprung a surprise" on President Mecherle. The entire group assembled at the main office (Odd Fellow Building) before Mr. Mecherle arrived at eight o'clock. He was greeted with a rousing cheer and escorted to a place of honor. He was given a basket of roses, a rose for each year of his life. They proceeded to sing happy birthday and his favorite song, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”. G.J. said a few words after which everyone then returned to work. This tradition continued from the 1920’s into the early 1950’s.

In 1938, as business continued to grow, State Farm purchased land for an expansion of the State Farm Home Office in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. When construction began in 1939, a color film captured the cornerstone ceremony.

In February 1929, State Farm Home Office had a cornerstone ceremony during the Agency Convention and during a time of company expansion. This new Home Office allowed employees to more efficiently meet the needs of customers.

State Farm Home Office underwent three additional expansions and remained the corporate headquarters until 1974, when executive staff moved into the new location completed two years prior.

Employees continued to work in the old Home Office building until 2017, when State Farm decided to sell the property. The sale of the building was finalized in 2019.