Women of State Farm
From the beginning, our founder championed women and understood the importance of them in his community. Take a closer look at some of the women that made State Farm what it is today.
Through the fire
To start State Farm, G.J. Mecherle needed to purchase a $25,000 license fee to sell auto insurance within the State of Illinois. At the time, banks felt the venture was too risky and were reluctant to give a loan to purchase the license. Some say his wife May saved State Farm from the fire, literally and figuratively. One night, frustrated with the banks’ lack of faith in his business plan and struggling to raise the funds to purchase an insurance license, G.J. threw all his notes into the fireplace. May retrieved the documents and told her husband not to give up. He took her advice and soon found an early business partner, Minnie Jones.
From the Titanic to State Farm
Sylvia Caldwell has a story filled with twists and turns. Born to a wealthy Pennsylvania family, Caldwell was the second of two daughters. From a young age, she was known for her sharp wit and unconventional ways. Sylvia grew up Christian and went to school at Park College. During her time in school, she met Albert Caldwell and the two bonded over their aspirations to become foreign missionaries. Sylvia and Albert got married in 1910. Seeking new adventure, the pair moved to Siam (now Thailand) and started teaching at Bangkok Christian College.
After the sinking
Years later, The Caldwells started a new life in Bloomington, IL and welcomed a second son. Albert and Sylvia divorced in 1930. Soon after, State Farm hired Sylvia and she became the company’s 11th employee. Having a reputation for her ability to take risks and knowledge of business acumen, she quickly became G.J. Mecherle’s secretary and right hand woman. The two got married in 1944.
"We know that work and service is the mission of mankind, so if work and service are man's mission on earth then what we accomplish by our work and what we gain by our service to our fellow man will be the true measure and the true reason for our existence."
Sylvia's Office
This instillation is part of the Good Neighbor Center hands-on experience. Discover even more in our physical space.
Desk Calendar
Typewriter
Pen Holder
Metal Ashtray
