Shakespeare Oil Company, Inc. is a family owned business. Our story begins with Harry C. Temple and two willing business partners. Therefore please allow him to share our company’s history as adapted from a short memoire before his passing.
1937
An oil boom had hit Salem in 1937 with the discovery of the first well in what was later to be known as the Salem Field. In 1940 I was engaged in the general practice of law here in Salem, Illinois.
1950
Before the formation of the company, Jim McCarty, a petroleum engineer, and I, a lawyer, were employed by Ashland Oil and Refinery Company. In 1950, Jim and I decided to start our own company.
Since neither of us had sufficient funds to do this, I contacted John Shakespeare, son of the president of the fishing tackle company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. John agreed to partner with us and even gave us permission to use the name Shakespeare Oil Company, Inc. and the font style lettering for the logo.
1961
In November 1961, Shakespeare diversified into the aggregate business, purchasing Covington Stone Company at Covington, Illinois.
1974
Following Jim McCarty’s death in 1974, I bought out his interest.
1999
In 1999, my Grandson, Bryan Temple Hood Took over as President.
