The Big Chief writing tablet was originated by William Albrecht (1879-1945)
The Albrecht family had a stationery business in Quincy, Illinois
1906 - Mr Albrecht opened the Western Tablet Company in St Joseph, Missouri.
Western Tablet Company became the world's largest paper tablet producer
1920's - Western Tablet moved its headquarters to Dayton,Ohio.
Most of the manufacturing remained in St. Joseph
1947 - Western Tablet trademarked the Big Chief in 1947
1960's - The Big Chief line peaked it's usage in the 1960's.
In the 1960s, another Westab invention, the spiral notebook, claimed a bigger market share
In 1964 the company was renamed "Westab"
In 1966, Western Tablet was acquired by the Mead Corporation
In later years, Mead sold the Big Chief line to Springfield Tablet of Springfield, Missouri
2001 - In January 2001, Everett Pad and Paper of Everett, Washington purchased the Big Chief inventory from Springfield.
Everett Paper closed down their plant and the Big Chief tablet production was halted
2004 - Until 2004, Westab was one of St Joseph's major employers.
The plant in St. Joseph where the tablets were produced was permanently closed
2012 - American Trademark Publishing of Brookshire, Texas resumed the production of the Big Chief Writing
Tablet
Westab always displayed a huge Santa Claus, sleigh and raindeer on it's rooftop during the Christmas season.
The Santa Claus rig was purchased by the city and is currently used in Krug Park during the Christmas season
2007 - The Foutch Brothers purchased the 500,000 sq ft. building, creating a prime example of luxury
residential living, with a daylight atrium that opens through the heart of the building.
Their inclusive design plans call for first floor: restaurant, coffee shop and other retail spaces
open to the public.
The Second floor: residents will enjoy a pool, gym including a running track, indoor basketball court.
To protect the privacy of the tenants and the exclusivity of the other amenities
offered to the residents, the building is completely secured, with leasing underway. The rooftop deck will be landscaped and
entertaining space with hot tubs, drive-in style movies, plus plenty of space for soaking up the sun.
The 200+ residential spaces range from studio style to three bedroom and will also have 70+ executive apartments,
keeping the architectural integrity of the building.
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