Arrangement
The Sterling Chamber of Commerce records, dating 1910-1982, are arranged into two series: Administrative Files and Subject Files.
The Subject Files, which detail the work of Chamber committees and programs, are organized into the following subseries: Community Development, Downtown Merchants, Economic Development, General Information, Public Affairs, and Scrapbooks and Newsletters.
Administrative/Biographical History
In 1910 a group of Sterling businessmen organized the Merchant’s Association. Three years later, in 1913, the Sterling and Rock Falls Commercial Club was formed to support the free enterprise system, meet the political, social and economic needs of the community, and to provide for the community’s growth. The Merchant’s Association continued to function as a subordinate group within the Commercial Club. In 1916 the Commercial Club became the Association of Commerce which, by 1931, was the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber served both Sterling and Rock Falls until 1956, when a separate Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce was organized (researchers should consult RC 172 - Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Records for more information). During its years of service, the Chamber has accomplished many goals, including: reorganizing the Fire Department, establishing the Blackhawk Fire Training Center, building the Safety Park, forming the Unit School District, and advocating the Alderman-City Manager form of government. Today, through its programs and committees, the Chamber continues to pursue its original purposes for the development of Sterling.
