Conrad Press, LTD - Columbia IL

05/30/2026

I will be in the shop tomorrow, Saturday May 30th for my last day before my surgery 10 to 4. Stop in and pick up a dip or two. Have me make you a custom bow or select one of the patriotic bows I have already made.

01/23/2026

07/01/2025

Come and join the fun!

02/16/2025

🎓✨Congratulations to Grace Jelinek 🎓✨

Grace Jelinek displays the diploma she received during commencement ceremonies at St. Louis University in December.

A validictorian at Dupo High School she graduated summa cm laude with a degree in Psychology/English. All the while working as a server at Washy's Pub in Columbia.

Local bars, restaurants and shops and their patrons provide a reliable and beneficial source of income for countless local college and high school students.

Congratulations to Grace, the Washy’s Team and their patrons.

02/11/2025

The Franklin Yard, the home for the new Graphite restaurant, The Principal Hotel, Cafe on the Abbey, and Main Abbey property is rich in history.

In the past, The Franklin Yard was the home of the Franklin Inn.

The Franklin Inn, a tavern and hotel operated since about the 1815 and survived through numerous owners and various name changes. The original log building was razed by fire in 1958 with the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department.

After the Franklin Inn fire, the tavern moved to North Main St., at the today's location now known as Washy's Pub. The Washy's property history is rich, also and have also seen numerous owners. Here are just a few of the owners pictures.

Esther and Charles (Brother) Bergmann worked side by side when they took over ownership of the Juengling Tavern from Freddy Juengling, Jr. in 1954.

Following the Bergmanns in the succession of owners for the tavern were Ollie Hoock as Ollie's and then Dennis Gruchala (right) as Gruchala's and by Steve Merz as Merz on Main.

The tavern, now known as Washy's, is located one block to the north of the original Franklin Inn on North Main St. in Columbia

A complete history of the original building and tavern was compiled as part of the history of the Kaskaskia Trail, which runs through Columbia. The following link https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=173522contains that history as well as historic photos. The history of the site was first well documented in a history book about the community printed by the Clarion Printing Co., now Conrad Press, Ltd., in 1959 for the city's centennial celebration.

02/04/2025

💍👰💌 Newly Engaged? Let’s Make Your Big Day Extra Special with 20% Off Wedding Invitations and Accessories!

Bridal History:
💍👰💌 Did you know? In 1974, the Junior Women's League at St. Paul United Church of Christ showcased bridal gowns from 1884 to 1974 to celebrate the church's 125th anniversary—an unforgettable nod to timeless love stories. The event was covered in the Nov. 21, 1974 edition of The Columbia Star.

Still Today Printing Invitations:
💖 The Conrad family has been part of local love stories, offering beautifully crafted wedding invitations and accessories—first through the Clarion Printing Co. and now at Conrad Press, Ltd. ✨

Your love story deserves invitations as unique as your journey. Explore our full collection at conrad4printing.com and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount! ✨ Start your happily-ever-after with Conrad Press today! 💌

Click the link to order your invitations now, and don't forget to share this post with your friends! 📢💕



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01/23/2025

Conrad Press, LTD. would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Graphite Restaurant on its grand opening weekend! 🎉

Located in the beautiful Franklin Yard, Graphite Restaurant is a wonderful addition to our community.

We wish you great success and look forward to supporting you on this exciting journey. Welcome to the neighborhood!

01/15/2025

We're here to help!

12/13/2024

It’s events like these that make Columbia a great place to live!

🌟🎄 The M.V. North Pole, sponsored by Luhr Bros., Inc., spread holiday cheer during the Columbia Bright Lights Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7!

❄️❄️ The float’s snow-making magic blanketed those along the Main Street parade route with a blizzard of artificial snow! ❄️❄️

💬 What was your favorite float or moment from the parade? Let us know below! 👇

The crew at Conrad Press enjoyed the festive atmosphere and wants to express their gratitude to the City of Columbia and all the amazing participants who worked hard to make the evening so special.

It’s events like these that make Columbia a great place to live!

Thank you City of Columbia, IL - Government , IL Chamber of Commerce Marla Gummersheimer Rose!

12/12/2024

🌟 🌟 Thank you to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for continuing this beloved tradition that lights up our community—literally and figuratively. What a magical way to celebrate the holiday season! 🌟 🌟

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Christmas Street Lights were on full display during the annual Bright Lights Christmas Parade last Saturday. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has been sponsoring the lighted streetlights along Main Street for decades. This year's display was especially impressive during the annual holiday parade that was attended by thousands
of onlookers.