W. B. Conkey Company, Chicago

Walter Blakesley Conkey (1858-1923) established his company in 1877 with used binding machines in a basement in Monroe County. His bindery business grew rapidly and after several moves he built his own building on Dearborn Street in Chicago.

In 1893 he bought the printing house of Knapp & Johnston and the Illinois Printing and Binding Company. Also in 1893 Conkey bought the plates and copyrights of the Morrill, Higgins Co. This firm had previously purchased the plates and copyrights of the Belford, Clarke Company in 1892. Publishing became a part of the Conkey company output at that time. Subsequently Conkey built a large printing and binding factory in Hammond, Indiana.

W. B. Conkey Company published numerous series for children and juveniles. Most of the 19th century books are oversized board books. Numerous series for juveniles and publisher's series were printed in the 20th century. These are beyond the scope of this bibliography. (Questions about post-1900 books/series can still be answered by email.)