In 1957, Pfisters introduced single cross hybrid corn to the corn industry. In recent years, single cross hybrids have dominated the hybrid seed corn market, replacing double cross hybrids almost completely. There are 5100 acres in seed production at the present time, and in addition there are 300 acres planted to various inbred nurseries and special plots. The company has continued to innovate wherever possible. As an example —three years ago, they experimented with detasseling by means of a cutter bar fastened to a helicopter which cut the tassels as the unit hovered over the corn rows.

In 1970, the seed corn industry was faced with a serious problem – the Southern corn leaf blight. Many farmers in the corn belt had sharply lower yields, especially in hybrids that were produced by the Texas male sterile method. Fortunately, many of the hybrids which Pfisters sold were of the "normal" variety and were not affected by the blight. The rest of the company's hybrids were blends which included some "normal" seed along with the more susceptible seed, and this corn was not affected as much as some of the corn produced 100% male sterile.

In the years to come, the company expects corn yields to increase considerably due to genetic improvements as well as better farming methods. To meet future needs, the company expects to erect an 80 feet by 100 feet research and foundation building in the summer of 1974. This will be built on the site of the old Knecht garage on U. S. 51.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY – Fred Ritterbusch has operated the business known as Ritterbusch Pharmacy for nearly twenty-nine years. A registered pharmacist by profession, Mr. Ritterbusch bought out a similar business in El Paso which had been operated by James W. Webber until his death. Mr. Ritterbusch took over the business on December 1, 1945 and continues to operate it at the same location at 131 West Front Street. His wife, Margaret, assists in the operation of the business.

Harold Bailey established the El Paso Advertiser October 31, 1940. He purchased the Gridley Advance and merged the two under the name of The Advertiser-Advance on January 1, 1956. For a time, the Advertiser was published in Normal, but after the spring of 1942, the office and pressroom were located at 26 North Elm Street. Mr. Bailey died March 25, 1961, and his wife, Clara, who had assisted him, continued the business with the help of their sons, Donald and Eugene, who had also been employed in the shop during their high school days.

Mrs. Bailey died March 7, 1963. The plant was moved to 18 South Sycamore in late December, 1964. The brothers dissolved partnership July 22, 1965, with Donald and his wife, Frances, continuing the business. Since May 2, 1968, the paper has been printed in Fairbury by the Corn Belt Press.

The Sampen Hardware Store was opened in the North building at 125 West Front Street by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Sampen in the fall of 1945. The store was expanded to the adjoining building on the east

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