Hamilton's Catering Service, Inc. is a small, family-owned business, which has been serving Central Illinois for almost 100 years. Hamilton's began in 1913 when "Doc" Hamilton, a candy maker by trade, bought out the Ehnie Brother's Confectioners on East State Street in Jacksonville, Illinois. Hamilton's first experience in off-premise food service came during World War One as "Doc" fed troop trains passing through Jacksonville on their way to war. Catering expanded during this time as "Doc" served food to various social and political groups, as well as church and school related groups in the area. Soon thereafter Hamilton's began providing noon meals to area senior citizens; a privilege we still have today. As Hamilton's became more involved in serving senior programs, the area we served expanded to include five counties. Geographically, Franklin, IL was in the center of the region, so George, Sr. decided that he would relocate his kitchen to Franklin. This move accomplished two major objectives: first, it located us in an area where most of the work force had a background in agriculture. This meant that employees understood the ideas of hard work and service, and took pride in their work. Secondly, Franklin is less than one half hour from Springfield, so the largest market in Central Illinois was suddenly accesible. Business grew, and we continue to grow.