I was already familiar with the Zier name, because William Zier lived at 1307 E Grove and was a good friend of the Noble family. When Porter Noble went to fight in WWI, he gave William Zier's name as a person who would always know his whereabouts. William Zier (Jr) lived at 217 Willard, which is also an address in the Founders' Grove Neighborhood.
But the Zier family story started long before William Zier moved to Grove Street. Father William Zier came to the United States as a young man from Germany. He first lived in New York and married Babette Fleischman there. They lived for some time in New York and some of their children were born there, but in 1871, they moved to Illinois and settled in Bloomington. William Zier's obituary recorded his history as a butcher or meat processor, but the Pantagraph also mentioned him as the keeper of a "den of infamy" in 1880 (16 Jun 1880) that was called the West Farm on West Washington. just beyond the Union Station. At that time, amongst the teetotalers of Bloomington, having a beer or glass of wine was an outrageous act. In April of 1882, he stood trial with Christian Riebsame and a handful of other saloonkeepers for serving Alexander B Johnson (Pantagraph, 14 Apr 1882). AB Johnson apparently had a bad habit of drinking to the point of intoxication, and serving a person who had a habit of drinking to the point of intoxication was a punishable offense in Bloomington in 1881 (Pantagraph, 18 Oct 1881). Eventually William took up the more respectable trade of butchery and when he died in 1911 he was mourned as a fine, upstanding character. (25 Sep 1911).
Babette's obituary cast a tiny shadow on her reputation when she died in 1915. Babette was also a native of Germany, and when she lived in New York she was affiliated with the German Reformed Lutherans. However, when she came to Bloomington she did not affiliate herself with a church. (Muffled gasps behind gloved hands!) However, she was a Pythian Sister and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Turnverein Hall. (13 Nov 1915)
The oldest son, Augustus E Zier, was born in New York and was trained in the book binding trade. He worked for sometime for the Daily Leader and then travelled to Peoria, Joliet and Clinton IA before settling once again in Bloomington. (13 Jul 1915) On his fiftieth birthday his brothers William and George presented him with a gold watch and his family surprised him with a birthday dinner. In 1915 the three brothers were operating a "confectionary" at the corner or Main & Front or Center & Front (the Pantagraph stated it both ways). They called their business Zier Bros and sold fruits and nuts. This business would be in operation at the same location for 22 years until they sold the business in 1919. (31 Mar 1919)
The Ziers must have been proud of their German heritage. At their confectionary, the Ziers sold Iron Crosses in support of the German Red Cross in 1915. (25 Mar 1915) In 1897 William Zier travelled with the "Turnerbund" to St. Louis to compete in a large athletic gathering.(6 May 1897) The article did not mention what sports he followed, but the Turnverein were known for their field sports, shooting and gymnastics. William and Harry were members of the Turners through the 20's and 30's as well, as were their sisters. The Turners enjoyed not only gymnastics, but theatrics as well. In 1929 William Zier was in the Turners' minstrel show as was a niece, Harriett Zier. In the late 1800's the Turnverein was one of the best places to see theatrical performances. (The Turners in Bloomington, by Bill Adams)
After selling their business, the Zier men turned to other occupations. In 1938 it appears that George Zier may have been working at the Pantagraph in some capacity. He was mentioned as being available to assist people who wanted to use the Municipal Recreation Board Workshop that was in the Pantagraph building. Modern woodworking machines were available there for making furniture and George Zier was one of the men there who could give citizens instruction. Toys were also reconditioned at the work shop and boy scouts could work there to make a contribution toward helping out people in need during the Great Depression. (23 Jan 1938) Here is a photo of George Zier accepting donations from a student. (3 Dec 1938) I love the juxtaposition of the slightly frail Mr Zier and the tall, leather clad, cigarette smoking high schooler!
When their sister, Elizabeth Mayer, died in 1942, many of the Ziers were living in close proximity to one another. Harry lived at 1007 E Grove, Elizabeth lived at 1008 E Washington, William lived at 1308 E Grove, George lived at 1203 Eastholme, and Louis lived at 609 MacArthur. Sister Babette Saalfelder lived at 408 Douglas. (21 Sep 1942).