March 23, 2020

Dear Schroeder Material Customers,

   As we all are adapting to and working to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 (CORONA-VIRUS), we wanted to give an update to our customers.

   We are open as an Essential Business.  We encourage phone orders for delivery or pickup for the safety of our employees and customers.  

   We value all of our customers and will continue to service all public works departments, villages, townships, schools, contractors, and homeowners for their repair, drainage (sewer), or construction project needs.  The state of Illinois has classified us as an essential business and as so, we will continue to serve our customers as we have for 100 years.

   Being a family owned business, we take the health and safety of our staff and customers very seriously.  Our employees are following social distancing guidelines, our sales office is being disinfected regularly, our staff is doing increased hand washing, and we will be operating at reduced staff and hours instead of our normal spring business hours.  Please call for our updated hours or to place an order at 708-448-1144.

We pray for good health for all.

Sincerely,

Schroeder Material

 

 

Our History

 

In 1920, Emil Schroeder started Home Ice with his three brothers. They had four routes and served Chicago’s south side with ice and coal. They used to cut the ice from Lake Michigan and store it in a warehouse, using saw dust as insulation.

 

With the invention of the refrigerator and natural gas heating, ice and coal were fading away. As time went on the company was forced to change direction and Home Ice slowly started into the moving business. Schroeder Movers was moving both residential and commercial clients. By 1960 they changed gears again. Schroeder Material was heavily involved in the excavation business. Through the 70’s and 80’s we slowly transformed into a wholesale and retail outlet for building, drainage and landscape materials. By 1983 Emil had passed and William and Richard Sr. had taken over the family business. At this point they decided to concentrate on landscape and drainage supply. They have expanded greatly. Today, Schroeder Material is one of the largest landscape suppliers on Chicago’s southwest side.

 

We carry the top brands in the industry, including Belgard and Techo-Bloc.  In 2012 we added our garden center.  It spans more than two acres and you’ll find a wide and unique variety of trees and shrubs.  We also carry a large selection of statuary, and fairy garden supplies and plants.  Schroeder Material’s employees are horticulturalists.  We have the expertise to help you with your fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and non-food crops to maximize their health and growth.

Schroeder Material services both contractors and the public.  We deliver and rent the tools and equipment needed to get the job done right.