The history of Norman horses in Normal is closely linked to the Dillon family, first known as E. Dillon & Co. and, later, as Dillon Brothers. They “were the most extensive and most widely known firms of importers and breeders of heavy French horses in this country,” according to Jessie Dillon.
Old Louis Napoleon (featured in several newspaper clippings in Folder 1) was imported from France and—it was said—the first Norman horse brought to Illinois. The Dillons purchased a half-interest in Old Louis Napoleon in 1857 and then developed a stock of superior horses by breeding mares to him. In 1863 Ellis and Levi Dillon purchased a farm in northeast Normal and a second farm south of that, plus a third farm located on the south side of Ash Street, two-and-a-half miles east of Normal (see Folder 6). In April 1870 Ellis and his nephew Levi made their first trip to France and, after several such trips, became the most extensive importers in the West. All of their buying was in La Perche. In 1930, there were more registered Percheron horses in the United States than all other draft breeds combined.
As farmers and stockmen realized the value of heavy horses, demand increased, and E. Dillon & Co. became widely known. The next generation of Dillons took an active part in the work and management of the business. From 1856 to 1892, the Dillons were regular exhibitors at the Illinois State Fair, as well as other state, county, and local fairs. See Dillon, pp 36-37, for a list of other importers and breeders in McLean County.
This collection includes newspaper articles, newspaper advertisements, a manuscript on the Dillon family, and miscellany relating to the draft horse (Norman or Percheron) trade centered in Normal.