Social visionary N.O. Nelson founded the village of Leclaire in 1890, naming it after Edme Jean Leclaire, who inaugurated profit sharing in France. In contrast to unsanitary urban tenement districts, Leclaire was a model cooperative village offering affordable homes, a healthful environment, free education, many opportunities for recreation and self improvement, and pleasant working conditions at the N. O. Nelson manufacturing company. To support his commitment to the “Golden Rule” Nelson implemented profit sharing and employee benefits. During the Great Depression the city of Edwardsville annexed the village. Leclaire was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Explore these pages to find out what you can see, learn, and enjoy in Historic Leclaire.
Leclaire Merchandise
Sweatshirts, t-shirts and grocery tote bags with the above design are available from Friends of Leclaire at reasonable prices. Also available is The Cooperative Village of Leclaire (1997) and Leclaire (2010) from Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America Series. Call (618) 656-1294 or send an e-mail to friends@historic-leclaire.org if you have questions or would like to place an order.
Upcoming Leclaire Events
- Leclaire Parkfest October 21, 2012 at Leclaire Park from noon to 5 pm.
- Watch for our new website in June 2012!