Business was good.

The business district, which started with Junius Campbell's store at Olive Street and Jefferson Avenue in 1831, provided just about any kind of goods or services early Springfieldians needed. In 1844, there were three stores, two groceries, two blacksmith shops, a hatter's shop and a saddlery; by 1878, 150 business houses were operating.

The first multi-story building on the square was the four-story Baker Building built in 1887 in the northwest corner. It contained the city's first elevator.

The business community has long worked together for the good of the entire city. A Board of Trade Building was established in 1871. A Jobbers and !,Manufacturers Association was formed in 1909. In 1919, the Springfield Club was formed which several years later became the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has played a big role ever since in the economic and industrial growth of the community.