History of Sewell Avery in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2026

Sewell Lee Avery was an American businessman renowned for his leadership at United States Gypsum and Montgomery Ward. He served as president of US Gypsum from 1905 to 1936 and was recruited to revitalize the struggling Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Avery successfully restored the company's profitability through significant reforms. Despite being considered a leading Chicago businessman in the mid-1930s, his conservative approach in the post-World War II era, marked by a failure to expand and capitalize on consumer demand, ultimately led to Montgomery Ward losing its competitive edge in the retail market.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1901: United States Gypsum Company Formation

In 1901, the Alabaster Company became part of the consolidated gypsum concern, the United States Gypsum Company.

1905: Becomes President of United States Gypsum

In 1905, Avery became president of the United States Gypsum Company, marking a significant career advancement.

1905: President of US Gypsum

In 1905, Avery became president of the United States Gypsum Company, marking a significant career milestone.

1912: Lincoln Park Gun Club Founding

In 1912, Sewell Avery founded the private Lincoln Park Gun Club with Oscar F. Mayer, Philip K. Wrigley, and other prominent Chicagoans.

1925: Supports Industrial Museum Idea

As president of the Commercial Club of Chicago, Avery supported Julius Rosenwald's idea for an industrial museum in 1925.

1926: Montgomery Ward Expansion

In 1926, Montgomery Ward had expanded to 10 stores.

1930: Montgomery Ward Expansion

In 1930, Montgomery Ward had expanded to 554 stores.

1931: Joins US Steel Board & Invited to Montgomery Ward

In 1931, Avery was invited onto the board of US Steel by J.P. Morgan & Co. and was also asked to revitalize Montgomery Ward, which was experiencing financial difficulties during the Depression.

1936: Steps down as President of US Gypsum

In 1936, Avery stepped down as president but continued to serve as chairman of United States Gypsum.

1936: Fortune Magazine Feature

In 1936, Fortune magazine recognized Avery as "generally held to be the No. 1 Chicago businessman,".

1939: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Written

In 1939, Robert Lewis May wrote "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as a promotional assignment for Montgomery Ward.

April 1944: Removed from Office at Montgomery Ward

In April 1944, due to his refusal to settle a strike, Avery was physically removed from his office at Montgomery Ward by two soldiers under the Roosevelt administration's emergency measures.