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Being a massive fan of Beretta, and of it’s long
history, I thought it might be fun to write my first list about some of
the oldest companies that are still recognizable and in existence today.
I found the research quite interesting and I recommend that further
reading on any of these entries is quite enlightening. It should also be
noted that there are a number of other companies that far pre-date the
existence of those on this list – they are, however, less known than the
entries found here, and may make up a future list. Anyway, I hope you
enjoy and I apologize for any glaring omissions.
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Kongō Gumi — Construction/578 AD (Japan)
Japanese construction company Kongō Gumi was the world's oldest
continuously operating independent company until it was absorbed as a
subsidiary of another larger construction company in 2006.
Headquartered in Osaka, the once family-owned company traces its origins
back to 578 AD when one of the engineers Prince Shotoku brought from
Baekje to Japan to build the Shitennoji Temple decided to start his own
business. A 10-foot, 17th-century scroll traces 40 generations back to
the company's start. As with many distinguished Japanese families,
sons-in-law often joined the clan and took the Kongō family name. Thus,
through the years, the line has continued through either a son or a
daughter.
Unfortunately, nothing can last forever. Kongō Gumi fell on hard times
and went into liquidation in January 2006, but the company continues to
operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Takamatsu Construction
Group. It should also be noted that the Kongō family still continues to
practice as Miya Daiku (carpenters). |
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Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan — Hotel/705 AD
(Japan)
In 705 AD, the natural hot springs surrounding Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
allowed for the creation of a number of healing baths that drew visitors
to come to the hotel and relax. Among its early patrons were Samurai and
Shogun. 52 different generations of descendants have cared for and
operated the inn, growing the space and modernizing it slowly with each
passing epoch.
Keiunkan is considerably larger than it was over a thousand years ago,
but both the look and feel of the inn have remained unchanged, despite
its modern amenities. |
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St. Peter's Stiftskeller — Restaurant/803 AD
(Austria)
The St. Peter Stiftskeller is mentioned in a document by the scholar
Alcuin, a follower of Charlemagne, in the year 803 AD. The Salzburg
establishment claims to be the oldest documented restaurant in
continuous operation.
The Stiftskeller, located in St. Peter's Archabbey, was at one time
indistinguishable from a monk's pub. Not only is it the oldest
restaurant, but it's also the seventh-oldest company in the world and
the oldest company outside of Japan |
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Sean's Bar — Pub/900 AD (Ireland)
Sean's Bar, a pub in Athlone, Ireland, dates back to 900 AD.
During renovations in the 1970s, workers found evidence that the already
historic pub may have been around longer than anyone had previously
thought. It was discovered that one of the walls was made of wattle and
daub, an ancient building compound that used wooden strips held together
by mud and clay. They also found some coins that dated back to around
900 AD, which was confirmed when the wall was carbon tested.
It is believed the bar was established as an inn for travelers crossing
the fjords that were once in the area.
Sean's holds records of every owner since its inception, including Boy
George, who was a proprietor back in 1987. |
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Rathbornes — Candlemakers/1488 AD
(Ireland)
Rathborne Candles, based in the Dublin suburb of Blanchardstown, was
founded in 1488 — four years before Columbus discovered America. It has
survived everything from plagues to the coming of electricity, and the
Second Vatican Council.
During the 19th Century, Rathborne held the contract for all the street
lighting fittings in Dublin. When electricity became the norm, the
company refocused its efforts on church candles. However, the Second
Vatican Council decreed that Catholic churches should be stripped of
much of their previous ornamentation including elaborate candles. But,
as Rathborne's financial director Vincent Brady says, "the meddling
ecclesiastical busybodies relented and the traditional church candle
survived."
While the company is no longer in the hands of the Rathborne family
(they have all since died out), the last direct descendant has an open
invite to visit at any time.
The company has big plans for the future and is determined to be around
another 500 years. Says Brady, “We would like to set up a museum where
we could exhibit all the old machines and demonstrate the ancient
candle-making skills, and maybe one day return to East Wall, which is
our ancestral home."
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Beretta — Firearms/1526 AD (Italy)
During the Middle Ages, Gardone, Italy was a mecca for iron working. At
the beginning of the Renaissance Era, the city was known for its
high-quality gun making.
Maestro Bartolomeo Beretta was a master gun barrel maker living in
Gardone. In 1526, the Arsenal of Venice paid him to make 185 arquebus
barrels, making the Beretta company the oldest manufacturing company in
the world. The Beretta family has continuously controlled the company
for its entire history. Ugo Gussalli Beretta and his two sons, Pietro
and Franco, still maintain leadership of Beretta today.
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Post och Inrikes Tidningar — Newspaper/1645 AD
(Sweden)
The Post och Inrikes Tidningar was founded in 1645 by Queen Christina
and was a staple for Swedish news junkies throughout the late 17th and
18th centuries. In its storied history, PoIT published international and
domestic news coverage, weather observations, poetry and serialized
novels.
As the number of newspapers multiplied, PoIT reduced its news content,
and, by the early 1900s, was no longer the newspaper of reference in
Sweden. Instead, it became the country's official notification medium
for announcements like bankruptcy declarations or auctions. In 1978, the
paper adopted the booklet format, but readership continued to decline.
The final print version had a circulation of only 1,500 and on January
1, 2007, it switched over to an Internet-only format.
Hans Holm, who served as the chief editor of the paper for 20 years,
said, "We think it's a cultural disaster. It is sad when you have worked
with it for so long, and it has been around for so long."
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