A Journey Around the World: The Story of Replogle Globe Company

by Christopher O'Keeffe May 14, 2025

Humble Beginnings (1930s)

The Replogle Globe Company began with a simple but powerful idea: make globes accessible to everyone. In 1930, Luther Replogle, a Chicago school supply salesman, believed that globes should not just be tools for classrooms or expensive decorations for libraries—they should be in every home.

At that time, most globes were handmade and very costly. But Luther had a vision. He started making globes in his apartment using everyday materials, including cardboard. His goal was to bring geography to life for ordinary people. He founded the Replogle Globe Company in Chicago, Illinois, with a clear purpose and a small team.

Growing Through the Decades (1940s–1970s)

As world events unfolded—especially during and after World War II—there was a growing interest in global affairs. People wanted to understand the changing world map better. Replogle's globes became a popular way for families to learn about countries, borders, and cultures.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the company expanded its product line, offering different sizes and styles of globes, including illuminated ones and floor-standing models. They also started using more advanced printing and manufacturing techniques, which allowed them to mass-produce high-quality globes at affordable prices.

By the 1960s and 1970s, Replogle had become one of the world's largest global manufacturers. Their globes were seen not just as educational tools, but also as decorative pieces found in homes, schools, and offices.

Innovation and Global Reach (1980s–2000s)

As technology advanced, so did Replogle. In the 1980s and 1990s, the company began incorporating digital mapping data and modern cartography techniques into its designs. It worked with cartographers and data specialists to ensure that its globes were both accurate and up to date.

The company also explored custom globes for businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Its ability to offer traditional craftsmanship and modern design helped it stand out in a changing marketplace.

Replogle didn't just sell globes in the U.S.—they shipped them worldwide. Their name became synonymous with quality, education, and craftsmanship.

Mergers, Changes, and New Directions (2000s–Present)

In the early 2000s, Replogle underwent some changes in ownership and strategy, including a partnership with Scanglobe, a Scandinavian globe maker. This allowed them to combine resources and expand their product lines further, integrating European design and innovation.

Today, the company is based in Hillside, Illinois, just outside Chicago. While the world has become increasingly digital, Replogle has stayed relevant by blending classic global design with modern technology, including globes that work with augmented reality and other interactive features.

Despite the shift toward screens and smartphones, Replogle has stayed true to its mission: to help people explore, learn, and dream about the world.

Legacy and Impact

Over more than 90 years, the Replogle Globe Company has produced millions of globes, touching the lives of students, teachers, travellers, and curious minds worldwide.

Their success lies in a unique blend of:

• Educational value
• Artistic design
• Craftsmanship
• A deep belief in the power of geography to connect us all

Today, whether it's a classroom globe, a high-end decorative piece, or a custom corporate design, Replogle remains a trusted name in globe making.

In Summary:

• Founded: 1930 by Luther Replogle in Chicago
• Mission: Make globes accessible to all
• Known For: Beautiful, accurate, and affordable globes
• Legacy: A global symbol of curiosity, education, and design

Replogle's globes are more than just maps—they're stories in 3D, inviting people to spin the world and imagine where they'll go next.

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