Chicago Aero-Fan Company, 118 N. La Salle St. , Chicago, Illinois

April 24, 2022

The Chicago Aero Fan Company was yet another air circulator company seeking to cash in on the popularity of the Lindbergh flight, and aviation in general. The firm's office was situated at 118 North La Salle Street, Chicago Illinois. It incorporated in 1929 with the initial investment in the firm being $ 30,000. The principal investors were John J. Joyce , Heine Kern and Nicholas G. Canellis, all of Chicago, illinois. John Joyce was an investor/venture capitalist. Heine Kern was a board member of the North Park Trust and Savings Bank who specialized in real estate and investments in marketed inventions. Nicholas G. C(K)anellis was a character in his own right, well known in the large Greek-American community Chicago was back in those days. From the Saloniki-Greek Press, August 07, 1929: "The Progress of the Chicago Aero Fan Company." "Last week we had the pleasure of visiting the factory of a Greek concern whose work was a little different from the usual restaurants and other Greek establishments. In several Greek stores we had noticed fans shaped like airplanes and had remarked upon such a clever invention. We were told that a Greek had designed this plane and we were glad to hear that a Greek could have a share in such a large American concern.
When we were assured that the company originally was, and still is, Greek, our joy was unbounded. The leader of this establishment is none other than the well-known owner of the Rich Laundry Co., N. Kanellis, who employs Louis Nigoe (Hlian Nikan) as manager of the Chicago Aero Fan Co. The entire personnel of machinists, office-workers, salesmen, etc., is Greek. This fan is the last word--it is entirely noiseless and takes the place of four ordinary fans. The factory works ceaselessly in order to satisfy the demand for these superior fans. Mr. Kanellis, Mr. Nikas, and too every Greek person employed at the factory deserve great praise for this thriving and unusual business..."

April 24, 2022

1930 - Frank H. Gallagher got patents for his ceiling mounted airplane style circulators, with the backing of Greek Chicago speakeasy owner Nicholas ("Mr. Nikas") G. Kanellis (The patent office or patent attorney anglicized Kanellis' name).