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F. P. Brook (Peter Brook)

F P Brook, groceries, fruits and confectioner; was born in Veldenz, near the river Moselle, Prussia, June 22, 1835, and came to Wisconsin in the summer of 1850 ; located in the town of Watertown, on a farm that his father purchased from Mr. McCready.

He then came to Watertown and learned the barber's trade; he remained at his trade for five years and, in 1857, started a fruit and confectionery, which he carried on for about eighteen years; in 1866, he started the Red Front Store, adjoining the Bank of Watertown, which he carried on in connection with his other store. For about two and a half years, Mr. Brook quit business, for a rest, and then started the store he now occupies and in which he is doing a successful and profitable business.

He was elected School Commissioner and resigned on account of his business; in 1877, was elected as Supervisor and again in 1879, which position he now holds.

He married, December 31, 1857, Christiana Esslinger, of Buffalo, N. Y. He has five children - Amanda, Edward, Emma, Charles and Ida.

“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, Chicago: Western Historical Company. 1879.

1858

07 15 ICE CREAM SALOON. F. P. Brook & Co. have just refitted their Ice Cream Rooms at their Confectionary & Fruit Store on the bridge, and are prepared to serve up the Best Quality of Ice Cream Every Afternoon and Evening. Ice Cream furnished for Parties or Private Families on a few hours notice, in large or small quantities. Owing to the hard times we shall charge only ten cents a dish this season. WG

07 22 Tomatoes and early apples are among the seasonable luxuries to be found at F. P. Brook's Confectionary and Fruit Store, on the south side of Main Street bridge. In a quiet way, the other day he sent parcels of each of these articles to our residence, as if he would do us a kindness and not have us tell where plenty more of the same sort could be found. An excellent place is that to get a glass of cool and foaming soda, fresh from the pure fountain of health, or a dish of the most delicious of ice cream. WG

08 12 Fruit in its Season—Physicians concur and doctors do not disagree in the opinion that ripe fruit, in its season, is the healthiest of all the varied productions of that bountiful dame—Mother Earth—and in this sultry weather, when the physical system is relaxed, and listlessness and lassitude have taken possession of us, nothing is more invigorating or healthful than the fragrant apple, the juicy pear, the luscious peach or crispy melon. Nature that doeth all things well, is just now furnishing the golden fruits in almost endless variety. And Peter Brook, on the bridge, is dealing them out in quantity and quality to suit purchasers. Oranges and lemons, peaches and pears, apples and melons, in fact everything in his line, to suit the taste of the most fastidious, may be found at "Peter’s." Give him a call and judge for yourselves. WG

09 09 Old Stand Renewed. Have fitted up in good style the store on the south side of Main Street bridge, formerly occupied by Macs & Roper, and are keeping on hand and a complete assortment of Candles, Nuts, Green and Dried Fruits, Pickles, Preserves, Oysters, Sardines, Lobsters, Bird Seed, Raisins, Citron [large lemon-like fruit], and, in short, everything belonging to the Confectionary and Fruit line. We have a most complete assortment of Fancy Soaps, Hair Oil, Pomades, Colognes, Perfumery, and Flavoring Extracts, which we will sell cheaper than anybody else in the city. Ice Cream and Soda Water always ready. F. P. BROOK & CO. WG

10 21 A large number of goods may now be purchased at F. P. Brook’s Fruit Store on the south side of the bridge. Fresh oysters, sweet potatoes, delicious grapes, fine apples–most any article that comes under the head of seasonable luxuries—can always be purchased there. That establishment is one of the necessary institutions of this city. WD

1875

F P Brook, G. Hawkins, confectionery on (or near) bridge, Main / 1875-6 Watertown City Directory

Brooks & Boyle

1908

09 25 NEW FUNERAL CAR. Brooks & Boyle, the West Main Street undertakers, have now one of the finest funeral cars in the state. It arrived here on Saturday last from the well-known Janesville carriage works. It is of the very latest styles in funeral cars and is fitted out with everything late that goes with it. WG

1909

Brooks & Boyle, 1909, 220 W Main, General mdse, undertakers