This file part of www.watertownhistory.org website

 

Charles Fischer & Son

1895 - 2007

106 W Main

2-6 E Main

 

1895

The business was started in 1895 on Main Street west of the Rock River.  It was first known as Fellermann & Fischer, named after the original owners Eli Fischer, who was in his early 20s, and John Fellermann.

 

1906      New Masonic Temple building dedicated; Fischers moves to later, previously site had been that of Watertown Steam Laundry.

 

1906      Despite the inclement weather yesterday, the fall opening of Watertown's greater and remodeled west side store, was a decided success and throughout the day the store was visited by a steady stream of purchasers and the force of clerks, together with the proprietors, were kept busy all day showing and disposing of their wares.

 

10 06       Chas. Fischer & Son Co. never do things by halves.  When they announce a special sale of any kind they invariably back up all claims and the opening of their three day's sale yesterday morning was no exception to the rule.  Hundreds of people visited the store to take advantage of the special offerings and admire the decided change in the way of enlargement in the store that has taken place during the past few weeks.  Had the weather been at all favorable, there is no doubt but that it would have been impossible to have handled the crowds of anxious buyers and with favorable weather today and Monday, there is no doubt but that the newly remodeled and enlarged store will present a lively scene . . . 

 

1908

Charles Fischer attends provincial synod of the Moravian church.   09 04 1908

 

1909

09 17          Plate glass show window   WG

06 25       Extensive improvements to be made; Reduction sale prior to   WG

09 24       Opening of enlarged and remodeled store; 1250 sq ft added to salesroom   WG

12 31       Bethlehem in Miniature:  The finest window decoration ever seen in Watertown is that of Charles Fischer & Son Co, the West Main Street merchants.  It represents the ancient town of Bethlehem—the stable, manger, cattle, etc., and all the scenes surrounding the birth of Christ, with angels hovering overhead.  It is a very impressive looking scene, especially so at night, when illuminated by colored electric lights.  Thousands of our people have gone to admire it the past week.  If you have not see it, do not fail to do.   WG

 

1910

04 01          Wearbettter Combination Suits   WG

 

1936

Exterior and interior improvements made to store

 

2007

   04 12 2007

 

The last family-run department store in the state will close its doors later this year after serving the Watertown community for over a century. Watertown Daily Times story [WHS_005_547]

 

July 4, 2007

 

Cross references:

Fischer's 1909, 106 W Main, Charles and son, dry goods

Fischer's 1913, 106 W Main, department store

Fischer’s 1915, Ad, 106 W Main

Fischer's 1934, 2-6 E Main Fischer's 1950, 2-6 E Main

Fischer's 1956, 2-6 E Main, 1950s-70s city assessor form, image included, WHS_006_090

Fischer's 1971, 2 E Main

Fischer's 1975, 2-6 E Main, west side entrance, WHS_005_284

Fischer's 1975, 2-6 E Main, WHS_005_274 Fischer's 1993

Fischer, George, Mrs

Fischer, Todd & Debbie