website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown,
Wisconsin
H. Grube & Company
302-304 E Main
1885
01 11 Mr. Grube
opened business
1897
07 10 The work of
demolishing the brick work of Herman Grube’s store
front at
1910
01 14 Entertain in
Honor of 25th Year in Business [prior to being elected again]
WG
Tuesday
evening a large number of friends and business associates were entertained by
Ex-Mayor Herman Grube at his hospitable home in 5th
Street in honor of his 25th year in business in Watertown. His amiable wife and courteous family ably
seconded him in extending a happy greeting to their guests and in making all
feel that a wide-opened hospitality was extended all present. Hearty congratulations were extended by all
present and Ex-Mayors William F. Voss and H. Wertheimer made appropriate
speeches to which Mr. Grube feelingly responded.
January 11,
1885, Mr. Grube opened business at his present stand [302-304
E. Main] and his general merchandise store from that day to the present has
been one of the most popular in the state.
He has enjoyed a most excellent trade from the start, and his fair,
honest dealing has made hosts of friends for him all over Dodge and Jefferson
counties. He is a native of the town of
Emmet, where he was born March 3, 1854, and has ever since resided in this
vicinity. October 12, 1879, he was
married to Aurelia Schatz and to them were born one
son and two daughters. Mr. Grube has represented his ward two terms in the city council, he has been mayor two terms and represented this
district in the state legislature. He is
a member of the Watertown Advancement Association and at present he is
favorably mentioned in connection with the office of mayor for the coming two
years. Watertown’s interests have always
been uppermost in his mind and our people hope he will live long and prosper
among them.
02 11 Democratic
Meeting WG
A meeting of Democrats will be held at the
city hall this Thursday evening to discuss city politics. It is hoped a large number will be
present. This is a democratic city and
as the party contains many able men here, they should be placed in office. There are scores of good men who would honor
our city as mayor and among them, Ex-Mayor Grube,
whom we feel confident can be induced to accept the nomination. The Gazette
would take pleasure in supporting him heartily and if the proper democratic
spirit is manifest at the meeting Thursday evening, and we believe such will be
the case, Mr. Grube will be our next mayor.
02 18 Herman Grube Endorsed for Mayor
WG
Largely Attended
Mass-Meeting of Democrats at City Hall
AN ENTHUSIASTIC
GATHERING
Herman G. Grube Democratic Club Formed.
Not since the late Grover
Cleveland was president of the United States has so large and enthusiastic a
gathering of democrats been held in this city, as that which was assembled at
the city hall last week Thursday evening to talk over city politics and arrange
for an old time united democratic campaign in this city.
Many thought it was too
early to begin a city campaign, and others believed it was high time to get
busy, hence on Tuesday a call was issued by the city chairman for a mass
meeting for Thursday evening and though the time was short and there were many
social, fraternal and theatrical performances on that evening, over 125
representative democrats were on hand, and a more enthusiastic number never
came together in this city.
The meeting was called
to order at 8:15 o'clock by James W. Moore, chairman of the democratic city
committee, who was elected to preside at the meeting, and Assemblyman C. F. Viebahn was appointed secretary. The chair said it was a good omen to see so
many democrats present, and that it scented victory in the air for the
democrats not only at the spring but at the fall elections.
After stating that the
principal object of the meeting was to consider the matter of a candidate for
mayor, John Schatz, that prince of loyal democrats of the 1st ward, a man who
never changes his spots in politics, placed in nomination Ex-Mayor Herman G. Grube for the consideration of the democrats of this city
for mayor at the coming spring election.
The chair stated that
the present mayor, Arthur Mulberger, had positively
declined to be a candidate for future honors in that line, and called on him to
make a few remarks. The mayor said he
believed in a change in office and said that if opportunity offered in the
future he would gladly respond to calls in civic matters, but at present he was
not so situated that he could devote further time to the office of mayor. He heartily seconded the nomination of Mr. Grube, whom he highly complimented as a citizen and
democrat, and spoke eulogistically of Mr. Grube's
former good record as chief magistrate of our city.
Democrats, he said,
should get together and by organization and harmony win political battles of
great moment in the near future. They
would stick right with Mr. Grube as a standard bearer
in the present municipal campaign. John
G. Conway was next to heartily second Mr. Grube's
nomination, and he followed with a neat little speech on the tariff question,
and stated that with harmony and organization he believed the democrats could
elect a congressman in this district this fall and two years hence a president
of the United States.
District Attorney R. W.
Lueck, Ex-Mayor John J. Brusenbach,
Alderman Chas. Lutovsky, Emil Tanck,
Frank S. Weber, John T. Ryan, H. R. Moldenhauer, Dr.
C. R. Feld, Frank Kalina, and
Ferd. A. Krueger also delivered well-put neat little
speeches.
At the close of the
speech-making, Mr. Grube was nominated by a rising
vote and three rousing cheers and a "tiger" were given him. Calls for Mr. Grube
came from all sections of the hall and after thanking his fellow democrats
present for the fine spirit of confidence shown toward him, he said that when
he left the mayor's office a few years ago that he never expected to become a
candidate again for any office, but that within a few days past after being
solicited by many of our citizens to become the democratic candidate for mayor,
he took the matter under consideration, and after witnessing the hearty
endorsement at the meeting, he could not well refuse the honor so graciously
tendered.
He said "I will
accept—and the fight, if fight there was to be, begins now for a victorious
democracy. I had hoped," he said,
"this honor would fall on another's shoulder, but all approached said 'let
George do it, so George will."'
The Herman G. Grube democratic club was then organized as follows, and
the meeting adjourned subject to a call of the president:
President—James W. Moore.
Vice President—C. R. Feld.
Secretary—C. F. Viebahn.
Treasurer—Emil Tanck.
Executive
committee—John Schatz, John J. Brusenbach, D. Schwieger, Eugene H. Killian, Herman Zickert,
Frank Petro, John G. Conway, Charles Mulberger, Ferd. Schmutzler, John T. Ryan,
W. C. Radtke, R. M. Halm,
C. A. Kading, William Schimmel,
Paul A. Schoechert, W. F. Voss, Herman E. Krueger,
August Kuehn, O. A. Vaughan, Theodore Nell, Frank Auer.
Finance committee—Ferd. A. Krueger, G. M. Gahlmann, R. H. Schott, Frank S. Weber.
Press committee—James
W. Moore, J. P. Holland, Otto R. Krueger.
02 25 For Mayor H. G. Grube WG
The democrats of
Watertown are rallying almost solidly to the support of Herman G. Grube for mayor, and many republicans are also sounding his
praises, for all realize that he is one of Watertown's best-qualified citizens
for that office.
He is conservative, yet
progressive and energetic in all things pertaining to the prosperity and
welfare of our city, not only in a business way, but morally as well. He is fair and considerate of all
conflicting interests and is known as a man who gives all a "square
deal" without fear or favor. He is one of Watertown's most successful and enterprising businessmen,
and has been identified with everything here that tends to advance Watertown's
interest, being a member of the Watertown Advancement Association, an officer
of the Inter-County Fair Association and an officer of the Watertown Homecoming
Club.
He has served Watertown
faithfully, honorably and creditably in the past as mayor, alderman and as a
member of the state legislature, and as he says himself he intended keeping out
of politics in the future, but a short time since his old democratic patriotism
was stirred when he heard some of his republican friends were saying
"there are no longer any democrats in Watertown—they can't even find one
to become a candidate for mayor."
This had been so
persistently repeated not only in Watertown but in neighboring cities, that he resolved he would do what he could to get a
candidate, if he had to enter the arena himself. Mr. Grube tried to
persuade others to become a candidate, but all said he was the man who could
lead the democratic hosts to victory.
Come, brother democrats, let's buckle on our armor and give Mr. Grube an old-time democratic majority for mayor. From now on we hope to see every democrat in
private life, every democratic office-holder in the city, and every democratic
newspaper sounding his praises.
All the other
democrats, candidates for the various city and ward offices, are good, reliable
citizens, and our people will make no mistake in electing them to office.
The City
Election
1910
04 08 Election day in
Watertown was one of the quietest ever held here, only about one-half the
voters coming out to vote. Herman G. Grube (democrat) was elected mayor without opposition,
receiving 1420 votes. Emil Tanck, democrat, was elected
treasurer over John Brusenbach, democrat, by 139
majority. Herman Krueger, democrat, was
elected assessor by 17 plurality over David Schweiger,
democrat, and John Thauer, republican. In the Second ward Chas. Lutovsky,
democrat, defeated R. H. Radtke, democrat, for
alderman, by 97 majority and Albert Frattinger,
republican, defeated Herman Zickert, democrat, by 50 majority. In the
Third ward, N. Murphy, democrat, defeated Wm. Lehmann, republican, by 40 majority. In the
Sixth ward, Chas A. Kohn, republican, defeated Fred A. Krueger, democrat by 64
votes . . . WG
04 22 Meeting of New Council WG
The newly-elected mayor
and city council met for the first time last Tuesday evening in the council
chamber at the city hall. Mayor H. G. Grube called the meeting to order and Ex-Mayor Arthur Mulberger presented the new mayor to the city council. Ex Mayor Mulberger
and Wm. F. Voss occupied seats beside Mayor Grube. The council chamber was beautifully decorated
with potted plants, palms and the national colors. The council was organized by electing John Kehr president.
The following city officers were appointed by the
mayor and council:
President of
Council: John L. Kehr
City Attorney: C. A. Kading
City Engineer: Arnold Kraeft
Chief of Police: H. C. Block
Health
Commissioner: C. R. Feld
Street
Commissioner: Gustav Glaser
Engineer Fire Engine: Robert Kerstell
Inspectors Hay and
Fuel: Fred Ohm, Otto Kohlhoff
Policemen:
Lucius Bruegger,
Charles Pieritz, Gerhardt Butzler,
Charles Kerr
Special Policemen: Carl Beduhn, Bert
W. Smith
Janitor City Hall:
Emil Luther
Member Water
Commission: Dr. F. C. Werner
Member of Board of
Public Works: John T. Ryan
The mayor's message,
which will appear in our next issue, was well received by the council and all
citizens present. In it he makes some
fine recommendations for the government of the city during the next year.
The following standing
committees were appointed by the mayor:
Judiciary—John T. Ryan,
H. Tetzlaff, G. J. Russell
Finance—John Kehr, R. M. Hahn, Charles Lutovsky
Streets and Bridges—A.
H. Hartwig, H. Tetzlaff,
Charles Huenefeld
Sewerage—Charles Lutovsky, F. Kalina, Charles Kohn
Public Buildings—H. Tetzlaff, F. C. Werner, J. P. Humphrey
Fire Department—William Schimmel,
John Kehr, Charles Kohn
Grievance—Charles Huenefeld, J. P. Humphrey, George Breakenridge
Licenses—R. M. Hahn,
John Kehr, A. H. Hartwig
Street Lighting—F. C.
Werner, G. J. Russell, R. M. Hahn
Water Works—J. P. Humphrey, John T. Ryan,
William Schimmel
Claims—G. J. Russell,
George Breakenridge, Charles Kohn
Hospital and Health—F.
C. Werner, A. H. Hartwig, Charles Huenefeld
Library—F.
Kalina, Charles Lutovsky,
John T. Ryan
04 22 Watertown Changes Mayor WG
On Tuesday night last
Mayor Arthur Mulberger surrendered the head of the
city government to his successor Herman G. Grube. In retiring from office, Mr. Mulberger carries with him the good wishes of all our
people, no matter where he may be located or in what business he may be
engaged. We hear it said he may decide
to locate in Chicago. He has served our
city faithfully and well four years in the office of mayor, and though a young
man, he has handled the many perplexing questions that came before him wisely
and well—true probably not to the wishes of all citizens, for that is an impossibility.
Always conservative, yet progressive, he guided the government of our
city in a manner that would do credit to older and more experienced heads, and
that too in the face of many obstacles.
His successor has served our city faithfully and well in the office
before, and all feel that he will guide the ship of state safely on to the end
of his administration. He is a safe,
conservative, progressive man, and we believe the citizens of Watertown made an
excellent selection when they elected him their chief executive. The Gazette
will do all in its power to help make his administration a successful one.
Mayor Grube's Message
04 29 WG
In compliance with a precedent
long since established by city’s chief executives, I shall briefly outline and
submit my communication to you embodying in it such recommendations and
suggestions as to me seem proper at this time.
An administration that is managed loosely cannot be financially
successful; it should be our aim to conduct the affairs of the city in the
future so as to continue the confidence of the outside world in the capability
of Watertown to furnish adequate security to all investors who may desire to
come here and invest their money. The
treasurer's report shows that Watertown is today in a position which reflects
credit upon its citizens and which should assure continued confidence.
Harmony and good
feeling should at all times prevail; this will accomplish the best
results. The confidence placed in us
should not be misused and all measures affecting the interests of the public
should be carefully considered and disposed of in a manner so as to best
promote the welfare of all our citizens.
Our aim should be to transact all public matters in a business-like way,
not for the benefit of any clique, faction or individual interest, but for the
welfare of the whole city. It should be
our aim to reduce expenses, wherever possible, and I believe economies can be
introduced that will save the taxpayers much money and which will not interfere
with the business of the city's government.
Financial
Statement
Statement showing
balance on hand in the following accounts April 11, 1910, as reported by the
city clerk . . .
The reason the
waterworks fund is overdrawn is because the dues from December 1, 1909, to
March 1, 1910, have as yet not been collected.
When this is paid the waterworks fund will show a balance of about
$2225.00 instead of an overdraft of $355.41 . . .
Street Improvements
After West Main from
Montgomery Street to the North Western railroad tracks is paved, I would
suggest that we should first reduce the amount of indebtedness before more
bonds are issued for street improvements so as not to make taxation excessive
and burdensome. Improving the roads
leading out to the city limits should be paid out of the street improvement
fund without issuing more bonds and making taxation more burdensome.
The work of our fire
department has been up to its usual splendid standard and its record thus far
is one in which our citizens can well take pride. The apparatus of the department is in good
repair, and the condition, as a whole, is quite satisfactory.
Health Commissioner
For the year beginning
April 1, 1909, and ending March 31, 1910, there were born in this
city 145 children. The number of deaths during the same period were 98. Most of these were young children and old
people. The sanitary condition of our
city is most gratifying. Of contagious
diseases we have had one case of typhoid fever, 4 cases of diphtheria and only
two of scarlet fever, all of which ran a mild course. The orders of the health commissioner were
faithfully obeyed in all instances and very few complaints of nuisances were
received by the health department. This
makes a record which we may well be proud of.
The city waterworks
plant is in good condition and covers about eighteen miles of mains. The complaint that water is being used
without the city receiving payment therefore is certainly groundless now. Whatever may have been the facts in former
years when the great majority of water takers were on a "flat rate,"
the city is now on a meter basis entirely and every water taker pays for what
he uses, and the wasting of water is thereby stopped; and any party who wastes
water must pay for it himself. I find
that since the city owns the waterworks, the rates have been reduced thirty per
cent from those charged by the private company.
The following rates are
charged . . .
I recommend that
complete accurate maps and records be installed and kept in connection with the
operation of the system as to the location of all water connections, mains,
etc.
In conclusion allow me
to again urge and ask for harmony, good feeling and respectful treatment of
every question, and an effort to perform official duties with due
deliberation. Full and proper
consideration should be given to all important questions, and no hasty
legislations should be transacted. By so
doing we may be sure that our deliberations will produce results beneficial to
all our citizens.
Dated April 19th, 1910.
H. G. Grube,
Mayor of Watertown,
Wisconsin.
Mayor Grube announced the following appointments . . .
1911
01 20 Retires from Business
Mayor Herman Grube, who has been for many years past engaged in the
general mercantile business in Watertown and was one of our city’s most
successful business men, has retired from the business, and he is succeeded by
his son Percy Grube and Fred Greinert,
who has been employed in the Grube store for over 14
years. The new firm will be known as the
Grube-Greinert Mercantile Co. Their many friends wish them success. WG
04 04 Mayor Grube Lost His Own Ward
The result of the
municipal election in this city on Tuesday speaks in unmistakable terms that
our people are in hearty accord with The Gazette and Leader in their long fight
against indecency in our city and against other abuses that were going on here. This is especially noticeable when the vote
is analyzed and shows that at least 75 per cent of the business men here
sustained these two papers' contentions.
There is strong evidence of this shown not only on the vote for mayor
but on several of the other offices. J.
Fred Prentiss was the non-partisan candidate for mayor and people rallied to
his support regardless of former party affiliations, for they felt that with
him as mayor many of the prevailing conditions complained of would cease. It is safe to say that over 500 democrats
voted for him and agreed that there is room for reform here. WG
_______________________________________________________________
1924
Ex-Mayor Grube Called By Death
1854 - 1924
(Newspaper picture)
The
death of Ex-Mayor Herman G. Grube occurred at 10:30
o’clock Thursday night in the family home, 512 [S] Fifth Street, following an illness
of several months duration, during which time all that medical skill could do
was attempted in an effort to prolong his life but proved of no avail. Owing to his critical conditions his death
was not unexpected but it will be learned with deep regret by his many friends
in this section.
Mr. Grube had been an esteemed resident of this city and
section during most of his life. He was
born in the town of Emmet
1885
Coming
to Watertown when a young man he launched into a business career and became one
of the best known business men in the city.
After serving as an apprentice in local stores he engaged in business
for himself on
Mr. Grube was a man of pronounced views and when he believed
himself in the right could not be shaken from his position. He was honored by the people of Watertown and
held several positions of trust in all of which he served efficiently and to
his credit. He was elected by the
democrats as alderman of the First ward and served two terms, 1893 and 1894. He was elected mayor of the city in 1899 and
1890 and again in 1910 and 1912. He also
served one term as assemblyman from this district. He has been a member of the Watertown
Advancement association for many years and his judgment was recognized in the
deliberations of that body which has done much for the industrial development
of the city. When the project of a
county fair for Watertown was broached Mr. Grube was
one of its ardent supporters and helped in many ways to launch it to a
successful issue. He had been previously
identified with the Watertown Driving Association,
which was merged with the fair association, and was elected treasurer of the Watertown Inter-County fair, which position he held
during the first three years, relinquishing the office owing to stress of other
duties connected with the fair. He also
served for a time as cashier and director of the Wisconsin National Bank.
Mr. Grube was a man of fine character whose word could always
be relied upon, and during his life in Watertown was always willing to aid
those in distress and do a kind act when the necessity became apparent. He had many warm friendships which he
retained until the grim reaper cut him down.
He was always proud of Watertown and played well his part in promoting
its material development. As in public
life he had the respect of all, so in private life he won the warm regard of
all who came in contact with him and leaves a host of friends to deplore their
personal loss and that civic loss involved in the death of a good citizen.
The
surviving children are Percy B. Grube, Miss Zayda Grube, this city and Mrs.
E. G. Meilahn, Milwaukee. One brother, Erdman Grube
of Emmet and one sister, Mrs. Herman Oestreich of
this city, also survive.
The
funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Is buried in Oak
Hill Cemetery
Cross references:
Grube-Greinert
Mercantile Co 1913, 302-304 E Main, Clothing-Retail
Grube-Greinert
Mercantile Co 1934, 302-204 E Main
