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Keck’s

Founded 1853

John Keck

1818 - 1891

Keck’s was one of the furniture store businesses founded by a prominent German family. The Keck Furniture Store was started by German immigrant John Keck in the 1850s, and continued by Keck children and grandchildren until the recent past. The second furniture store was Schmutzler’s, started with pioneer carpenter and builder Christian Schmutzler's son Edward entering the firm of Charles and Frank Nowack in 1874.

1853

Keck Furniture was founded in 1853 by John Keck, who later left the business to his son, Fred George, who in turn entrusted the business to another John Keck. This John died at a relatively your age, and though he had three brothers, none were interested in the furniture business. A series of managers were hired, none lasting long. Ken Beyer worked in the store since 1948. Having worked in the store for so many years, he was fully prepared for management, which he assumed from 1963 until 1998. At that time, his son, Tom, and daughter, Lyn, took over the business.

Keck Furniture is the oldest continuously running furniture in the state and the fourth oldest in the nation.

1859 Keck & Lehmann’s Cabinet Ware Rooms . . .

06 09 at corner of Main and Third streets. Sofas, Bureaus and Bedsteads of every kind, from the most common to the most valuable. They also are prepared to make to order any piece of household furniture after the most tasteful and approved patterns and warrant whatever they deal in to be what they represent. They invite all who wish to purchase whole sets of furniture to call and examine their extensive and varied stock as they are satisfied that for durability and finish it cannot be surpassed. WD

1891 John Keck Obit

Death has claimed one of Watertown's oldest and most esteemed citizens, in the person of John Keck, who departed this life at his home in the First Ward on April 18th, 1891, his final illness being pneumonia. He had been seek but a few days, hence his death was unexpected by his friends.

Deceased was a native of Germany, being born there on December 19, 1818; consequently he was in his 73d year at the time of his death. He came to America and located in New York City in April, 1850, remaining there until June, 1851, when he removed to this city. He worked here as a cabinetmaker until 1858, when he engaged in the furniture business for himself, which he conducted very successfully up to the time of his death.

He was a member of Washington Lodge, No. 77, L.O.O.F., and was one of its organizers some 35 years ago. He also helped to organize the Concordia Society in 1862. Mr. Keck was possessed of an honest and frank disposition and all who knew him honored and esteemed him for his integrity and honest manner of dealing with his fellow man. Our citizens mourn his death as that of a good and noble man.

His wife, two sons and three daughters survive him.

His funeral was held from his late home, under the auspices of Washington .Lodge. L.O.O.F., Rev. Mr. Sterz of the German Evangelical Protestant Church conducting the religious services. His remains were followed to their final resting place in Oak Hill Cemetery by a very large number of sorrowing friends.

1895

05 01 Bold deed of thievery was perpetrated at Keck's furniture store WR

1957

Ad, 1957 City Dir

1958

10 03 105th jubilee marked by special anniversary sale. WDT

Image Portfolio

Click to enlarge

Picturesque Watertown booklet, 1902

100 block E Main at night, c1912