website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Miscellaneous set
Have you named your
farm?
The Watertown News, 04 06 1915
The movement to have
every American farmer select a name for his farm and use the name as a trade
mark, is meeting with great success in some parts of the country.
It has been said by
some unthinking persons that the plan is not American, but a little reflection
will convince anyone that the point is not well taken.
Washington called his
home, “Mt. Vernon,” Jefferson named his place “Monticello”
and any schoolboy can give you a dozen other instances.
So name your farm and
put the name out where everyone can see it.
Make it a Trade Mark.
A well-known,
advertised trade mark is worth thousands of dollars to the owner. Your farm and its products are your stock in
trade. Name them and you have added real
hard cash value to everything you sell.
Choose a name well suited to surroundings, a name that will tell in its
very sound some of the characteristics of your business home; then have
letterheads made for your correspondence with the name of your farm on them and
your name and your wife’s name and your post office address beneath.
Of course you want your wife’s
name on your stationery. She is your
partner and the best and truest, and the hardest working, and the most
interested party in the whole concern.
Once you were glad to get the chance to endow her with all your worldly
goods, now make your promise real.
Here’s how your letter
head might look:
EAST VIEW FARM.
James and Mary Smith,
Proprietors.
Watertown, Jefferson
County Wis.
R. F. D. No. 6
203 East Main
EXTRAORDINARY SALE
At prices never before heard of in Watertown and vicinity.
On Saturday. April
10th, I will open my store in the Cole Block, 203 Main Street, (formerly
Watertown Shoe Company’s Store), with a complete line of Men’s; Boy’s and
Children’s Clothing, Gent’s furnishing goods, hats and caps, trunks, valises,
etc., at prices that will talk for themselves.
Remember that this is
no humbug, nor shoddy sale.
My goods consist of
the best that skillful workmanship can produce, the materials, linings and
trimmings are guaranteed, and prices lower than the lowest.
Come in and look at my
prices and be convinced of the genuineness of this sale.
Get big values for little money.
The Watertown News, 04 20 1915
S. C. Wheeler opens
little industry in Model Laundry building on Third Street.
S. C. Wheeler, until
recently of Fort Atkinson, has become a resident of this city for the purpose
of engaging in the manufacture of canvass gloves, brief mention of which was
made in the Leader two weeks ago. Mr.
Wheeler has opened a modest little factory at 309 [South] Third Street, over
the Model laundry, and began operations today with a force of eight people, he
acting as cutter and superintendent. Mr.
Wheeler is confident of success in his venture and expects that his plant will
grow and expand from time to time. It is
the plan to manufacture the plain canvass gloves and later add the necessary
equipment for making gloves with leather palms and finger tips.
Mr. Wheeler is an
excellent gentleman and deserving of the encouragement and cooperation of the
citizens of Watertown and vicinity. All
should make a special effort to talk and boost the products of his plant. It is to be hoped that the retail dealers of
the city will offer a good home market and local endorsement and try to push
sales, also that the trading public will insist upon this class of goods of
home manufacture.
This should apply not
only to gloves, but to the output of all of the
industries of Watertown and also with the retail institutions of the city. The populace of the city should, in the
manner suggested, be a unit in an effort to make it a
bigger and better Watertown.
Chocolate
firm wanted Watertown location
Encouragement Not Extended
The Watertown News, 12 14 1915
Probably one of the
most regrettable occurrences of recent weeks in Watertown was when last
Thursday a man who came to the city looking for a manufacturing location was
advised by one of our citizens to look elsewhere, owing, partially, to the
scarcity of labor.
The gentleman in
question was from the Jersey Chocolate company, an eastern corporation of
wealth, and his company sent him to this state, attracted by Wisconsin’s great
dairying interests, to organize a company with $100,000 capital, the majority of the stock to be taken by eastern men.
While his concern is
now doing a thriving business, the intention is to expand, and Watertown was
the first city visited, the statistics gathered from private investigations
showing that we are located in the midst of an
exceptionally rich dairying country.
Had the gentleman been
successful in his quest in this city, it would have meant one more market for
some of the dairy products of this section, besides the investment of thousands
of dollars in machinery and other equipment, and the employment of 100 people
with a monthly pay roll of between $8,000 and $9,000 per month.
After the one discouraging
interview the eastern visitor left for Madison, but is in Chicago today, where
he is in conference with a Watertown man who went to the windy city yesterday
evening to get audience with him, and try to induce
him to give Watertown further consideration.
Just how successful he will be is problematical, but the hope is
expressed that he will be interested.
Of one thing there is
no doubt: The eastern company intends
establishing a plant in Wisconsin. This
is not a concern which would establish a manufactory and then look for a market
for its products, because the market is already established, but this is a
problem of expansion and at the same time locate its branch as nearly as
possible to the source of supply of raw material.
Watertown, situated as
it is in a rich dairy county, cannot be surpassed as an ideal location for a
factory of this nature, besides the fact that while our transportation
facilities are now up to a high standard - it can only be a matter of time
until T.M.E.R.&L. Cos. [interurban] will be doing a freight business,
besides the possibility that the Badger Electric Railway and Power company will
build into Watertown from Jefferson in 1918, and they will certainly do a
freight business, also.
With the advantages our city can offer, it would appear on the face that concerns such as referred to could be accommodated and inducements offered which would attract them, and through them others would follow.
Building
and lot on Third Street
in rear of Brown
Brothers & Dobbratz store
sold to F. Trzcinski
The Watertown Republican, 01 21 1885
—This real estate
transaction made the past week: Mrs. W.
S. Taylor to F. Trzcinski, building and lot on Third St., in rear of Brown
Brothers & Dobbratz store, $1,650.
CROSS REFERENCE NOTE: The Brown Brothers & Dobbratz store was on the NE corner of Third and Main, now location of Central Block kitchen and designs (Ryan Jones).
WATERTOWN
MARVEL
downs
three hat-fulls of suds
The Watertown Republican, 05 16 1917
A good yarn is going
the rounds in regard to a certain man who lives not a
thousand miles from Watertown. The yarn
bears the suspicious earmarks of an ancient vintage, but will bear retelling,
for it is a good one.
It seems that the man
referred paid a visit to Milwaukee recently, and while in the Metropolis,
dropped into a thirst emporium. At this particular den of iniquity, they served the suds in what is
technically known as ‘scoops.’ A
‘scoope’ holds about a hat full of liquid refreshment, but the Watertown man
never paused, and the amber fluid disappeared with marvelous rapidity.
The feat attracted the
attention of several bystanders, and being curious, they horned in and made the
acquaintance of the Watertown marvel.
Finally one of the men
offered to bet the Watertown man ten dollars to five that he — the visitor —
could not drink three scoopfuls of beer without stopping. The Watertown man considered, and decided it
was a good bet, and the money was put up with the bartender.
As the beer was being
drawn, the Watertown man asked to be excused for a moment,
and stepped into the wash room.
One, two, and five minutes passed and he did
not return, and as there was a rear exit, the other men began to think that
Watertown man had for some reason become frightened and flitted away. Still — he did not look like a man who would
kiss five dollars goodbye without a struggle.
But the Watertown man
came back suddenly, and walking to the bar, waded in, and drank the contents of
the three scoops with a relish, and held out his hand for the money, which was
promptly paid over to him.
‘Gee, but you are a
wonder,’ said one of the men, ‘we thought you had ducked though, where did you
go and stay so long?’
‘Veil,’ said the Watertown man, ‘I nefer didt this before, audt I vas a liddle angst, so I yust stebbed ofer to Louie’s andt dried id to see off I could do id, dot’s all.’
Condemned
by Board of Health
The Watertown Daily Times, 08 18 1920
State Health body
classes many devices as unsanitary and will ask that they be put out of use
People interested in
public places in Watertown will read with concern the reports that the state
board of health is condemning, as unsanitary, a number of
makes of water fountain bubblers.
Requirements for
bubbling fountains for Wisconsin schools are narrowing down to types which
largely obviate the chance for contact infection and the spread of disease.
Many of these devices
now in use bring the lips in contact with the fountain head. These are classed as unsafe. Nearly all of them deliver the stream in a
vertical direction. Some are constructed
so that the water stagnates inside the bubbler head. In other styles the fountain is constructed
with a howl which retains water and frequently the individual drinks from a
pool of water which has furnished many others with a. drink.
“This,” the estate
board of health charges, “is little or no better than the common drinking cup.”
Others give a flow at
an angle from the bubbler and are equipped with a guard on the side. This guard is called objectionable because
many are led to place the face against the guard, affording the means of
spreading disease by contact. Other
objectionable types include bubblers equipped with pads of cotton to act as
filterers, and some kinds of portable fountains which, because of inadequate
pressure, make it necessary to place the lips against the bubbler head.
A recent type of
bubbler delivers the water at an angle so as to avoid
contact of the mouth with the drinking device.
“The important
considerations,” says the state board, “are adequate water supply, uniform
pressure and cleanliness. The pressure
should force the stream sufficiently high so that the drinker may ‘bite’ the
bubbling stream without touching the drinking device.”
Watertown Democrat, 2/6/1908
The old Nixon Cooper
Shop in Water Street is being razed to the ground. It was built many years ago and at one time a
large force of coopers were employed there making
flour and pork barrels. It has not been
used as a cooper shop for quite a number of
years.
1880’s city
directories list George Nixon, cooper, e.s. Washington, 3 s. Lafayette, res.
same. This would place his shop and
residence at or near 409 S. Washington.
Backyard may have extended to S. Water St.
In 1913 a Mary Nixon
resided at 409 S. Washington.
Snowballs
in July in Watertown
Watertown Democrat, 07 19 1938
George L. Vergenz
today introduced Watertown to a new delicacy,
Snowball, a confection
for a good hot weather dish which has long been popular in the south. He opened the first Snowball stand in this
territory today at 306 N. 5th Street.
A device which serves
shaved ice, a frozen delicacy, is the principle back of the idea. It is served with any number of fruits and
other flavors and is expected to enjoy great popularity. In the South one runs across Snowball stands
as much as one does hot dog stands up here.
Mr. Vergenz has
established his stand on the boulevard at the N. 5th Street address and if you
want to try something new and tasty, something the Southerners go for in a big
way, this is your dish.
Watertown Democrat, 07 27 1938
Johnny Morris Jr.
Calls Here Today.
Johnny Morris Jr., good
will ambassador for the Phillip Morris Ltd., manufacturers of the Phillip
Morris cigarettes, stopped in the city today, calling at various places,
including the Tri-County Tobacco Company which distributes the cigarettes in
this region.
The diminutive radio
announcer is on a tour and, through the efforts of the Tri-County Tobacco
Company, included Watertown in his itinerary.
He travels in an
English made auto.
Watertown Daily Times, 07 01 2009
Briggs & Stratton Corp.
announced this morning that it will be closing its facilities in Watertown and
Jefferson, resulting in the loss of 430 jobs.
Representatives from the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines
for outdoor power equipment said it will consolidate manufacturing of its Home
Power Products Group in Jefferson to multiple existing Briggs & Stratton
locations in the United States. This
move will result in the closings of the Briggs & Stratton facilities in Watertown
and Jefferson. The company will provide assistance programs, continued benefits and
outplacement services, according to a press release issued by Briggs &
Stratton.
Watertown Republican, 03 20
1918
The Olympia candy
kitchen, under the management of William Pappas, will be opened to the public
at 407 Main Street Saturday. The new
store will be a model of its kind. A
large commodious soda fountain is being installed. A player piano of the latest design is
already in position. The tables, which
are marble topped, have been recently procured and are quite artistic. The kitchen where all the candies sold are
made, is a model of its kind. No pains
were spared to make it as neat and sanitary as possible.
Mr. Pappas knows the
candy making business from floor up, as he was for many years associated with
his brother in business at Stevens Point.
Carnations will be given away on the opening day and a full supply has
been assured. Mr. Pappas will continue
his store at the corner of Main and Fifth streets and will sell fruits and the
product of his candy kitchen there.
The Watertown News, 27 Jul
1917
PAPER
GLASS CO. WILL GIVE WORK FOR 300 MEN
Watertown
Factory Has Passed the Experiment Stage
and Will
Begin Operations About August 15.
The National Paper
Glass company is the name of a concern which has been experimenting with paper
glass at their factory in the old A. R. Wiens shop on [812] First Street,
developing a product which it is claimed will take the place of La Cellophane,
which was manufactured in France before the war and imported into this country
to the amount of $600,000 a year. This supply has been shut off and it is
claimed that there is a demand for $1,200,000 of the goods annually in the United
States used for covering candies, for auto window's
and the like.
Experiments which have
been under way have proven successful and the plant with one machine will be in
operation about August 15. Of course,
the formula is a secret but a certain pulp enters into
the product. A machine 116 feet long
with 300 rolls was built entirely by hand in the factory. Fifteen men are employed on a machine and
when the new factory which will be built here is in operation twenty machines
will be used, it can be seen that a large force of men
will be employed.
The officers of the
company are as follows:
President — W. C.
Stone.
Vice President — Jesse
Stone.
Secretary-Treasurer—
T. B. Cowen.
Chemist —J. A. Hacker.
The company is
capitalized at $100,000. The machine now
in use will turn out 3000 sheets of this paper daily, but when the new plant is
in operation there will be three shifts of eight hours each.
The pulp is made by a
chemical process and then dried in a heater.
It is then put in a solution and goes to the big paper machine where it
is fed in the thickness required, usually 1/1000 of an inch with a textile
strength of 21 pounds. This spread pulp
is on canvas which travels the length of the machine under intense heat. Glass has been used on which to spread the
pulp but now aluminum has been found much better. When it reaches the other end of the big
paper machine it is practically finished.
The product is not
soluble in water and will not crack or tear.
______________________
more on National Paper Glass ________________________
The Watertown News, 14 Sep 1917
The National Paper
Glass company, which is housed in the old brush factory in First street for the
present will begin operations next week with one machine, which with two shifts
of eight hours each will turn out 6000 sheets of paper glass daily. It is
proposed to run this plant until the new one is erected next spring when five
modern machines will be installed with a capacity of 75,000 sheets in eight
hours.
These sheets are 24x50
inches. These machines will be of the
modern type and will be constructed under the direction of Mr. Brewer of
Chicago, who recently was secured by the company as superintendent of
machinery. Mr. Brewer learned the
business in Germany and came to this country before the war broke out. He is
said to be one of the few experts in this line of work. The demand for the product is greater than
the supply and the total output for next year could be disposed of at present
if the company desired.
Besides the paper
glass used for candy packages, another quality suitable for automobile glass
will also be manufactured.
Tallulah
Bankhead stops in town
Watertown Democrat, 04 09
1937
One of America’s most famous actresses stopped off in Watertown a short time yesterday, 4/8/1937, enroute from Madison to Milwaukee where her stage play, "Reflected Glory," opened last night. She is Miss Tallulah Bankhead, member of the Georgia Bankheads, whose father is speaker` of the House of Representatives. With her was handsome broad-shouldered Philip Reed of movie fame who is her leading man in the play. Miss Bankhead revealed that while she was in Madison she was a dinner guest of Governor and Mrs. Philip F. LaFollette, the LaFollette and Bankhead families having been close friends for many years. Miss Bankhead enjoys stage work much more than the talkies, although she has made several fine films. A striking woman, the actress has a husky voice that is one of her chief charms.
Watertown Daily Times, 04 13
1937
If women want to know why they get fat and can’t keep their trim figure they should listen to Tallulah Bankhead the actress who was in Watertown last week. Miss Bankhead, who has a figure that any woman would envy, claims she keeps it by not drinking with her meals. She merely eats and there are no liquids of any kind. Cocktails, too, are taboo, and so is every other kind of beverage with a meal. It is great for the hips she said.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallulah_Bankhead
Watertown Daily Times, 09 30
1937
SHARP CORNER MEMORIES: Of John Dietjen who operated the first grocery store at what has long been known as the "Sharp Corner" and now occupied by the Bentzin Store [905 E. Main]. It was the first frame structure of the kind in that section of the city, later being taken over by Louis Mueller and still later by William (Billy) Boettcher who was also a mason who operated a general mason business with Gust Zemke.
The Sharp Corner also saw an early saloon [823 E. Main] known for many years as "The Beehive." It was so named by Lucius Bruegger who was also at one time a police officer here. The place was really opened by Earl Wettwer and later taken over by William Darsow but it was Mr. Bruegger who named it "The Beehive" and who had painted on the building a large picture of a hive.
Times Square column of Watertown Daily Times
Watertown
Daily Times, 10 04
1937
The world's tallest man, Cliff Thompson, will be in Watertown Thursday and Friday as a representative of the sales organization of the Blatz Brewing Company in Milwaukee. He is 8’ 7” tall, 33 years old, weighs 460 lbs., wears a size 22 shoe, a size 9 hat and measures 44" around the waist. He can slip a 1/2 dollar through a ring he wears on the middle finger of his left hand.
The Watertown News, 08 29
1917
Hen Roost of Edward Radloff Cleaned Out Saturday Night
Hereafter Edward Radloff, who resides at 423 Labaree Street, will double-padlock his chicken coop and guard it through the night with a shotgun, if he buys any more chickens.
On Saturday evening marauders entered his premises and stole therefrom forty luscious spring chickens, which he had raised.
Chicken stealing about town has been prevalent for some time, several chicken fanciers having complained of losses to their flock. So far the thieves have not been apprehended, but it will go hard with the guilty if they are caught with the goods.
The Watertown Republican, 06 05 1901
Pawnee Bill's Wild West show arrived in the city Monday morning and pitched their tents in the Fifth ward. The weather being all that could be desired, a large crowd from the city and surrounding country was early on the streets along the line of march awaiting the parade. About 350 persons took part in the street parade, made up of United States cavalry and artillerymen, Mexican herdsmen, Russian cossacks, Indians, cowboys and others, all mounted on horses in the manner of their different customs.
Licenses were refused by the city authorities to the fakirs following up the show, and in consequence no complaint was heard of anyone being taken in by them.
At both the afternoon and evening performances a large crowd was in attendance, persons from all walks of life seeming eager to witness the daring feats of riders, scouts, cowboys and desperadoes.
Some wonderful shooting, riding and rope throwing was exhibited, furnishing excitement and showing a degree of strength, agility and cool bravery almost beyond belief.
Those attending were generally satisfied with the performance, but we do not believe the show to be equal to that of Buffalo Bill, which was seen here a few seasons ago.
Cross reference note: Pawnee Bill, from
Wikipedia
c.1955
I think that’s the house where Great Great Uncle Ollie (Alvin) used to shoot squirrels with his handgun from his porch. - Anthony Earl
Anthony Earl I was there after he died...There was a freezer full of dead squirrels. He made his own dog food. We were living in Pewaukee at the time. I went to Watertown to play golf & ended up at his funeral where I read In Xanadu did Kubla Khan, evidently his favorite poem. Then lead the funeral procession to the cemetery...interesting day. Also he spelled Ollie ... Ali, I never knew that until that day. - Deborah Maas Brix
c.1942
Carl played baseball and was destined to play in the majors, but I believe he got injured. Graduated in 1932.
Jim Tobalske - that’s my grandpa! If I remember the story correctly there were actually scouts in the stands of the game he was hurt. They were going to offer him an opportunity to play in the majors but he was hit in the head with a pitch and lost sight in that eye.
Lived an
amazing life, with endless stories and friendships.
Watertown Republican, 10 23 1889
John Raabe is erecting a two-story brick building on the corner of Third
and Madison streets, to be occupied by Mrs. Lange as a millinery store.
Watertown Daily Times, 07 13
1940
One of the city’s more sedate residential sections was tossed into brief turmoil yesterday afternoon when a bunch of kids were observed kicking a human skull around on the lawn. . . They were small kids. . . One woman who passed and saw what they were doing nearly fainted. . . Another ran and screamed. . . When quiet had been restored it developed one of the kids had taken the skull from an old trunk in the family attic and then he and some of his comrades, after sizing it up in awe, had taken it outside and started kicking it around. . . And where did the skull come from?. . . Well, it belonged to the kid's grandfather who had been a physician and it was part of his office equipment, some of which had been stored in the trunk for years.
Now the skull is back in the trunk and the kids have strict orders never to take it out again, or at least not to kick it around on the grass where women passing may see it and faint.
Kay
Francis Is Native of City,
Visitor
Claims
Watertown Daily Times, 07 06
1937
Watertown can lay claim to another celebrity and call her a native daughter. The woman is Kay Francis, famous screen actress and known as the best dressed woman in the movie industry. This was revealed today by a visitor from the east who spent the 4th of July holiday in Watertown. He said the famous player is none other than the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Gibbs who lived in Watertown years ago. Older residents recalled today that there were several families here by that name many years ago. Some of the older residents said they felt Miss Francis may be a granddaughter of one of the early families, but felt skeptical about reports that she was born here. The man from the east, however, said that a friend of his in New York, a prominent heart specialist, had been present at the first marriage of Miss Francis and had given her in marriage and that she was born here. Since then she has remarried. If there are any persons in the city who have positive information about these reports and the Gibbs families, they are invited to relay it to the Daily Times.
If Kay Francis was born in Watertown and is really Francis Gibbs as is now claimed, it is not surprising that the hometown has lost track of her. The lady has been married five times to date and it is hard even for old family friends to keep track of that many switches in a name. However, if the lady was born here and classifies as a native daughter, why not invite her back for Old Home Week some time?
Watertown Daily Times, 07 19
1937
Thusius Jewelry store has moved to 408 [East] Main Street, having for the past few several years been located in [117] South Third Street.
“A Monument to your
Ignorance”
Watertown Daily Times, 07 17
1950
Newspapers from coast to coast in the last few days have carried press dispatches concerning Jefferson county’s proposed new courthouse, as a result of the fact that the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright was quoted as having “insulted” members of the Jefferson county board by terming their plans for the new building “a monument to your ignorance.”
The county courthouse committee has since decided to drop plans for any new building for the present, due to the uncertainty of the Korean issue.
Newsweek magazine also devotes a bit of space to the matter in its current issue. It reports as follows:
Rather Be Wright: Some folks in Jefferson, Wis., were fighting mad because architect Frank Lloyd; Wright called “our beautiful plans” for a $750,000 courthouse “a monument to ignorance.” Others were pleased because Wright offered to design a courthouse for them at half his usual fee. Mrs. Lorell Grimm, a member of the Jefferson county committee which visited Wright, explained that “all his life he wanted to design a municipal building, but no one would ever let him do it.”
Wright proposed to throw out the committee’s U-shaped design and build smaller structures grouped and connected by courtyards. “It’s all simply impressive,” said Mrs. Grimm.
Watertown Republican, 10 31 1917
Did you miss anything last night?
If not, you were lucky. Or probably you had your possessions nailed down tightly, or then again, you might have taken your fence and front porch into the house.
If so, you were safe and enjoyed a peaceful night’s rest. Many were surprised this morning to see articles belonging to them gone, and still other articles not belonging to them in their place.
Ed Bittner in North Fourth street received a milk wagon as a Halloween present. It was placed on his front porch.
Then again a cutter was placed on the pickets of a fence. A porch swing was taken from some person’s front porch and placed on the steps of St. John’s church.
In Sixth street two wagons filled with scrap iron were carted out of the yard and taken two blocks.
At the high school, the assembly this morning was a scene of disorder. Several prank-loving youngsters had managed to effect an entrance and changed the books around. Every desk had been ransacked and for awhile this morning it was “Who belongs to this book,” or “Where is my pencil,” etc.
Many gates and other loose belongings were carried away. Soaping windows was a favorite pastime judging from the appearance of Main Street windows.
Watertown Republican, 08 17 1906
Milwaukee
Sentinel / “Among its many industries, that of raising certain kinds of flowers
is peculiar to Watertown, Wis.,’’ said Mayor Mulberger of that city at the
Charles hotel [Milwaukee].
“Few who hasten into the hotels of large cities and buy a bouquet of handsome flowers at a stand stop to wonder where the beauties came from. Some stands make a specialty of selling certain kinds of flowers, and those kinds are supplied oftentimes from greenhouses many miles distant. Owners of these stands or clerks who keep them have no financial interest in the green houses, such as is the case usually with proprietors of large retail flower stores.
“Violets is the specialty for which Watertown is known among retailers of flowers in several cities. Thousands of them from Watertown are sold annually at the hotels in Milwaukee. I have been told that the Watertown horticulturists are making an effort to get their sweet peas on the large markets.
“Violets are a choice blossom in winter. Prices are good at that time of year and he who can raise large numbers successfully reaps good profit.
“A peculiar feature of the business in Watertown exists in this cold weather cultivation. On the coldest days, when snow lies on the ground and a stranger in Watertown has nothing farther from his mind than summer flower gardens, if he walk along [a] certain street he may smell the perfume of violets in the greenhouses as strong as the aroma from apple orchards in spring.” Milwaukee Sentinel.
November 7, 1938 - December 28, 2020
. . . “The Rest of the Story” / The scourge of polio
[Bielinski built a number of homes in Watertown]
December 28, 2020
WAUKESHA - Harry Bielinski entered into Eternal Life on December 28, 2020 at age 82. Husband of Suzanne (nee Becker) for 54 years. Father of (the late Guy Michael), David E. Bielinski, Giorgio A. Bielinski and Ann M. (John Bell) Bielinski. Proud grandpa of Mason W. Pasniak, Julianna Urbaniak, Ari A. Bielinski-Bell. Brother of Frank A. Bielinski, Pauline (Jim) Hood, George (Anita) Bielinski, Tom Bielinski, Barb Bielinski and Margie (the late Jim) Brown. Also loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Harry Bielinski Sr. and Pauline (nee Pavick).
Years
ago, there was a radio hour hosted by Paul Harvey. He was well known for a
segment that was named “The Rest of the Story”. Paul Harvey’s stories presented
as little-known or forgotten facts on a variety of subjects with some key
element of the story held back until the end. Harry Bielinski’s life, read like
one of these stories. He was truly an incredible man, with an incredible story.
The Harry Bielinski most people knew, created Bielinski Homes Inc, along with his brother Frank. Their 60-year partnership, they left an incredible legacy in south eastern Wisconsin. A “Bielinski Home” is and will always be considered a home of quality. They remained the number one builder of residential homes in Wisconsin for many years. To date, Bielinski Homes has built over 12,000 homes and condos.
People who did business with Harry knew him to be righteous and honorable. If Harry said he would do something, he did it. Harry wanted to do everything the “right” way. As the business grew, and Harry had to delegate projects to his employees, he insisted that this tradition of doing everything the “right way” continued. It was this dedication to quality, customer satisfaction and innovative design that gained the brothers the most respected reputation in Wisconsin.
With all of the company’s accolades, Harry never let these accomplishments go to his head. He remained “salt of the earth” kind of guy. He also knew that these accomplishments were achieved because he had a great partner and the backing of a great team of employees. Harry sincerely loved his employees.
This is the story that most people knew.
. . . Now for “The Rest of the Story”
At the age of 9, Harry contracted polio in his spine. He was completely paralyzed and his parents were told he would not make it through the night if the paralysis didn’t cease. Miraculously, the polio stopped, but he had a long road of recovery ahead of him. After being hospitalized for six months, Harry had to relearn how to walk. Doctors told his parents he would never fully recover and most defiantly not be able to do any hard labor. Harry was determined to prove the doctors wrong. When Harry came home, part of the recovery process included sleeping on a plywood board bed for 6 months.
Polio taught Harry how hard work and perseverance could get him through any struggle.
Fast forward 3 years, Harry’s family was experiencing financial struggles. Harry felt he needed a job. He was 12 years old. Keep in mind, three years earlier, he was bed ridden. Harry found a job shoveling knee high manure at a local farmer’s barn. He made $5.00 a day, which he gave to his father for the family. In the first years of high school, he was the fastest runner on the football field. Unfortunately, Harry had to drop out of high school, at the end of sophomore year. As the oldest of 7 children, Harry understood the financial needs for his family and himself. He had no other choice, but to get a full-time job. Harry worked as a carpenter and learned all he could about the trade. Just as he persevered through his recovery from polio, he put that same focus and determination towards his career.
By the age 16, Harry was the youngest card-carrying journeyman. After attaining this accomplishment, Harry went to work for Dalton Construction. At the time, Dalton was the largest homebuilder in Milwaukee. At Dalton Construction, Harry learned how to rough and finish houses. He climbed up on many rafters of house roofs. He was as determined as ever to succeed. If his co-workers carried two 2x4’s, Harry carried four. In just four years, Harry longed for more.
He asked his brother Frank if he wanted to start their own business. They had no money, but Harry convinced a hardware store owner to loan them the money to buy a circular saw and other tools. They began sub-contracting garages for garage builders. Harry and Frank’s competition would take a week to build a garage. By methodically fine-tuning their technique, Harry and Frank could build a garage in a day. They were so fast, everyone called them the ‘Wiz Kids’. The positive feedback they received, gave them the confidence they needed to sell and build their own garages. Harry (age 20) and Frank (Age 19), started H&F Garages.
H&F Garages flourished. Just as they began sub-contracting garages, Harry and Frank decided to expand. They started to sub-contract homes. As they built for area builders, they realized that they could build a spec home of their own. They saved their money, bought a lot, and the rest is history. That was the beginning of Bielinski Brothers Builders Inc.
Together Harry and Frank built Bielinski Brothers to become the #1 Home Builder in Wisconsin. Bielinski Bothers Builders retained this title for many years. Their 60-year partnership has made them respected leaders in residential, condo, and apartment construction. Harry & Frank represent the American dream. With hard work, dedication to purpose, amazing things happened. Harry didn’t have an impressive degree from any college. He just used the qualities God gave him.
Today, the business continues to build homes under the name, Bielinski Homes.
God blessed Harry with a love for people. He loved his family and friends. Harry was always willing to be a mentor to anyone who asked, and many times, even if they didn’t ask. He had an eye for how any business could be improved, and was always eager to help.
Harry had many passions. Once again, against the odds of his early childhood and continued residual back, joint, and neck pain, he became an excellent skier and loved the mountains of Colorado. His other love was the Caribbean. Harry enjoyed its tranquility and often walked the sandy beaches.
Other hobbies included boating, fishing, raising Arabian horses and for a period Angus beef.
The true test of any human spirit is how they deal with the adversity in their life. Harry charged through life and asked Our Lord to help him with those impossible situations and persevered. In the past couple years of Harry’s life, he suffered from neurological degeneration brought on by complications during open heart surgery. He mustered that same perseverance to battle through his illness till the end.
. . . . and now you know the rest of the story.
A special thank you to the team of caregivers, Dawn, Horizon Hospice and Right at Home. On January 15, 2021, a visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Waukesha (225 S Hartwell Ave). A mass will be held at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers donate to one of the following charities in Harry Bielinski’s name: Habitat for Humanity or WCTC Scholarship Fund in the name of Harry Bielinski, for students choosing a career in home construction.
Fehrmann Appointed to
VFW Project
Veteran Named as Patriotic Instructor
09 09 1950
Rueben F. Fehrmann, this city, who has been studying law in California, has been appointed state department Veterans of Foreign Wars patriotic instructor. His appointment was made to serve on the committee of Americanism during the recent national VFW convention held in Chicago.
He consulted with government officials relative to education, subversives, displaced persons, naturalization and immigration laws and restrictions on Communists in this country as part of the coming program.
During the convention many resolutions were introduced mapping the VFW program for the coming year.
Mr. Fehrmann, a veteran of World War II, said today in discussing the new program:
“Our purpose is to strengthen American ideals, highlight democratic principles and introduce Americanism first, last and always. The future of our progress as a nation, productively and economically, is based upon our world status. Religion and our freedoms have made us strong and they can continue to make us strong as long as we keep preaching the. importance of them. There is no end to preaching the story of our progress as people have a tendency to forget when things are, going smoothly. However, they are not going smoothly and it behooves every one of us to be alert in order to offset the plague of communism.”
He also outlined his desires to formulate a program of competitive Americanism, such as debates, plays, speeches, etc., in American schools.
He said one objective will be to have the “Pledge of Allegiance'’ restored in schools that have recently been neglecting it. He said that such a pledge is needed now more than ever before.
209 East Main
2020
Amanda & Jeff Schwefel opened Ava’s in 2016. After 13 days of being open a pipe burst in their brand-new store, destroying the store and the new merchandise. After a lot of cleanup and hard work they were able to reopen in February 2017. They have been successful ever since, with recently moving to a new location in October 2020, and quadrupling the size of the store. Amanda & Jeff opened a 2nd location in Lake Mills in May of 2018. They recently moved that store to a bigger location, to better serve the local customers of Lake Mills. Both stores feature Vera Bradley, Finch Berry soaps, PS Seasonings, and other great items that you may not find anywhere else. Amanda prides herself in working with over 25 local makers, some even here in Watertown. Amanda and Jeff’s goals are to have the products they sell to be made here in the USA.
Amanda and Jeff have lived in Watertown their whole lives, both going to school here in Watertown K-12. They live in Lebanon with their daughter Ava and raise mini goats. Amanda was a buyer and manager at a shoe store before opening Ava’s. Amanda and Jeff knew they wanted to bring business to downtown Watertown, and being their hometown, knew that Watertown was a good fit for their store. Amanda wanted the name of their store “to mean something” so they chose the name after their daughter, Ava.
The most rewarding feeling Amanda feels is being her own boss, helping local makers/artists sell their pieces, and being in the community. Some of her favorite items in the store are the Finch Berry soaps, and the Dionis lotion made with Goats milk, she states that that lotion helps great with dry, cracked hands. Amanda and Jeff have future goals of opening a lunch café in the Spring, in the current Watertown location.
Watertown Gazette, 08 22 1890
Lightning rod sharpers have been swindling several farmers in this vicinity. They first secure the confidence of the unwary farmer, get his consent to place rods on his barns and residence, and then compel him by all sorts of threats to pay an exorbitant price for their work. At this late date, it would seem almost incredible that this old chestnut could be worked off on anybody.
Raw Tomato Eater
Watertown Gazette, 08 22 1890
That raw tomato eater who stood on Conley’s corner last Monday morning presented a very comical sight. He resides in the 4th ward, and would make a good attraction in a side show.
Watertown Republican, 12 13 1905
A report comes to the Watertown Republican, that quite a number of boys have what they call “Club Houses” along the river bank, where they are in the habit of congregating on Saturday nights, securing beer by the keg and having a drunken debauch. If the parents of the lads haven’t sufficient interest in them to look after their moral and physical welfare, the public officials should look into the matter and save the boys before it is too late to set their faces in the right direction.
Watertown Gazette, 06 13 1912
July first Frank S. Scheiber will remove his undertaking parlors from 201 North Water Street to his new building at 510 North Washington Street, which will also accommodate his piano business, one of the large apartments of the new building having been especially fitted out for that purpose.
Watertown Gazette, 10 02 1913
Miss Angeline Boyne died on Sunday morning, Sept. 28, 1913, at the family home, 500 Western Avenue, of chronic nephritis, with which she had been a sufferer for about a year and a half, which followed a nervous breakdown. Miss Boyne was born November 15, 1863, in South Bend, Indiana, and came to this city with the family in 1875, and has made it her home ever since. For many years she was prominent in society affairs, especially those of a musical nature, she being a fine pianist and vocalist. She frequently took part in musicals of both a public and private nature, and for many years she was a member of St. Bernard's church choir. She taught music many years and until she began to get too nervous, when she turned to nursing. She possessed a kind charitable disposition and never tired of extending charity to all in need of it with whom she was any way acquainted. She was a daughter of the late Michael Boyne and wife, Mr. Boyne passing to the great beyond in 1890, and Mrs. Boyne in 1889, since which time Miss Boyne assumed the place as head of the family. She is survived by one brother and two sisters, being Miss Celia Boyne of this city, Edward Boyne and Mrs. T. H. Burke of Fond du Lac. Wednesday morning funeral services were held at St, Bernard's church at 10:80 o'clock and the interment was in St. Bernard's cemetery.
Watertown Gazette, 10 09 1913
Last week about $15 worth of tools were stolen from the automobile of D. C. Gile.
On Sunday night an effort was made to steal M. Fitzgerald’s automobile from his garage in the rear of his home in Sixth Street. The garage was broken into and his roadster pushed into Fifth Street, and evidently after working with the machine some time, they were unable to start the machine and abandoned it. Mr. Fitzgerald suspects local talent was in league with an outsider to steal the machine.
The thieves were evidently after Mr. Fitzgerald’s $2800 Rambler touring car, but Mr. Fitzgerald took the precaution to take the plug out of it, hence they could not run the machine without it. Look to your machine – things of this kind are occurring all over the country – a red hot stove is about the only thing that thieves do not disturb nowadays.
Jefferson County's
Grand Old Man
Watertown Gazette, 10 02 1913
The Milwaukee evening Wisconsin recently contained the following relative to Dr. W. W. Reed of Jefferson:
The biblical "Physician Heal Thyself” seems to have been observed by Dr. W. W. Reed, Jefferson, Wis., who is probably the oldest practicing physician in the state. Dr. Reed is at present county physician for Jefferson County, having charge of the hospital. He was born of Irish parents in Versailles, Ohio, in 1825, and came to Jefferson to practice medicine four years ago where he has since practiced continuously. Dr. Reed served eleven years in the Wisconsin legislature and fourteen years on the state board of charities. He was first president of the Jefferson County Medical Society.
Vitrified Brick Roads
Watertown Gazette, 10 09 1913
Government investigation of vitrified brick as a paving material for country roads concludes that notwithstanding the first high cost, that four distinct advantages are obtained, to wit: Durability, easy traction, ease of maintenance and good appearance.
Marriage Licenses
Watertown Gazette, 10 16 1913
Clarence H. Olson to Lorraine Mattoon, both of Ft. Atkinson.
Carl F. Radtke to Alvine Koepke, both of Watertown.
Dr. Karl Ivan Stevens of Chicago to Lulu Henry of Jefferson.
Hugo Kiesow to Lena Buss both of Watertown.
George Schmieg of Helenville to Lizetta Bienfang of Jefferson.
Arthur C. Fischer of Ixonia to Augusta K. Yahn of Watertown.
Jay Vaughn to Delia Hilgendorf both of Watertown.
Ramond Streich of Farmington to Alma Reiner of Helenville.
Emil Podewels to Augusta Frank both of Watertown.
Irving Hermer to Elsie M. Hagen both of Watertown.
Pigeons &
Squirrels
Watertown Democrat, 1856
The woods are full of pigeons. Sportsmen return from their excursions loaded with these admirably game birds, whose vast range of flight extends from the far south to the far north, and are found in all parts of the continent between the Atlantic and the Pacific. They are now in good condition. They feed principally on tender buds, and are frequent visitors to the wheat fields.
Squirrels are also pretty abundant and receive a due share of the hunter's attention. They are a great favorite with many, but are not considered as delicate a dish as some other variety of game abounding in our forests and prairies. We are glad to notice that the quails, partridges and woodcocks are spared. No one thinks of killing them now. They are pretty numerous about here at present; next fall they will be fair objects for the marksman and, when captured, be worth something as a luxury for the table.
Social Notes
Watertown Gazette, 10 02 1913
Prof. W. A. Notz attended the farewell banquet given to Prof. Paul S. Reinsch in Milwaukee last Saturday previous to his departure to China as United States ambassador.
T. S. McGinnis and wife of Helenville were fair visitors last week. Mrs. McGinnis was formerly Miss Maggie McGrath of this city and was a former public school teacher here.
Edward Busch, register of deeds, John F. Welch, county clerk, Edward Miller, proprietor of the Jefferson House, Otto J. Kirschensteiner and Will Henry were up from Jefferson last Thursday to see the big fair.
Ray Higgins, condenser at the Van Camp plant, left on Monday for Milwaukee, where he was operated on for a rupture at St. Joseph's hospital by Dr. Eckles. We understand the operation was a very successful one and that he is getting along nicely.
F. H. Wendt and family have removed from Marshfield to this city and are now living at 404 4th Street. Our people heartily welcome them back. Mr. Wendt formerly conducted a grocery store in West Main Street, being a member of the late firm of Wendt & Reilly.
Hanchettville
Watertown Democrat, 03 13 1862
The village heretofore known as HANCHETTVILLE, in Dane Co., will hereafter be known as MARSHALL. The Post Master General has directed the name of the post office to be changed from Hanchettville to Marshall, to correspond with the late alteration. In June 1837, Andrew Bird, Zenas Bird and Aaron Petrie began a settlement along the banks of the Maunesha River. In the fall of 1838, a fire destroyed the settlement. For more than a decade after that the area was known as Bird’s Ruins. In 1849, Bird’s Ruins became Hanchettville to recognize Asahel Hanchett for luring several needed businesses to the village.
Stricken with
Paralysis
Watertown Gazette, 09 25 1913
Last Saturday evening, while at church, Miss Anna Mooney, 400 Church Street, was stricken with paralysis, and was assisted home by Mrs. Peter Kelly and Miss Mary Eagen. She was able to walk with their assistance but was unable to speak, her tongue and one side being partially paralyzed. She was stricken just as she entered the confessional and had to be assisted out. At present she is being cared for at her home and has improved considerably.
Adds New Front of Fine
Design
Watertown Daily Times, 04 21 1926
Meyer's shoe store [Eugene Meyer] at 212 Main Street [3 addresses west of E Main and N Third] , one of the oldest and most firmly established concerns of its kind in the state, has been greatly enhanced by the addition of a new front, work on which has now been practically completed.
The plate glass in the old front had been in position for the past eighteen years and because of the fact that Mr. Meyer believed a new front, differently arranged, would not be out of place and would keep in step with the march of progress in this city. He decided upon the installation of the new front; thereby also improving the business district of this beautiful city.
The front consists of various shades of tan brick and the copper parts are the product of the well-known Milwaukee firm, the Kawneer Co. The display windows are so arranged that the best possible means of display are assured. The addition throughout is of the strictest simplicity but it has about it something that attracts the eye.
The work was done by William Hoefs, mason contractor and by Arnold Daemmrich, carpenter contractor, with special workers from Milwaukee to handle some of the phases of the task.
Meyer's shoe store is known far and wide and its policy has always been "a dollar's worth for your dollar" and many of the present day citizens of Watertown and vicinity have had grandfathers and fathers who have purchased their footwear at this store.
Specialty Ingredients
(Specialty)
546 West Road
Specialty Ingredients (Specialty) began in 1960 under the name Specialty Foods. It was created for the sole purpose of supplying liquid sugar to the vegetable canners around the state. Corn syrup was added to the sweetener line in the late 1960’s for other food processors allowing the facility to serve the ice cream, candy and soda industries as well.
Specialty has had many corporate owners over the years, Beatrice Foods, the largest multinational food company in the United States at the time, providing state of the art research and development assets, E-II (two), American Brands, Pillsbury, and Aunt Nellies Foods. In 1994 Specialty went private again under the name Specialty Ingredients.
In January of 2006, Specialty was purchased by entrepreneur Mark Smith. His focus has been to expand and diversify the business beyond supplying sweeteners to the food processing industry. Under his direction, Specialty has succeeded in that regard by utilizing its rail assets and strategic geographical location to the Midwest, with rail to truck, and truck to rail transloading. Due to the expanded business, Specialty Ingredients is in the process of transitioning their name to Rail & Transload Incorporated (RTI).
RTI handles product for industry leaders like Cargill salt, Archer Daniels Midland, Amalgamated Sugar, United Sugar, Cargill Sugar, Western Sugar, Bunge Canada, and Arkema, Seneca Foods, General Mills, and others to facilities around the state, as well as our Midwest neighbors.
Watertown Daily Times, 06 11 1959
The O. E. Carlson Coal Co., located at 1501
South Third Street, closed its operation today after 34 years of business. The business and 25 acres of land were
purchased by Robert Hutson of the Hutson-Braun
Lumber Co. early this year. Mr.
Hutson plans a major real estate development.
Mr. and Mrs. Carlson, who reside at 1016 South Eighth Street, will
retain their cottage and 25 acres of land in the Seventh Ward.
Anti-Aircraft Gun for
Watertown
Watertown Daily Times, 09 17 1942
Alderman Walter E. Nuernberg
wants the war department or someone else in authority to send the City of
Watertown an anti-aircraft gun.
He says such a gun would be more protection
than all the blackouts a city can hold.
He told the council that this week at its
meeting.
He said there is so much confusion over the
blackouts, what with all the reports one reads about civilian defense, etc.,
"that before we know it the blackouts will be held in the daytime."
He insists an anti-aircraft gun is the best
possible protection.
However, we doubt if the war department or
anyone else will send Watertown such a gun.
1040 North Fourth
Watertown Daily Times, 05 27 1967
Elmer Schumann of Tomahawk, Wis., owner of the former Raasch property at North Fourth and Center Streets, will seek a delay in carrying out the common council's recent order to either raze or remodel the house which is located on the site. He has engaged Attorney Arnold Schumann of Watertown to take up the matter with the city when the council holds it committee meeting Monday night in advance of the regular session next Tuesday night. The house has been vacant for years and over a period of years the site has been proposed for a service station on at least three or four occasions but every public hearing on such an application has resulted in heavy opposition from residents in the area and the council has repeatedly rejected any re-zoning request to make such construction possible.
Battle of the Bands
Watertown Daily Times, 05 27 2007
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters will be hosting a Battle of the Bands on Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. The event will include the performances of several bands, a guitar hero competition and a local version of Watertown Teen Idol. Some of the bands that will play at the event include Two Dudes and a Trout, Negligence, Tantalize, One Last Hope and The Brew Master's Choice. Two flatbed trucks will be set up as stages at the Berres Brothers site, as well as a food and beverage sampling tent and a wall projection guitar hero stage.
Sweetbriar Lane
Watertown Daily Times, 05 27 1992
The Watertown Public Works Committee Tuesday reiterated its decision to require a subdivider to pay 70 percent of the costs of a regrading project for 65 feet of Sweetbriar Lane. Hilan Corporation, the developer of a subdivision north of the current Mary Knoll subdivision, had objected to the split in costs for the project, estimated at $3,300. Hilan officials called the committee's decision "arbitrary, unfair and unreasonable." Officials stated that the original grade of Sweetbriar Lane was established by the previous owner of the land, Paul Bobrowitz, and was later sold to Hilan. The grade of the street, which is about 14 feet higher than the land to the north for the new subdivision, was approved by the city's engineering department.
Watertown Daily Times, 10 27 1966
A return to the use of DDT in spraying against Dutch elm disease was advocated last night by E. E. Brumm, city superintendent of parks and city forester who appeared at the common council committee meeting to discuss the future of the city's tree sanitation program. DDT has proven much more effective than methozochlor which was used here recently, the city forester said. He said that DDT is more destructive of bird life but that it gets better results as a tree spray.
Watertown Daily Times, 09 30 2006
Workers and owners of Zuern Building Products Inc. of Watertown, along with its headquarters in Allenton, have donated supplies and volunteer hours to help the television reality show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" build a new house for the Koepke family. The home, which was built by Matthew Koepke's great-grandfather, had exposed electrical wires and insulation, a leaking roof, broken windows and an attic full of bats. Koepke figured he would have plenty of time to work on his home when the mill project was completed. However, in April, Koepke was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. By the time of his diagnosis, the cancer had already spread from under his left arm to his brain. Matthew immediately went to work on his house, trying to make it safer for his family, but he passed away on Aug. 21 at the age of 41.
History of Watertown, Wisconsin