This file portion of www.watertownhistory.org website

William D Sproesser

Sproesser Jewelry Store

est. 1856

111 E Main Street

1906

09 28 1906

W. D. Sproesser Company, watch-makers and retail dealers in art, good pianos, gold and silverware, celebrate their fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the business at their store on Main street for three days of last week, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The founder of the house, the late W. D. Sproesser, was born in Germany in 1812. He received a liberal education and held numerous positions of trust and confidence in his native country. He not only possessed mechanical ability of more than ordinary scope, but could be truly called a horologist, having studied the art of watch making under some of the most eminent masters of Germany and Switzerland . . .

In 1894, at the time William B. Sproesser assumed the management of the Merchant Bank, the business was incorporated under the name of W. D. Sproesser . . .

The firm's motto has ever been “Reliable Goods at Reasonable Prices” and strict adherence to this has been one of the secrets of a successful business career which together with the ever courteous and popular management bids fair to continue in its prosperous career.

1909

02 19 M/M William Sproesser had singing parts in sacred cantata at St. Paul’s Episcopal WG

1913, Sproesser Jewelry, art goods, diamonds, guns, phonographs, pianos, opticians

1950, Sproesser Jewelry, cut glass, sewing machines

1915, Orbit, Ad

1920

William D Sproesser

1845 - 1920

LAST SAD RITES PERFORMED TODAY FOR W. D. SPROESSER

Body of Prominent Citizen Laid At Rest in Oak Hill Cemetery

Honorary and Active Pallbearers

The funeral of William D. Sproesser was held from the residence in Clyman Street this afternoon, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Services at the home were conducted by the Rev. N. C. Daniell of the Congregational church. Flags were at half mast on public buildings out of respect to his memory. A quartette from Milwaukee rendered several selections. The floral offerings were many and were especially beautiful.

The honorary pallbearers were chosen from the directors of the Merchants National Bank and close friends of the deceased, and the active pallbearers were members of the Mason fraternity as follows:

Honorary – W. A. Buerhaus, L. C. Cordes, C. E. Frey, O. C. Hahn, William Hartig, John Schempf, Ferd. Schmutzler, F. E. Woodard, William F. Voss, Herman Wertheimer, T. A. Wondreyka, C. H. Jacobi, Gus Meissner, Oconomowoc, John G. Conway, Dr. C. J. Habhegger, Dr. William F. Whyte, Madison.

Active – H. G. Davies, Paul H. Behlke, Carl Melzer, William E. Brandt, A. A. Frattinger, George A. Richards.

The funeral was largely attended. Many relatives and friends from other cities were present, testifying to the great esteem in which he was held.

1949

09 18 1949 [article includes pic]

William Sproessers Observe Golden Wedding Sunday

An open house Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 o’clock heralded the golden wedding anniversary which Mr. and Mrs. William Sproesser, 907 Clyman Street, are observing today. Yesterday’s affair was held at the Sproesser home and was attended by a host of friends and relatives.

Today the occasion will be marked by a family dinner at 1:30 p.m. at the residence.

Mr. Sproesser and the former Miss Josephine Buchheit were married Sept 19, 1899, the ceremony taking place at the home of the bride’s parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Buchheit, 605 South Fourth Street. The Rev. H. S. Foster of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church officiated.

Attendants at their wedding 50 years age were Miss Veina Sleeper and Robert Kniesel. Ushers were Alexander Buchheit, Edward L. Schempf and Dr. Albert Buchheit.

Mr. Sproesser is president of the W. D. Sproesser Co, one of the city’s oldest and better known business establishments. Over the years he has been actively associated with many of the city’s civic and fraternal organizations, and in addition both he and his wife have been prominent in local music circles.

The couple has one daughter, Josephine, who resides with them.

Mr. and Mrs. Sproesser, two of Watertown’s most esteemed people, received many messages of congratulations yesterday and today from old friends and acquaintances in this and other cities.

Sproesser, William D, M/M 1920s, Watertown Male Chorus members

Sproesser, William D 1902, Residence of, Picturesque Watertown booklet

Sproesser, William D 1905, Daniel Jones funeral, quartette

Sproesser, William D 1913, 111 E Main, Art Goods

Sproesser, William D 1917, Watertown library citation

Sproesser, William D Civil War veteran, GAR Personal War Sketch, 1890

Sproesser, William D Forty-Eighter, watchmaker and jeweler

Sproesser, William, M/M 1909, First Congregational Church, cornerstone laying

Warren's Jewelry Store

1954

04 16 1954

One of Watertown's oldest business establishments changed hands in 1954. Announcement was made of the sale of the W. D. Sproesser Company jewelry store located at 111 E Main Street, to Clifford Warren, proprietor of Warren's Jewelry Store, located at 13 Main Street.

The transaction also included the sale of the three story building to Mr. Warren. Mr. Warren moved to the Sproesser building soon afterwards.