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William D. Sproesser
William Sproesser
W. D. Sproesser
NAME CLARIFICATION:
William D. Sproesser
founded a jewelry store in Watertown in 1856.
After
his death he was succeeded by his son
also named William D. Sproesser better known as W. D.
Sproesser after whom the company was finally
named.
He, in
turn, was succeeded in the business by his son,
named William Sproesser who died in 1953. He was also called William D. Sproesser, but, in fact had no
middle name so the “D” was not warranted, even though many people called him
William D. Sproesser, because the store bore the name
of the W. D. Sproesser Co.
THE
SPROESSERS
William David Sproesser,
founder, came to Watertown from Philadelphia in 1855
W. D. Sproesser: The founder's son, headed the concern for many
years
William (no middle name) Sproesser:
Since March 7, 1920, the grandson had been head
of the company
Sproesser Jewelry Store
est. 1856
111 E Main
213 E Main
1860
08 02 W. D. SPROESSER RESCUES LAD
A Narrow Escape. Last Thursday morning, the 26th ult., two
small boys, the sons of Mr. Steinfeld, accidentally fell into the river, under
the west end of Main Street Bridge. They were first discovered by a daughter of
Mr. Jacob Jussen, who immediately gave the alarm and
called for help. Carl, a lad about eight
years old, was immediately rescued by Mr.
W. D. Sproesser, but the other, Henry, about a
year younger, went down where the water was near six feet deep. One or two who were first on the ground made
unsuccessful attempts to get him by diving, but he remained there until
Frederick Karst took him out. As near as
we can ascertain, he was in the water from six to eight minutes. When taken out he appeared lifeless. Fortunately, Mr. Edward Johnson, Dr. Quinney, an Indian physician, Mr. A. Baum, Mr.
T. Dervin and others were present, who instantly
began the work of resuscitation. WD
1890
10 10 212 E. MAIN STORE REMODELED AND ENLARGED
W. D. Sproesser is
having the interior of his jewelry and music store remodeled and enlarged. Besides the lower floor of the building he
will hereafter occupy the rear half of the upper floor, the latter being
devoted to the display of children's carriages.
A large and convenient stairway on the interior of the building now
connects both floors.
12 10 HOLIDAY OPENING OF SPROESSER’S, Dec. 11th
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED
One of the special
features will be the rendering of Tannhauser March on two Rohlfing Upright
Pianos by Mrs. William F. Whyte, Miss Guynori Lewis, Miss Minnie Sproesser and
Mr. Will Sproesser.
Overture to William
Tell, on a Steinway Parlor Grand, procured especially for this occasion, Will
Sproesser and Minnie Sproesser.
In the second story
will be shown a fine selection of Wisconsin pearls, diamonds and other precious
stones.
Positively no Goods
Sold During the Evening. No Cards.
Respectfully, W. D.
SPROESSER.
1894
CHRISTMAS AD
1898 KRANICH
& BACH PIANOS added to
Sproesser Store
11 23 KRANICH & BACH "PARLOR GRAND,"
The W. D. Sproesser
Company has lately made a splendid addition to the stock of high-classed pianos
it carries to satisfy the fancies of the musical purchasing public. The instrument in question is the Kranich
& Bach "Parlor Grand," which is now ready for inspection at their
salesrooms. It is finished in mahogany
and has a most beautiful appearance. In
musical worth, this instrument is not excelled, and it holds a high place in
the estimation of all piano builders and trades. It is truly a pleasure to hear its fine tone,
while its remarkable sustaining power is another leading recommendation. The Sproesser Company intends to keep these
"Parlor Grands" constantly in stock and solicits the inspection of
the public. WR
12 07 KRANICH & BACH, IVERS & POND, BRAUMUELLER, PEASE AND KIMBALL
PIANOS
The W. D. Sproesser
Company is offering an unusually large and attractive line of musical
instruments at prices that will be found right.
The assortment consists of grand and upright pianos made by such old and
renowned concerns as Kranich & Bach, Ivers & Pond, Braumueller, Pease
and Kimball. Also parlor, self-playing
piano-organs of national reputation.
Employing no canvassing agents, a great saving is assured to
purchasers. WR
1899
MRS. W.
D. SPROESSER, HARVEST CARNIVAL FLOWERED CARRIAGE
Harvest Carnival flowered carriage, Sept., 1899. Mrs. W. D. Sproesser
with Mrs. Dr. Carl Feld and Mrs. Frank Woodard.
1900
213 E
Main
03 13 WILLIAM SPROESSER, MARRIAGE
On
invitation of William Sproesser and Charles R. Blumenfeld the Iroquois Club
partook of a "Benedict's luncheon" at the club rooms Saturday evening
to celebrate the recent entry of these two young gentlemen into the married
state. All the Benedicts, except the
"Major", were present, as well as a number of prospective ones and
the confirmed bachelors. Full justice
was done the appetizing "spread", after which there were numerous
diversions that go to make the enjoyable "stag". The regular club quartette and another
quartette formed for the special occasion "made the welkin ring" with
their jolly songs, and altogether the affair was a most happy one.
06 05 FLATWARE IN SHOW WINDOW
No doubt
the handsomest and costliest set of flatware ever seen in Watertown now
occupies a place in the W. D. Sproesser company’s show window. The ware reposes in an antique oak chest of
three apartments, one for the spoons, another for the forks, and still another
for the knives. Each apartment is lined
with chamois. The set consists of 144
pieces and is of the celebrated Gorham make of massive sterling silver. We understand the set was purchased by
Watertown relatives as a wedding gift to out-of-town parties who are to be
married this month. WR
12 14 No. 5 CARTRIDGE KODAK CAMERA
From
the dollar Brownie, for the boys and girls, up to the No. 5 Cartridge Kodak,
with its most expensive equipment, every size and style of kodak is in our
stock, and any of them makes an appropriate Christmas present. For the young folks there can be nothing more
fitting — nothing that will give more pleasure or more instruction. Amateur photography cultivates a taste for
the beautiful in nature and in art. It
teaches observation. It often develops
in the inquiring mind a love for the mysteries of chemistry and the laws of
optics. Its influences are all of the
highest, the best. Put a Kodak in your
Christmas list. If it isn't an Eastman
it isn't a Kodak. For sale only by the
W. D. Sproesser Co. WG
Cross Reference: The
No. 5 Cartridge Kodak Camera was manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company
from 1898 to 1907. It was constructed
with a wood front on the early versions until 1900, after that time, the front
was constructed with metal. The later improvements included the metal front
mount, bed extensions, and a longer bellows.
Designed to incorporate the simplicity of a cartridge system with the
needed adjustment capabilities to accomplish all around work. Other features included locking rising front,
Kodak automatic shutter, rapid rectilinear lens, aluminum construction with
seal grain leather covering, two spirit levels, two brilliant finders, rack and
pinion focusing adjustment. Capable of
using glass plates or 12 exposures on No. 115 roll film without reloading,
taking images 4 x 5 inches in size. The
camera measures 3 3/8 x 8 1/2 x 10 inches when closed and weighs 4 lbs, 8
ozs. Original price in 1905 was $25.00
to $99.00.
1901
FIRE INSURANCE MAP
200 block E Main, compared to 1909
O5 15 MASTER
MASON, GRAND LODGE
11 22 VOCAL
NUMBER
Turner Opera House was
well filled with people Thursday evening of last week to witness the
entertainment given by the Watertown Dramatic Club, and the Amateur Musical
Club, assisted in vocal numbers by Miss Lula Bertram, and Wm. Sproesser. Edw. L. Schempf
directed the musical part of the program in his customary efficient
manner. The music furnished was
high-class and was most excellently rendered.
The singing of Miss Bertram and Mr. Sproesser was very much appreciated,
both responding to enthusiastic encores.
Miss Lydia Pease accompanied the former, and the latter was accompanied
by his wife. WG
1902
Sproesser
building, 213 E Main BECAME PART OF SCHEMPF BUILDING SOMETIME AFTER 1903
1903
Hosts Terbrueggen
70th Birthday banquet
1905
Sproesser,
William D 1905, Daniel Jones funeral, quartette
1906
09 28 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 D. 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.
1906
1909
02 19 M/M William Sproesser
had singing parts in sacred cantata at St.
Paul’s Episcopal WG
07 16 First Congregational Church, cornerstone laying. M/M
William Sproesser.
07 30 Jacob Sproesser, son of William D, left for Milner, Idaho WG
1913
06 19 FORMER SPROESSER BLDG. ENLARGED by adjacent Schempf Bros.
Owing to a large increase in their business Schempf
Bros. Co. have increased their capital from $100,000 to $150,000, and are adding another story to the east end of
their building [former Sproesser bldg, 213 E Main] and also adding 20 more feet in the rear [same bldg], which will allow more
room to display the large stock of goods carried by this popular dry goods
firm. WG / The final phase of the existing
building configuration. It was during
this last phase that Watertown’s first elevator was installed. [In 1913 W D Sproesser was located at 111 E Main].
1914
09 03 Mrs. William Sproesser, Clyman
Street, entertained about seventy-five ladies at a reception from 3 to 6
o’clock last Saturday afternoon. In the receiving
line beside Mrs. Sproesser were Mrs. Max Rohr, the Misses Minna and Louise
Sproesser and Mrs. Alan Yorhies of New Orleans.
Music was furnished by Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Bramer. The dining room
was presided over by the Misses Elsie and Margaret Sproesser. The afternoon was a most pleasant one for
all. WG
12 03 ELSA SPROESSER, FRED
GREEN Wedding
At six o'clock on
Tuesday evening, December 1, 1914, Fred Green and Miss Elsa Sproesser were
united in marriage by Rev. M. Laurenson, pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal church,
at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Sproesser, 703 Clyman
Street. The wedding took place in the
alcove of the parlor beneath an elaborate bower of flowers and greenery. Mrs. Wm. Sproesser rendered on the piano the
“Midsummer’s Night Dream” wedding march as the bridal party descended the broad
staircase to the appointed place for the ceremony. The bride entered upon the arm of her father,
and she was attended by her sisters Miss Margaret and Miss Helen Sproesser as
bridesmaids. Howard Green, of
Janesville, brother of the groom, was groomsman. Little Miss Josephine Sproesser, niece of the
bride, was flower girl and her nephew, Master Max Rohr, Jr., was ring
bearer. The bride wore an elegant gown
of Worth satin with crystal trimmings and court train, and a tulle veil and cap
and she carried a bridal shower bouquet of roses and lilies of the valley. Miss Margaret Sproesser was gowned in green
satin with spangled tunic, and Miss Helen Sproesser wore a white lace and Emerald
green gown and they carried arm bouquets of American beauty roses. As a matter of sentiment, the veil and cap
was the same one that her sister wore as a bride three months ago at her
marriage to Donald S. Montgomery, and it is said this same cap and veil will be
worn by all future brides in the Sproesser family.
Following the wedding
ceremony dinner was served, the dining room decorations being in white and
green, the centerpiece on the dining table being American beauty roses. At the conclusion of the wedding feast the
bride and groom left on a two weeks’ wedding trip, at the expiration of which
they will return to this city and be at home to their friends after February 1
at 408 North Washington Street . . . WG
c.1955
703 CLYMAN HOME
12 17 VICTROLAS, VICTORS for Christmas
There’s sure to be a Merry Christmas wherever there
is a Victrola. The beautiful music of this superb instrument will be a source
of great pleasure and will make Christmas a real Christmas to every member of
the family. It will be a big help in
making every day in the year a brighter and happier day. And all this can easily be yours. Stop in and see and hear the Victrola, and
find out about our easy terms.
Victrolas, $15 to $200. Victors
$10 to $100. WG:
10 24 FARE-REFUNDING SALE, full
page Weltburger ad
1915, Orbit, Ad
1915
01 21 WATERTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
When
enumerating the things for which Watertown is conspicuous, do not fail to
mention along with the stuffed geese, manufacturing plants, banks and stores,
our own Watertown Symphony Orchestra of thirty-five pieces. That you may know just how many adjectives to
use in “cracking up” this worthy institution, make up your mind to treat yourself
to one or more tickets for this our first concert to be held at Turner Opera
house February 15. Seat sale at Bittner
& Tetzlaff drug store at 9 a. m., February 8. Paste these dates in your
hat.
That
this concert will be of a high order is guaranteed by the fact that Mr. Henke, Mr. Sproesser
and Mr. Bramer will assist the orchestra
with solos. The program will not be a
long drawn out affair as there will be no attempt on the part of the orchestra
to play its entire repertoire at this time — our aim being quality rather than
quantity.
In
view of the fact that fifteen years have elapsed since the appearance of the Apollo
orchestra, and in view of the fact that Watertown needs an orchestra of this
type badly, we sincerely hope that by February 15 every seat will have been
sold. Our aim is to give Watertown
frequent concerts at popular prices and we sincerely hope that the extent of
your patronage on February 15 will demonstrate that your wishes also run in
this direction.
Decide
now to attend this concert and tell your friends you’re going — rain, hail,
sleet or snow – and we will be very grateful indeed, as you will in this way
show your appreciation of our efforts.
Watertown Symphony Orchestra, L.
W. Parks, Librarian. WG
02 11 WATERTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Long Looked for Musical Event At Turner Opera House, Feb, 15.
45 Piece Symphony Orchestra
/ 95 Per Cent Home Talent.
On
next Monday evening local music lovers as well as the general theatre-going
public will have an opportunity of witnessing the modest and blushing debut of
the Watertown Symphony Orchestra which has been preparing for this event for
the past eighteen months. In addition to
six orchestra numbers, the program includes a cello solo by Herbert Henke,
violin solo by Frank Bramer, and two baritone solos by Will Sproesser –
however, the program will last no later than 10 o'clock.
Don’t
let your neighbor rave about this concert without being able to do a little
raving on your own account. Attend and
enjoy yourself and dispel the depressing effect of the war news and war talk.
You
will thereby do yourself as well as ourselves a very great kindness.
Watertown
Symphony Orchestra.
02 04 Letter
from Germany to W. D. Sproesser [1],
written by the wife of Major General Hermine von Sproesser.
Unknown date
1919
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 [article includes pic]
William Sproessers Observe Golden Wedding
An
open house Sunday afternoon from
Today
the occasion will be marked by a family dinner at
Mr.
Sproesser and the former Miss Josephine Buchheit were married
Attendants
at their wedding 50 years ago 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.
1953
William Sproesser
1871 - 1953
Watertown’s “Mr. Music”
12 09 1953
THE SPROESSERS:
William David Sproesser, founder, came to Watertown from
Philadelphia in 1855
W. D. Sproesser: The
founder's son, headed the concern for many years
William (no middle name) Sproesser: Since March 7, 1920, the grandson had been
head of the company
William
Sproesser, 82, president of the W. D. Sproesser Co., and for 65 years a jeweler
here, died at his residence, 907 Clyman Street last night. He had been confined to his home for more
than a year by failing health which began soon after he slipped in the hallway
of his home and suffered a fractured leg which hospitalized him for a long
time.
His
death came peacefully last night while he slept. His wife, the former Josephine Buchheit, has
also been confined to the home for a long time due to a heart condition.
Mr.
Sproesser was the third member of the family to head the jewelry concern which
was founded by his grandfather, William David Sproesser, who came here from
Philadelphia in 1855. The founder's son,
W. D. Sproesser, headed the concern for many years and since March 7, 1920, the
grandson had been head of the company.
In
addition to being the head of the store, Mr. Sproesser, like his grandfather
and father before him, was a watchmaker.
He was also for many-years an optometrist.
Unlike
his grandfather and father, Mr. Sproesser had no middle name and was baptized
simply “William.” But many called him or
referred to him as “William D.” Sproesser.
He was
born in Watertown on July 15, 1871, and was educated in local schools. He then went to work in his father’s
store. He learned the watchmaker’s craft
from his father.
The W.
D. Sproesser Co. was reorganized and incorporated in 1897. At the time of his death Mr. Sproesser was
president, his wife, Josephine B. Sproesser is vice president, and his sister,
Miss Minnie Sproesser, is secretary-treasurer.
Mr.
and Mrs. Sproesser observed their golden wedding on Sept. 19. 1949. They had one daughter, Miss Josephine
Sproesser, who preceded her father in death.
Mr.
Sproesser was Watertown’s “Mr. Music.”
He was active in music all his life and was among its most staunch
supporters in the community. For years
he spent an hour each forenoon on the second floor of his store rehearsing and
vocalizing, providing his own accompaniment.
He was an excellent singer and many musical events were held here in
which he participated.
Aside
from his work as a soloist, he was a member of the old Watertown Elks Quartet, one of the finest male
groups which ever sang in this city.
Other members were Dr. O. E. Meyer, the late Max Rohr and the late
Edward L. Schempf.
He was
also an outstanding chorus director and led many local groups in the more than
50 years he was active in music. At one
time he directed the Watertown Civic Male Chorus, which became an important
factor in music locally. He was also for
some years the director of the old 105th Cavalry
Band.
With
his wife, who was long a talented musician and accomplished pianist, he shared
many concert programs here and in other communities. He retained his interest in music even
through his last illness. Music here has
been enriched by the many contributions he and his wife made to it in the years
both were actively engaged in promoting good music.
During
the years of World War I Mr. Sproesser was in great demand as a song leader for
patriotic programs, Liberty Bond rallies and other similar events when music
was needed to pep up the spirits of the people on the home front.
He was
also for many years the song leader of the Watertown
Rotary Club, of which he was a member.
He and John W. Keck worked together in many Rotary musical programs, Mr.
Keck being one of Mr. Sproesser’s favorite accompanists on such occasions.
The
Sproesser Co. had the distinction of being among the very first authorized
Victor dealers. The associations with
Victor extended from the time the very first Victor talking machines were
manufactured and put on the market. At
one time the company carried the largest line of such gramophones and records
in the city. The store was one of the
leading music houses here for many years and dealt in pianos, in addition to
its jewelry business.
Under
the leadership of Mr. Sproesser the business grew and prospered, enjoying an
enviable reputation for quality merchandise and service to the public.
In
Watertown’s community and cultural life Mr. Sproesser was highly regarded. He was a man of integrity and good will and
in his business dealing was fair and honest.
Mr.
Sproesser became a member of the Watertown Board of
Library Commissioners in 1912 and in 1921 succeeded to the presidency of it
upon the, death of William E. Voss. He
held the presidency until last month when he was succeeded in the presidency by
L. J. Lange.
Mr.
Sproesser was also a vice president of the Merchants
National Bank for many years and a member of its board of directors. His father had been one of the founders of
the bank and was its first president, serving down to the time of his death in
1920.
Mr.
Sproesser was a member of the First Congregational Church, an honorary member
of the Rotary Club and a 50-year member of Watertown Lodge No. 49, F. and A.
M. He was also a member of the Watertown
Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, the Watertown Curtain Club and Watertown
Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E.
Funeral
on Friday
Surviving
are his wife, five sisters and one brother, Miss Minnie Sproesser and Mrs. Max
Rohr, Sr., this city; Mrs. Louise Montgomery, Cincinnati, O.; Mrs. W. F.
Reinhardt, New York City; Mrs. Helen Hathaway, Washington, D.C., and Col. J. W.
Sproesser, this city. There also are
numerous nieces and nephews.
The
funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at the Schmutzler Funeral Home. The Masons and the Rev. Herbert E. Bauck of
the Congregational Church will share in the service. Interment will
be in Oak Hill cemetery.
Sproesser Home, 703
Clyman Street
1900
03 20 The yearly social of the Euterpe
Club took place Saturday evening at the palatial home of Mr. and Mrs. W. D.
Sproesser, 703 Clyman Street, their daughters, the Misses Minnie and Jennie (married Max Rohr, Sr),
being the hostesses. As is the usual
custom the club members were privileged to invite two guests each, and a
company of about seventy was thus gathered to enjoy the very excellent program
arranged for the occasion. The special
feature of which was Miss Marion Jean Craig, the Chicago elocutionist, in
dramatic readings. WR
Cross reference: This home became part of St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged.
Sproesser Home, 907
Clyman Street
1902
1902
1914
2011
c.1910
SPROESSER JEWELRY STOREFRONT
assumed
Warren's Jewelry Store
1954
04 16 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.
1961
09 16 WARREN-SCHEY MUSIC CO. BEGINS OPERATIONS
The
old W. D. Sproesser Co. building at 111 Main Street, which for many years housed
on its second floor one of the leading music stores in southern Wisconsin, is
again to vibrate to the sound of music when the newly formed Warren-Schey Music
Co. begins operations with its grand opening set for Friday and Saturday, Sept.
22 and 23. Plans for the opening were
announced today, following an earlier announcement of the new company’s
formation. The Warren-Schey Music Co.
has been appointed exclusive dealer in this area for the famed Baldwin pianos
and organs. The Baldwin is among the world’s
top concert instruments and many famous pianists use it exclusively in their
concert appearances. It is also used by
leading symphony orchestras and noted accompanists. It has a long and distinguished record and
the late famed concert pianist, Vladimir de Pachmann would use no other piano in his American
tours.
1966
06 29 WARREN-SCHEY PARTNERSHIP TERMINATED
Clete
Schey has taken over full control and ownership of the Warren-Schey House of
Music. He and Clifford Warren have
terminated their partnership. The
termination of the partnership was by mutual and friendly understanding and
will serve the best interests and desires of both parties, a statement issued
today said.
1967
11 04 WARREN'S JEWELRY IMPROVES STORE FRONT
Business Place Dates Back to Founding
in 1856
Warren’s
Jewelry at 111 Main Street, is another downtown business place which has
improved its store front. Not only does
it permit more attractive window displays, it makes possible a better view of
the interior from the street.
Owned
and operated by Clifford Warren, Warren’s Jewelry dates back to a business that
began here in 1856 when the late William D. Sproesser, who arrived from
Philadelphia in 1855, founded a jewelry store.
He had been born in Germany in 1812 and by 1842 had been well
established in business in Winnenden, Wuertenberg. He decided to leave Germany for America after
the 1848 revolution in which he had played a rather active and dangerous part.
After
his death he was succeeded by his son also named William D. Sproesser better
known as W. D. Sproesser after whom the company was finally named. He, in turn, was succeeded in the business by
his son, named William Sproesser who died in 1953. He was also called William D. Sproesser, but,
in fact had no middle name so the “D” was not warranted, even though many
people called him William D. Sproesser, because the store bore the name of the
W. D. Sproesser Co.
Bought
Business in 1955
Mr.
Warren acquired the Sproesser business by purchase
in 1955. He had purchased the former Wiggenhorn
Jewelry Store from Mrs. Lydia Wiggenhorn in 1946 and after acquiring the
Sproesser business moved his business to the present location at 111 Main
Street.
Besides
Mr. and Mrs. Warren the staff consists of Tom Armstrong, Ervin Hosfeld, Marie
Bush, Beverly Schmidt, Barbara Van der Hoogt, and Beverly Osterndorf.
Under
the late William Sproesser, who was active in music circles, the store became
widely known as a music store and the company was the second Wisconsin concern
to be granted the Victor dealer franchise, selling both the old Victor Talking
Machines and the Victrola as well as the famed Victor Red Seal Records.
The
store no longer deals in records or musical instruments, that line having been
taken over by the Warren-Schey House of Music in South Second Street.
2015 GENERATION JEWELERS
AN OLD
BUSINESS DISAPPEARS
A
Watertown business with ties back to 1856 has closed, ending an era of about
160 years. Generation Jewelers, 111 Main
St., closed at the end of the year after a long affiliation in Watertown.
The
business was known as Generation Jewelers and was owned by the Beduze family
for a long time. Bill Beduze purchased
the business from Cliff Warren back in 1978 when it was known as Warren’s
Jewelry. Bill continued to use the name
Warren’s Jewelry. In December of 1995
Bill sold the business to his son, Dave, who later changed the name to
Generation Jewelers.
Dave
continued to operate the business under the Generation Jewelers name until his
unexpected death back on Sept. 1, 2015.
After his death, the family decided to liquidate the assets of the
business and it was closed at the end of the year following a large sale,
ending that long affiliation with Watertown.
The
business was actually started back in 1856 when William D. Sproesser founded
the jewelry store. Sproesser had arrived
in Watertown from Philadelphia a year earlier.
Sproesser was a well-known name in business circles. He was born in
Germany in 1812 and by 1842 he had a well-established business in Germany. He decided to leave Germany for America after
the 1848 revolution in which he played a very active and dangerous part.
He
operated the business until it was purchased by his son, who had the same name
of William D. Sproesser. He operated the
business until his death and was succeeded by his son William Sproesser.
The
business continued in the Sproesser family until 1955 when Clifford Warren
purchased it.
Warren
had purchased the Wiggenhorn Jewelry Store from Mrs. Lydia Wiggenhorn in 1946
and then after he purchased the Sproesser store, Warren combined the two
businesses into one and located the new and expanded
store at the 111 E. Main St. location which was the location of the store until
the very end a few days ago.
By the early 1960s the music business was split off from the jewelry
business and became a new entity known as Warren-Schey House of Music that was
located on the second floor of the jewelry business and later moved to its own
location on South Second Street. WDTimes story
Cross References and Footnotes:
Sproesser, William D, M/M 1930s, Watertown Male Chorus members
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
W D Sproesser Co., Jewelers and Music Dealers, Sewing pins
[1] Letter from Germany to W. D.
Sproesser.
Watertown Gazette, 02 04 1915
Editor
Gazette: Please find here with a letter written by the wife of Major General
Hermine von Sproesser, which I think will be of interest to the majority of
your readers, not because of its news value, but for another evidence of that
lofty patriotism and devotion to the fatherland with which the women of
Germany, from the lowest to the highest in rank, appear to be imbued. I am
indebted to Prof. C. F. Viebahn for the
translation.
W. D.
Sproesser.
Stuttgart,
Jan. 3, 1915.
My
Dear Cousin:
Although
I felt that your thoughts would often be with us in anxiety and doubt, to my
regret I did not manage to write to you that long intended letter. I cannot ascribe my neglect entirely to the
lack of time, but also to the feeling that we have been shamefully maligned,
and that one ought to be too proud to exculpate oneself from slander. It is better to pursue one’s course and let
time reveal the truth.
Now, there
arrived your precious letter, with enclosure, for which many thanks in the name
of the Red Cross; also the marriage notice of your dear daughter Elsa. My heartiest congratulations for you and your
dear wife, as well as the happy young couple.
Your family is constantly growing in size, and at the same time in
happiness and well being. The very
thought of this is a great pleasure.
That
all these hopeful young people entertain such warm feelings for us makes me
very happy. My saying “me” conveys to
you the fact that I have been alone since the beginning of September. My husband is in the Vosges; but I have,
thank God, always good reports, though narrow escapes by him have not been
lacking. One dares not think of what the
coming days will bring. We must all be
steadfast and trust in God.
You
could hardly believe that we are
involved in such a terrible war if you saw our beautiful Stuttgart, lying
so happily, day after day, in the most glorious sunshine; and everything goes
on its accustomed course. The appearance
of the streets is unchanged. Only here
and there we meet a wounded soldier who needs the support of his cane or one
who cheerfully passes along with his arm in a sling. But we all work and help with all our
strength and hope that the war may be a process of purification for every
one. We are going to strive for more
general efficiency and for all the virtues that make a people great.
We
witness inspiring examples of heroic sacrifices and the deepest sorrows
patiently borne so that no one can escape the feeling of living in an
extraordinary and great time. To
experience a world war, this great
reckoning of all the nations, each of which feels that the limit has been
reached. And do we know whether this
conflagration will not spread still further?
I
myself belong to those that are entirely for peace. For me a war is such a bitter calamity that I
cannot express it. I would save every
creature from suffering. But it is
fortunate that the whole world is not made up of milksops, that there are men
and heroes for the hour of danger.
Not
until the first of August did I return from Switzerland, where for ten days I
stayed with a friend in the mountains hoping to enjoy glorious nature for a few
weeks. A telegram called us home. In Chur, and in the whole of Switzerland the landstrum
had already been called to arms. Every
body was excited. The trains were
terribly crowded. Total strangers
accosted one another. All were
brothers. Still more crowded was the
steamer on Lake Constance. In
Friedrichshafen we learned of the mobilization.
Notwithstanding the immense multitude that were being transported, everywhere
there was discretion and prudence, quiet and order.
And so
it was from the next morning on as the troops were transported, everywhere
enthusiasm and great impressiveness.
After a few days we already had a
million volunteers for the war. I
cannot tell you everything; but you would have been deeply moved to have seen
our people, and proud of belonging to them by birth. What I am personally so much ashamed of, and
so it is with innumerable others, is that we at home here have everything, and
if our conscience permitted, we could have every comfort; while abroad in the
field the best of our nation and our hopeful youths have to suffer the greatest
privations and hardships, and the peril of death.
I send
you at the same time with this letter a book, as printed matter, and I shall be
anxious to learn whether it will reach you.
We
have made Christmas for our brothers in the field as comfortable and pleasant
as possible. Each received his package
on which the name of the sender was plainly given, but chance determined who
the recipient would be. The letters of
acknowledgment that were received caused much joy.
What
is very difficult for me is to do alone everything that must be done; and yet I
could not go to my brother, for the house must always be ready to receive my
husband should he return wounded — as has already happened to both Sproesser cousins, who, after
having hardly recovered, again hastened to the front. Both have served with much distinction.
Delight
me soon again with a few lines; I too will write every few weeks. Many cordial greetings for you and your loved
ones, from your devoted cousin.
Hermine
von Sproesser.
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin