By A. DECKER
ILLUSTRATED
DESCRIPTIVE OF GRAND RAPIDS, WOOD COUNTY AND THE WISCONSIN RIVER
1907
HUSTLING, PROSPEROUS, BUSY, UP TO THE MINUTE.
This in brief describes Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, and if the writer should go no further into detail, the above sentence would be sufficient to the average wide-awake citizen to describe the city of which the following pages will treat.
The reader has a right to be told what he may expect to find along the paths of print if he shall follow them to their end. This book was written to tell the achievements of a people who in little more than half a century have wrought out of a wilderness a progressive, productive little city. As the title suggests, the book will give only a glimpse, a mere outline. The reader will be shown among the print just enough to give him a general idea of the city. There will be a little about the county, just now somewhat misunderstood and misjudged, and something about the river. Here and there will be found a few figures - not many - just a few, as measurements, and for the information of those who enjoy such things. The writer is neither a historian nor a prophet.
The object and purpose of this little book is to promote the commercial and manufacturing interests and the general welfare of the city of Grand Rapids and Wood County.
To bring all loyal and progressive citizens into closer touch in their commercial and social relations, and to work for the development of the natural resources of the city.
To secure all worthy industrial enterprises, seeking a location and to point out to the commercial interests of the Wisconsin Valley that Grand Rapids is their natural trading point.
To announce to the stranger our many magnificent natural advantages.
To foster and build manufacturing industries, and by every consistent effort encourage the employment of skilled labor and improve the condition of the laboring classes.
MORNING IN GRAND RAPIDS.
Every step taken in the development of the Wisconsin Valley has left an ugly scar on the face of the forest. It was the beaver that became responsible for the first opening of the north woods. It led the trapper and trader from the Mississippi to the head waters of the Wisconsin River.
Out of the north came the message of infinite space; into the north rode the youth of conquering freedom. The early pioneer struck the Wisconsin River just when the Hudson Bay Fur Company failed in the line of settlement and civilization. One carried in the trapper and the trader; the other the home-maker and his wife; one his traps and rifle; the other his seed wheat and plow. One shot an Indian for killing a beaver out of season, and the other paid bounty on the wolf and bear; one hunted and traded for what he could carry out of the country; the other planted and builded for what he could leave in it for his children. One counted his musk-rat nests, and the other his hills of corn; one his bale of furs, and the other his bushels of grain. In short, the English trader paddled his boat on every stream, and drove his dog team over every trail along the Wisconsin River to bring out furs and peltries, while the American emigrant hauled in with his rude wagon the nineteenth century progress. Morning in Grand Rapids dated from that time.
It has always been the happy fortune of the Wisconsin River to have a border population that was constantly uneasy to reach a farther front, wilder land and a freer life.
The saw-mill and paper mill are twin brothers of Grand Rapids. But they have now reached the parting of the roads. One is looking forward and the other backwards. Both can converse with a lumber jack in his own language. In drawing their picture the only background to these industries must be, timber. There are no figures bigger than those which play the drama of the forest and there is no drama which even today comes closer to the every-day life of each, and all of us.
When the river-man had run his last raft of lumber down the Wisconsin River, it was not his intention to turn from the stream which he knew and loved. There were numerous occupations inviting him, and, whether he opened a saloon or started a bank, he possessed an advantage in knowing the Country and its people.
And now we come upon the tame and tranquil sequel of that vivid play of human action. Call back the trapper, fur-trader, the scout and pioneer if you wish, but you can never call back the wheels of progress; they have run too far.
OUR PURPOSE.
The purpose of this review of our city is to accurately as possible portray to the mind of the reader the general character, condition and magnitude of our home industries and business enterprises.
The facts to be presented are not so much for the people of Grand Rapids, who are familiar with them, but more for the consideration of those who know the city only by an occasional visit or by hearing the brakeman call out "Grand Rapids" as they pass over one or more of our railroads, or even those who know it by seeing the name on the map.
Any thought that this little campaign is a selfish one, in which the promoters alone are to be rewarded, should be banished at once. He who can see nothing but selfishness in public enterprise makes a mighty poor citizen. His contributions to any good movement would be grudgingly given, and his moral support would discourage an angel, but let us hope that his kind has moved from Grand Rapids, if indeed he ever lived here.
Other cities have successfully carried on these campaigns, and if they had had our advantages they would have been more successful. This movement is one in which every loyal citizen and property owner may participate. It takes more than talk to advertise.
No man can lift the veil and penetrate the future. The present may be judged from the past. If during her early history Grand Rapids has surprised her own people, surely a bright future awaits them. The people are rapidly accumulating wealth, and as fast as capital is gained it is re-invested in real estate or some other enterprise. New industries are sure to come, and this means new labor to be employed, and the result is, more families and in general more business for Grand Rapids. In other words it simply means a "Greater Grand Rapids."
BANKING AND FINANCE OF GRAND RAPIDS.
The pulse of public prosperity is the bank deposits.
In all the lines of industry, which together make up the great sum total of material wealth and prosperity, there are none more essential or of greater importance than the character and extent of banking institutions, which facilitate business to such a degree that a withdrawal of their aid would lock the wheels of commerce, and financial matters would lapse into the crude conditions of uncivilized countries. Banks are the custodians of the credit of a city, her commerce, progress and prosperity, and in general advancement no factors are of greater significance. Grand Rapids is as well equipped with sound and excellently conducted financial institutions as any city of comparable size in the country, and these stand as exponents of her prosperous status.
We have three banks in the city.
The First National Bank was established in 1872, being at that time the only bank in Wood County. They now occupy their splendid new building, one of the best in the Wisconsin Valley.
The officers are Geo. W. Mead, President; Edward Lynch, Vice-President; Earle Pease, Cashier; A. G. Miller, Assistant Cashier. The Directors are W. J. Conway, E. W. Ellis, Edward Lynch, Geo. W. Mead, Earle Pease, Dr. Frank Pomainville and I. P. Witter.
The Bank of Grand Rapids was established in 1888, and has done as much as any other agency in making our city an industrial and commercial center. It is officered by keen business men and able financiers, while the directors are people who enjoy the respect and confidence of the entire city. Its officers are Isaac P. Witter, President; Geo. W. Mead, Vice-President; E. B. Redford, Cashier; W. G. Schroedel, Assistant Cashier. And the Directors are Isaac P. Witter, Geo. W. Mead, and Mrs. Emily L. Witter.
The Wood County National Bank was organized November 1st, 1891. It is not only one of our strongest banks in the city, but it is one of the progressive, prudent banks of the Wisconsin Valley. Its officers are F. J. Wood, President; L. M. Alexander, Vice President; Guy O. Babcock, Cashier; D. B. Philleo, Assistant Cashier. The Directors are L. M. Alexander, G. F. Steele, T. E. Nash, E. Roenius, F. J. Wood, John McNaughton and E. B. Garrison.
The banks of Grand Rapids have prospered because they are careful, prudent, wise. What they have made they have saved. The banks are strong because their owners are strong. The people are under them and back of them.
POSTAL BUSINESS.
Uncle Sam started into the Post Office Business in Grand Rapids in 1856, with Mr. C. F. Jackson as Post Master. The office was located in the building first door south of the Centralia Hardware Company. The opening thru which mail was received is still visible. This was the first frame building in our city.
It is a well understood fact that generally speaking there is no more accurate barometer of business conditions of a city than its postal receipts. The Grand Rapids Post Office may therefore be properly regarded an index of the increased population and business thrift of the community. When it is known that the gross receipts have doubled within the last half dozen years by a steady increase from year to year, the fact is somewhat astonishing but is true nevertheless. Grand Rapids has better and more modern Post Office facilities than many cities twice its size.
The average time of disposing of any ordinary mail during the day is twenty minutes. There is no better systematized or better conducted Post Office in the State. Every division of the office is at certain hours a perfect whirl of industry, illustrating the large force of active, energetic people necessary to handle the increased and increasing mail. The present Post Master is Mr. A. L. Fontaine, whose constant and untiring effort has secured for Grand Rapids many favors from the Post Office Department. The assistants to the Post Master are W. B. Raymond, R. A. McDonald, Carl Odegard and Miss Mayme Waterman. These employees are counted among our leading citizens, and stand high in social and business circles of this city. The most genial and accommodating corps of carriers in the State, Messrs. Lynn Renne, Geo. Otto, Otto Mickelson and Wm. Lyons, make three deliveries of mail a day.
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The City of Grand Rapids maintains six school buildings; five ward buildings, the Lowell, Emerson, Garrison, Howe and Irving; and the Lincoln High School. The latter was erected four years ago at a cost of $65,000. It provides for all the departments of a modern high school, such as manual training, a full commercial department, physical, chemical and biological laboratories. The gymnasium is 40x80 feet - l8 1/2 feet high, with dressing rooms, shower baths, running track, etc.
The City supports four kindergartens, so that all the children of the City of kindergarten age can receive this training. In the grades a complete system of manual training is carried on. This includes clay modeling, card board work, weaving, basketry, wood and iron work, and sewing. Music and drawing are also carried on in all grades. Each is under the supervision of a competent specialist.
The School Board has just received a bequest of $50,000 from the estate of the late J. D. Witter. This will be used to build and equip a special building for Manual Training, Domestic Science, and Drawing. The building will be 65x88 feet - three stories in height. It will provide for all phases of work in these lines which are carried on in the best high schools of to-day.
There are employed in the public schools 37 teachers. Of these 23 are employed in the grades, 4 in the kindergartens, 7 in the high school, 3 special teachers in Manual Training, Music, and Drawing. The enrollment in the city schools in all departments is 1,250 children.
The citizens of Grand Rapids, as well as the Board of Education, were very fortunate in securing the services of H. S. Youker as Superintendent of our schools. He came to our city about four years ago, and in that time has made the schools of Grand Rapids the pride of our city. He is not only an able and efficient educator, but he is a constant, intelligent, continuous worker for our public schools, which means for the best interests of our city.
OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
There are many achievements of which Grand Rapids has just reason for pride. Materially this city, within the last few years, has made rapid progress. But this is not all, nor is it Grand Rapids' greatest glory. While our citizens have been striving for and making a place for themselves and their town in the world of affairs, and while they have been building up the city commercially and industrially, they have not neglected to provide amply for the comfort, convenience and educational well-being of the children of the city. Grand Rapids has always had an active school life.
While the final end and aim of all school instruction is to impart knowledge and mold character, to make stronger and better men and women of the children and to start the young people on the journey of life better prepared for its struggles and to get more out of its joys and its opportunities, the first consideration must be for the physical well-being of the child. This means that proper buildings and equipment are an absolute necessity. The best results are not possible and cannot rationally be expected from children who are compelled to spend their school days in badly heated, worse ventilated, poorly lighted and unsanitary school buildings. It is crime, pure and simple, to compel children to attend school under conditions which endanger their health and menace their moral development. All this Grand Rapids has fully recognized and has accordingly done her duty generously and intelligently. In nothing more than in the school buildings of the city is the character, the spirit and high purpose of the citizens of Grand Rapids revealed to good advantages.
ALONG THE WISCONSIN RIVER.
For real company and friendship there is nothing outside of the animal kingdom that is comparable to a river. It is the most human and companionable of all inanimate things. It has a life, a character, a voice of its own. The Wisconsin Valley has its own rivers, and every river has its own quality, and it is our privilege to view each in the fairest possible light, and to receive from each the best that it has to give.
The Wisconsin River is the mouth of the Valley, for it is the most expressive feature of its landscape. It has the power of drawing attention without courting it, the faculty of exciting interest by its graceful movement. All the northern streams are still rich in wilderness. The real way to know the Wisconsin River is, not to glance at it here and there from the car-window; you must go to its native haunts; you must see it in its youth and freedom; you must accommodate yourself to its pace and give yourself to its influence and follow its meanderings. If you are a good walker take the river-side path or make a way for yourself through the tangler thickets, or across the open meadows up to Biron. Do not mince along the paths in patent leather shoes and silk skirts. The frequenters of these paths go their natural gait in calf-skin or rubber boots, or bare-footed. The girdle of conventionality is laid aside and the skirts rise with the spirits. If you are business tangled the Wisconsin River has the best care-killing scenery in the State. The small streams are full of brisk trout. A few days spent on Four-Mile creek will not be taken from the sum of your life. The landscapes of the Wisconsin River are growing more beautiful from year to year, notwithstanding the clearing, trampling work of civilization. All through this part of Wisconsin the old is giving away to the new; the savage to the civilized; the forest trees to the orchard. The dawn of a new day is breaking. The axe and saw are intensely busy; chips are flying thick as snow flakes. The Indian with his stone axe could do them no more harm than could the gnawing beaver and browsing moose. But when the steel axe of the white man rang out on the startled air their doom was sealed.
GRAND RAPIDS BRICK COMPANY.
The great business interests that have conserved to make Grand Rapids the progressive city that she is today are conducted and controlled by able, enterprising and public spirited men of wide experience and high reputation, who have aided in every way the progress and advancement of the city in every line of trade.
This is particularly true of the vast brick industry that is centered here, and which contributes largely to the wealth of the city.
This plant is located two miles northwest of the city on the Wisconsin Central Railway. The company manufactures a red sand mold brick out of clay mined a short distance from the yard. The plant has been in operation for nine years and has an annual output of 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 brick. Between thirty and forty men are employed about five months of the year with an average monthly payroll of $1,000.00. The brick are of a good quality and find a ready market in Grand Rapids and the adjoining territory. The business is of a wholesale and retail nature and is under the direct supervision of J. G. Hamilton, who is also one of the proprietors in the business. As a young man who has entered the business field of Grand Rapids, and made good in supplying the people with just what they want, Mr. Hamilton is certainly a success. He is one of our enterprising and successful business men and is widely known and universally respected by our citizens.
GRAND RAPIDS MILLING CO.
Among the manufacturing plants of which this city is justly proud is that of the Grand Rapids Milling Co. Two years after the organization of this company, which was in March of 1901, they built a new plant on the present site and in May of 1904 were operating at the mill's full capacity. The daily output of this plant is 150 barrels of wheat flour, 100 barrels of rye flour, and 25 tons of feed. VICTORIA, the leading brand of flour, finds a ready market in nearly every part of the state through the efforts of two salesmen. This flour is made from Northwestern wheat only.
Wisconsin Pure Rye Flour has a great demand in eastern markets and this company has been a large factor in creating the demand. At the present time all the rye flour made by these people is sold in the eastern states.
The plant is a model in the milling industry, being equipped with all the late improvements in machinery, thereby economizing in space to such an extent that the capacity of the mill may be doubled. Every part of the mill is operated by electricity. Because of these up-to-date methods cleanliness prevails throughout. It would seem, considering the effort of this company to supply Grand Rapids with a strictly first-class mill, that their goods are entitled to a liberal patronage in every home in our city.
The mill is under the direct supervision of J. P. Horton, who was manager of The Jackson Milling Co., until it was succeeded by this company.
Wood county is proud of the success of the Grand Rapids Milling Company, as great have been its achievements in the past, yet the future is bound to spell bigger and better things for it than the past has done. For the policy of its excellent management is "Better to-day than yesterday, and better to-morrow than to-day" - which really the keynote of all progress and the sum of all human energy.
IDEAL CITY OF HOMES.
The crown and ornament of American civilization is its home life. Factories and foundries, railroads and industries will make business but not homes. The supreme nobility and the value of the "City Prosperous" are not found in its art or its architecture, its public parks or its private palaces, but in the home joys, the home life, the home loves of the common people. In this quality of exalted civilization Grand Rapids enjoys an almost unique supremacy.
Here in Grand Rapids the cottage and the humble dwelling characterized by neatness, cleanliness and the artistic touch inspired by intelligence and love, are seen on every hand. It is the mission of all these agencies to fill the home and crown it with the products of their joint labor. In no city of the State is this so pre-eminently true as it is of Grand Rapids.
A LABORING MAN'S TOWN.
Grand Rapids is one of the best cities in the State for the laboring man. Its mills, factories, lumber companies, and many of the other leading manufacturing industries are run the year round, and part of the year day and night, to keep up with their orders, and the man who is looking for honest work can here find what he wants, as nearly all of Grand Rapids' laboring class work the entire year, and there is work for additional men at good wages. Men who have families where the boy and girl want superior educational advantages, are wanted here. Grand Rapids has good water, climate, churches of many denominations, lodges and fraternal orders, plenty of amusements summer and winter. The beautiful Wisconsin River affords plenty of amusement in the summer for boating, fishing and picnics, and in fact Grand Rapids has everything that the laboring man could ask for.
The many lodges in Grand Rapids are in a thriving condition, and have well attended meetings every lodge night, thus fully indicating the healthful condition of lodge interests. A dead town never has live fraternal orders, and live towns never have dead fraternal societies. Come to Grand Rapids, and if you are a member of a fraternal order you are certain to meet a brother.
The laboring man in Grand Rapids has a good home life, cheap living expenses, good schools and churches, a fine lot of retail stores, and work the year round.
Grand Rapids does not care for the laborer who comes for a week or two; they are not wanted and will do well to pass her by, but the laborer who wishes to better himself and his family can find in Grand Rapids the very place for his wish.
The industries of Grand Rapids are some of the best and largest in the Wisconsin Valley, and the men at their head are the most pleasant and considerate to be found.
WOOD COUNTY TRAINING SCHOOL.
The Training Schools of Wisconsin are no longer an experiment. From a small beginning in Dunn and Marathon Counties, the number has increased until twelve counties are provided with these schools and a bill is now before the Legislature which, if it should pass, will increase the number to twenty.
Wood County is never slow in recognizing a good thing. In 1903, the County Board voted to establish a Training School to assist in raising the standard of the county schools in this county.
This school will in June complete its fourth year and with the beginning of its fifth year will move into the fine new building which is now in process of construction.
The graduates of this school, now numbering seventy-two, are proving the wisdom of those who established the school. Inspectors and school boards unite in praise of their work. A large percentage of them are very successful. The school cannot now supply the demand for trained teachers. Ten students not yet graduated are at this time filling vacancies in country schools.
The applications for seats in this school are every year more than can possibly be accommodated.
Four years ago Prof. M. H. Jackson came to our city from Columbus and organized this school and with Miss Effie Michaels as assistant it has been prosperous from the start.
Mr. Jackson is not only a success from an educational standpoint, but he is a successful citizen in everything that success and good citizenship implies.
THE REAL ESTATE DEALERS.
The reputable real estate man has won his way into the confidence of his clients, just as the merchant has builded his business on the foundation laid in his beginning. In keeping with the progress made around him the real estate man has added to his many duties until he now takes the raw lands and lays out beautiful streets, with building lots skirting them on either side. He cuts away the rough profile in which nature has left the land. He provides you a place to live and a place to earn your living. He must be far-sighted. If there is a business man on earth that must be able to determine the needs of the future for his fellowmen it is the real estate man.
He makes ready for the coming generation, and his motive is not always selfish. He teaches the young to save and economize, and his advice must, from the very nature of his business, be wholesome and good. His future as well as his clients' depends upon the success of his plans. He is found upon the side of the people in matters of public interests. He is broad minded and loves a square deal. He is willing to pay his share of the public expense and in turn wants his fellow-citizens to do the same. He is not a reformer so much as he is a former. He believes in starting right, rather than righting a wrong start. He believes in public improvements, and pays his assessments cheerfully. He delights in telling of the advantages of the city, and in so doing he is constantly advertising the property interests. He is a builder distinctly in every way, and incidently (sic), let us add, that he is the poorest paid builder for the service he renders that we have.
OBERBECK BROS. MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
With quality as a motto and manufacturing furniture as an industry, the Oberbeck Company have built up a splendid business. If a great mirror could be held above Grand Rapids in it would be reflected towering chimneys with their smoke signals, giving unmistakable evidence of the hum of industry below. Grand Rapids is not only the capital of Wood County, but it is a manufacturing center as well. To-day towns do not grow merely because of their location, and this fact of location will become less and less important as the years go by.
The railroads have not only reached but created counties, they have not only nourished but conceived communities. Our unsurpassed shipping facilities are what has made possible our splendid manufacturing plants. In no branch of trade, and by no manufacturing plant has Grand Rapids received more benefit and substantial aid than from the Oberbeck Bros. Furniture Company. This large plant is one of the greatest industrial enterprises of this progressive city and in its special line of manufacture the largest in the Wisconsin Valley. They came to this city from Chicago in 1891, and each succeeding year they have not only had an increase in their volume of business, but have turned out a better and higher grade of goods. This immense plant is devoted entirely to the manufacturing of bed-room furniture. Nothing but the better grades of veneered goods are manufactured here, and nothing but the choicer grades of veneer are used, such as quarter-sawed oak, mahogany, bird's-eye maple and foreign walnut. It may be a surprise to some to learn that this factory turns out the highest grade of bed-room furniture manufactured west of Chicago.
This product finds a ready market in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, besides many other cities through the entire United States. On the pay-roll of the Company are more than 150 operators of a greater or less degree of expertness, and who receive each year more than seventy-five thousand dollars in salary. The trade conducted is exclusively wholesale, and the name of the Company is known over the entire country.
The enterprise is one of the most solid and prosperous in the City. The immense buildings of the Company include the factory proper of three stories, and a large ware-house, besides dry-kiln, boiler and engine house, and many lesser buildings. These works occupy a tract of land twelve acres in extent, and some idea of the magnitude of the buildings may be gained when it is stated that the floor space of these structures would cover an area of two and one-half acres. This growth and expansion is the result of the genius and incessant toil of E. Oberbeck, the founder and general superintendent of the plant. Their shipping facilities and track accommodations are such that they can load six large furniture cars at one time. The plant is equipped with the best and most modern machinery, and is driven by a two hundred horse-power Corliss engine. They have their own lighting plant, and their factory and all adjoining buildings are heated with the exhaust steam by a modern method.
Every arrangement of this large plant is planned with a view of saving time and labor, yet every appliance for the comfort and convenience of the help has received the closest attention. A well-filled icehouse adjoining the factory is appreciated by the many employees.
It is a pleasure to visit the several departments of this modern manufacturing plant and note the inventive genius and skill required in each process from the dry-kiln to the packing room. One is struck with the order and system governing every detail; there seems to be a place for everything and everything in its place; in fact, order and system seem to be the watchword.
Taking into consideration the immense capital invested and large number of men employed by this Company it is difficult to estimate its influence on the growth and advancement of this city.
THE GRAND RAPIDS FOUNDRY COMPANY.
The growth and advancement of Grand Rapids during the last four years has been very rapid in almost every branch of commerce and industry. It has gone forward with rapid strides and built up enterprises and lines of trade that has made it known over the entire State.
One of the most extensive and important of the great manufacturing industries is the Grand Rapids Foundry Company. Taking into consideration the large capital invested and the large number of men employed by this company it is difficult to estimate its influence on the growth and advancement of this city. This plant gives employment to from forty to sixty men, all skilled workmen. It is in no sense a summer shop as its wheels are turning every working day in the year. In its special line of manufactury it is the largest and most extensive of its kind in the Wisconsin Valley. The plant of this Company occupies about one city block and its buildings are all solidly built of reinforced concrete, and are completely equipped, with all modern machinery necessary for their special line of work. The entire plant is driven by electricity and a ten-ton traveling crane is used both in the machine shop and foundry department. They have recently installed machinery at a large cost for grinding paper mill rolls.
This is a firm which from the very start has led in the manufacture of heavy castings and the repair of heavy machinery. The repair department is in fact one of the best in the valley, and they are in shape to do satisfactory and prompt work of every kind. The output of the factory goes to every State in the Union, as they make a specialty of manufacturing the Roenius Coal Chute. This article is endorsed by all the leading architects. This Company now has more than two hundred agents scattered over the United States and Canada that make a specialty of handling the Roenius round and square coal chute. The Canadian branch of the manufacture and sale of this article is under the management of Fred A. Roenius, a young man of push, energy, and hustling ability, who is located at Windsor. In reviewing the many industries of Grand Rapids we take great pleasure in noting that this plant is not the largest of its kind in our city, but one of the best equipped in the entire valley, and has done as much to direct attention to Grand Rapids as any other establishment in our city. The Company was organized in 1896 and each year they have added new improvements and increased their capacity to meet the increasing demand of their trade. The Company consists of Mr. E. Roenius, and his two sons, Otto R. Roenius and Fred A. Roenius, and Mr. Oscar E. Uehling.
The location is an ideal one, being near to the center of town and having the best of railroad facilities for shop purposes, in fact everything is adapted for one end which is now fully recognized and that is success.
The Superintendent of this shop, Otto R. Roenius, is an able mechanic, he has had the advantage of learning the business under the tutorship of his father, E. Roenius, who is without a doubt one of the best mechanics in this locality, a thorough and successful business man who has been a resident of Wood County for the past twenty-four years. It is he who invented the Roenius Coal and Wood Chute, which has proven so successful.
Oscar E. Uehling, who was taken into this firm in the year 1904, has had the advantage of a good business education, making him a good addition to the firm, such a combination of good mechanical and business training cannot help but make this firm successful.
If there is anything the reader wants in the iron line or in the way of mill supplies you will find the Grand Rapids Foundry Company always ready to give good and prompt service.
OUR RAILROADS.
Not so very many years ago a beaver skin was worth $6.00 in New York; it was worth sixty cents at the head-waters of the Wisconsin River. The problem of transportation had not yet been solved. It was the day of raft and boat, of ax and rifle.
An army, a state, or a little city, is no greater or stronger than its transportation facilities. Grand Rapids, with a population of about 7,000, boasts of more diversity of industries than any other city of like population in the valley. The reason is that the natural advantages combined with its excellent facilities for shipment, makes of it an ideal manufacturing center.
The railroad facilities of Grand Rapids are among the strong factors in bringing to us a class of manufacturers that are desirable and which is a necessity for a wide output of tonnage. North, south, east and west are open to us for our products, through the channels of our four railroads. In determining a proper location for a manufacturing site there are three essential features to be considered, viz.: location, transportation and power.
Twenty-four passenger trains arrive at our City and depart daily, bearing their hundreds of travelers to all parts of the country, and the aggregate of freight shipped into Grand Rapids each year is about 20,000 cars, and the amount of freight shipped out is about 10,000 cars each year. These railroads have at all times maintained close relationship with the interests of their patrons, both freight and passenger, and stand willing and ready at any time to co-operate in any movement which has for its purpose the advancement of Grand Rapids. Our four station agents are not only practical railroad men, but they are practical citizens, and add much to the business and social life of our city.
AS A COUNTY.
Wood County has its difficulties, as have other sections. The process of human betterment has not been entirely completed. Time is required to bring about all that civilization demands. But there is nothing more interesting in the world of modern effort than the solid achievements of the men who are building up the Wisconsin Valley. Poetry has been written about these pioneers, imaginative pictures have been painted of them, speeches have been made to them, and votes have been coaxed from them.
The good and conservative citizen who acts with wisdom, as well as with energy is not only in the city, but he is on the farms and in the forests. He has developed the riches of the valley and he has improved its character. The forests he has cut into millions of dollars, only to leave behind a far greater number of millions under the tangled roots of its stumps. If there is one thing more than another that has fostered this marvelous development it is the modern railroads. They tell their tale as they run their courses.
Wood County is an industrial county; it measures the motives of its every-day life by the industrial scale. It is the place for the young man who has patience coupled with his pluck, who has ambition coupled with his industry, who has more work in his muscles and resistance in his will than he has gold in his pockets.
The eastern traveller who is out for pleasure, and the more observing traveller, the home-seeker, are just now paying their respects to Wood County. And from whatever side the region is entered the passage is through a field of activities. New towns are rising, old ones are expanding, every day adds some new trade or business to meet the multiplying needs of the community. Their wealth is in the hundreds of thousands of level acres which spring into farms at the touch of the farmers. The plow and hoe are converting waste land into productive farms and ranches, where the soil and climate need only a little of man's ingenuity and labor to make a garden spot.
There are wide scopes of country that have missed the whistles of locomotive and the noise and bustle that the railroad implies. But they have already joined the swift march to which the entire valley is keeping step. Wood County is too big to be owned, too undeveloped to be syndicated, too young to be exhausted.
Let the reader remember, carelessly perhaps, yet still remember that in this great valley there are at last two points of wide interest, the Wisconsin River and Wood County.
THE GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS COLLEGE.
That the young people of this section of the state realize the necessity for a business training is proven by the fact that the Grand Rapids Business College has had the largest enrollment this year that it has ever had before in its history. The Principal of this well-known institution says that not only has the school enrolled more, but that a greater number have been sent out to fill positions than ever before in the same space of time.
This institution has made remarkable growth since locating in the City of Grand Rapids. The school has recently moved into large and commodious quarters in a new brick building, and their equipment and facilities for effective work, coupled with the large attendance, proves the appreciation of the public in the efforts of its capable manager, Mr. E. L. Hayward.
Mr. Hayward, with admirable foresight saw the necessity of such an institution in our midst. He is an experienced Commercial and Shorthand teacher, and has made a record and reputation that any man might well be proud of. He is fully alive to every interest of his scholars. Ira D. Wood, the thoroughly qualified and painstaking assistant in the commercial department, and Miss Mabel Hamilton, English teacher and shorthand assistant, are popular with the students, and have gained great favor through their efficient work. Business houses desiring first-class office help of any kind will be promptly and cheerfully assisted, and no person will be recommended higher than their merits justify.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The First Congregational Church of Grand Rapids was organized with ten members on March 2nd, 1862.
Plans are now on foot for the erection of a new and more centrally located church, the growth of the congregation having made a change necessary.
Since the time of its organization the church has had 474 members. The present membership is 190.
In 1906 the church built a large and beautiful parsonage on the west bank of the Wisconsin River. This is one of the most beautifully located Congregational parsonages in the state.
Connected with the church are the following auxiliary societies: One Sunday School, one Christian Endeavor Society, one Ladies' Aid Society on each side of the river, one Women's Foreign Missionary Society, and one Mission Band.
Rev. Father Staff came to our city from Fort Atkinson about two years ago. He not only received a unanimous vote in a call to this pastorate, but he is receiving the undivided support of the church and congregation. He is the right man in the right place, and is appreciated, respected and admired, by the entire city.
CONSOLIDATED WATER POWER & PAPER CO.
The throbbing pulsations of the manufacturing industries of Grand Rapids are felt in all sections of the United States. In insuring this prominence it is probable that no one concern has contributed a larger quota than has the Consolidated Water Power & Paper Co., whose business product and plant is one of the most extensive of any kind in the Wisconsin Valley. It is the pride of Grand Rapids. In no branch of trade has the city received so enviable a reputation as to her very extensive print paper~ manufacture. As the lumber industry was that which ordained the first stages of development in this now fair and prosperous city, it is befitting that manufacturing of paper from northern timber should be the medium through which in these latter years her supremacy is recognized.
The Consolidated Company is an organization that the public do not quite understand; the first plan and conception of this company was, not to harness this great water power for the express purpose of manufacturing any one commodity. The early founders of this company had in view the best interests of the City. The present manager, G. W. Mead, is now prepared to carry out this plan, by furnishing building sites to other manufacturing plants that are looking for a location, and supplying them with electric power at a moderate price.
The dam is 1,707 feet long, and an average head of thirty feet is secured, developing about ten thousand horse power. It is the plan to turn this immense power, or part of it at least, to a better purpose for the city than the grinding of wood pulp. The Consolidated Company rises twenty thousand cords of spruce timber a year and turns out 130,000 lbs. of paper a day. This paper, however, is of a better grade than the common print paper used in the regular daily or weekly newspaper. It is what is called machine book paper, and is used in special editions, Sunday supplements and sporting sheets. The Methodist Sunday Schools’ publication uses sixty tons of this paper a month in their regular edition. The two paper machines of this company are each 120 inches in length, making a sheet of paper equal to 240 inches wide at a speed of 500 feet per minute. The five paper mills located on this part of the Wisconsin River turn out paper that would form a sheet 100 feet wide, and at an average speed of 460 feet per minute, or 120 miles every twenty-four hours, consisting of more than 250 tons. They use in the manufacture of this product seventy thousand cords of spruce, a little tamarack, poplars and balsam timber, while the sulphite mill uses seventy-five thousand cords of hemlock a year.
Wisconsin stands third as a paper producing state, turning out more than three million pounds per day. The United States with characteristic enterprise leads the world in paper making, supplying about one-third of all that is used on the globe. As a staple in this country, paper has come to rank third in importance in the list of men's wants. The product of Mother Earth holds first place, including food stuff, raiment, etc., and the second place must be given to iron and steel, the bulwark of commercial life. Paper follows next as the keystone of our intellectual life, and promises in years to come to play even a more important part in the upbuilding of our modern advancement and business.
If to-day the power of the pen over the sword is greater than it ever been before, its increased and increasing influence must be credited in large measure to the inventive genius and the public spirited enterprise that has made possible the great output of our modern paper mills.
In all the great improvements of the last century, paper has been the means of transmitting intellectual force; it has been the messenger and herald of better things than the world has known. Its history has always been closely linked with that of man; it has been the pace-maker of his progress. They have come up together out of the past; they are associated in noble and uplifting work in the present; together they go forward to such broader fields of usefulness as the future may disclose.
J. W. NATWICK.
Prominent among the mercantile establishments of our city and one that is a very popular place for those who are looking around for something to make home more homelike, is the furniture store of J. W. Natick, who came to our city with his parents when but a year old. In 1886 he engaged in the furniture business, and in the past twenty years has said and done so many pleasant or at least courteous things in the effort to lighten the sorrows of those with whom his occupation has brought him in contact that his success was established many years ago. Mr. Natick carries on an undertaking business in connection with his furniture business. Mr. Natick built and occupied the Tribune office as a store for a short time. When his business outgrew his quarters he moved to the store now occupied by Timm & Briere, and in 1893 built the store which he now occupies. There are but few business men in Grand Rapids whose place would be harder to fill, from a business and social standpoint, than that of Mr. Natick. In fact, he has become a part of Grand Rapids. He is glad that his lot was cast on the bank of the Wisconsin River, and thankful to the citizens for the generous patronage and kind treatment that he has received. He is from every standpoint a good citizen.
10 REASONS WHY YOUR FACTORY SHOULD BE IN GRAND RAPIDS.
It is near the center of the state.
It is made up of the better class of best citizenship.
It is free from strikes and labor disturbances.
It has an abundance of cheap electrical power.
It has all modern facilities.
It has perfect transportation facilities and low freight rates.
It has three sound banks.
It has a highly efficient fire department and an abundance of water.
The products of Grand Rapids factories are known and sold all over the United States.
Grand Rapids is a successful manufacturing city. Its advantages will make you more successful.
Do you want to do business or do you want your business to do you? If you want to do business and plenty of it come to Grand Rapids.
THE KELLOGG BROS. LUMBER CO.
Here in America we call lumber what the English call timber; that is, all the products of the saw and shingle mills, such as beams, joist, plank, boards, shingles, etc. A prosperous lumber trade is a true indication of a prosperous country or city. When the lumber dealers are doing a good business, it is certain to be a growing city, and here will be found the Kellogg Bros. Lumber Co. This concern has conducted its business in such a fair, square manner as to secure the confidence and patronage of the citizens and manufacturers of this vicinity. Its yards and sheds are commodious and contain a full and complete line of lumber, lath, shingles, sash, doors, etc., also heavy timbers, lime, cement and building materials of all kinds.
The officers of this company are W. F. Kellogg, President; C. F. Kellogg, Vice-President and Treasurer, and E. C. Kellogg, Secretary, and each one has received a thorough training in the lumber business.
This is a representative industry, and patrons will in the future, as well as in the past, find every element of satisfaction, both in variety of stock and reasonable prices, which perhaps accounts for the substantial prosperity and success with which this enterprise has been rewarded. The managers use equal care in all ventures whether made for themselves or for their patrons. The officers are thorough business men and always manifest great interest in the upbuilding, progress and advancement of Grand Rapids.
In addition to its yard in Grand Rapids, this company owns and operates branch yards at Nekoosa, Almond, Wild Rose, Endeavor, and Packwaukee, all in Wisconsin.
THE MUIR SHOE COMPANY.
The shoe business takes a very prominent place in the world of trade and the greatest activity in this quite essential industry is noticeable at all times. Particularly is this apt to be the case when the sloppy season is approaching, and new and enduring foot wear is a most essential need. The store of the Muir Shoe Company has been in evidence here in our city for the past several years, during which time an excellent stock of boots and shoes has at all times been kept on sale, including miscellaneous lots, and several lines of special make which are included therein.
Mr. Muir has "made good" in his line of trade, and his business is not only satisfactory but so much so that it is increasing constantly.
Mr. Muir has in all a most worthy and comprehensive assortment, and one which cannot fail to please any purchaser, however fastidious.
He is a man who is well acquainted with the business, as it has been his life work, and he insists that the only correct method of transacting business is to guarantee satisfaction. Mr. Muir has not only the largest stock but the largest store-room of the kind in our city. He has been a resident of this city in which he is doing business for fifteen years, and during that time he has gained the entire confidence, not only of the local residents but of the farmers for many miles surrounding our city. While Mr. Muir is one of our hardest worked merchants, and gives his business the closest possibe (sic) attention, he may be found at rare intervals at the club house up the river spending a few hours fishing or hunting, in which he is an expert. Either from a business or social standpoint he is always alert and working to the best interests of our city.
Mr. Muir established and operated the first exclusive shoe store in our city.
THE F. MACKINNON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
When we stop and think of the immense amount of freight handled by all railroads and steamboats of the United States it seems impossible that the humble farm wagon handles very much more than both of these common carriers combined.
Mr. MacKinnon and Mr. Schnable came to this city in 1879, and established themselves in the hub and spoke business. Four years ago this company engaged in the manufacturing of wagons. The object of engaging in this business was not in any sense with a view of competing with the large wagon shops of the country, but it was to put on the market an entirely different wagon from anything manufactured in this country. The axles to their wagons are built out of maple timber and steel plate. Their hub is entirely weather proof. Their many improvements over the common wagon has built up a business for them that is taxing the capacity of their shop to the utmost. Besides their regular wagon business they manufacture and ship from sixty to one hundred thousand sets of hubs a year. They also manufacture twelve hundred wagons a year. They manufacture nothing cheap. In fact every wagon has plainly printed on it its capacity, and is fully guaranteed. This company has done and are doing much for the upbuilding of our city, as they have seventy-five men on their pay-roll, and their plant is busy the entire year. As a company and as individual citizens they stand among the best in our city.
F. S. GILL.
Nothing adds to the appearance of the home, the street, and incidentally our city, more than freshly painted residences, and nothing enhances the beauty of interior decoration more than tasteful wall paper. Mr. F. S. Gill is by far our largest and most active wall paper and paint dealer. In wall paper he handles the finest that the market will warrant. He is an executor of all kinds of decorating, frescoing and similar work. He contracts for every class of this kind of work, and no job is too large or too small for his consideration. Mr. Gill is not only a splendid painter and paper-hanger himself, but keeps a force of the best workmen in this part of the state.
Some very novel disigns (sic) in wall paper are now being placed on the market. It is possible to cover the walls of a house with a paper that will give it the appearance of leather or dyed wood. The wall paper industry has grown much more rapidly than was anticipated. So persistently have the wall paper manufacturers pressed the campaign for the introduction of their goods that a house with bare plastered walls is now a rarity. Some of the most attractive designs offered to-day are in the various shades of brown and blue, and strange as it may seem, some beautiful effects are done in greens. Mr. Gill is in every respect a substantial citizen; a good workman, and a hustler.
CANDY KITCHEN AND ICE CREAM PARLOR.
There is no better evidence of the prosperity of the people than is furnished by the activity manifested in departments of trade which are not based upon the actual necessities of life.
W. H. Barnes came to our city ten years ago, and engaged in the candy business, and he has made a success of it from the start. Candy being a luxury the visitor wonders how tons of its product can be used. There are over five hundred varieties of candy in common use. The quality of candy manufactured by Mr. Barnes varies from the cheap grocery mixed to the fancy chocolate and creams sold for sixty and eighty cents a pound.
Mr. Barnes is one of the largest and most extensive ice-cream dealers in our city, furnishing his product by the quart or gallon to not only many patrons of this city but to adjoining cities as well. Mr. Barnes' enterprise and pleasing business methods have established for him many friends, which means many customers, and he is deserving of all that he has received.
THE GRAND RAPIDS BREWING COMPANY
There are millions of dollars invested in the brewing business in the United States, and most of these millions are distributed into plants located in most all cities with a population of 20,000 and upwards. This is due to the fact that the modern apparatus for brewing has been brought to an almost perfect state of perfection, and progressive brewers in cities of almost every size are almost constantly applying all such improvements as rapidly as they are placed upon the market, thus giving to the smaller brewers the same appliances for the making of as high a standard of beer as that brewed in the larger cities.
A complete and up-to-date brewery of this description is a guarantee to the users of beer that they are getting absolute purity of product, where special care is taken at all stages of brewing, and that only the best of materials and ingredients are used in its making.
Grand Rapids has such a brewery, with a capacity for producing not equalled by many cities of double this city's population.
The Grand Rapids Brewing Company was incorporated in 1905 by the present company.
The visitor sees when entering this plant, a clean, wholesome view of the latest improved machinery, and where the choicest hops and malt are used.
The bottling capacity is very large, with a separate building for that purpose, with competent workmen in charge. Their goods are delivered in cases to all parts of the city.
BADGER BOX & LUMBER COMPANY.
One of the leading industries of Grand Rapids is the Badger Box & Lumber Company, which was organized by Mr. John S. Thompson in June, 1901, and has since been steadily in operation, giving employment, in its different departments, at the present time, to more than one hundred people.
The annual consumption of lumber in the manufacture of its product exceeds twelve million feet, requiring the output (of the class of material used) of several large saw-mills.
The business of this company extends from the Missouri River to the Atlantic seaboard and into Old Mexico; at the present time a considerable percentage of its product goes to the Philippines, with supplies for the Commissary Department of the United States Government. Each package is rigorously inspected by a government employee, and must comply in every detail with established specifications.
The factory is equipped throughout with the latest modern machinery, making the process of manufacture as nearly automatic as possible. Two printing machines are kept busy printing the advertising matter that goes on the boxes of the different customers. These machines are capable of making impressions in two colors at one operation. Nailing machines automatically do the work of dozens of men in fastening the small cleats to the ends of boxes, holding the different parts of a box firmly together; a horizontal band re-saw receives whole bundles of the different parts of a box in a hopper, and discharges them split to the desired thickness without further handling. The whole arrangement of the equipment is such that the rough lumber going through the factory comes out as finished product with the least possible handling.
The facilities for shipping are unsurpassed. The Company has its own side tracks on the three great trunk lines of railway entering Grand Rapids. This enables it to be in position at all times, to make prompt deliveries to its customers; the discouraging element of "car shortage" is eliminated, at the same time an extensive territory from which to draw its supply of raw material is thus assured.
The officers are John S. Thompson, President and Treasurer. Mr. Thompson has the entire management under his charge. Wm. F. Thompson is Vice-President; he is connected with the Allis-Chalmers Co., of Milwaukee, as superintendent of manufacturing at West Allis.
The business of the Badger Box & Lumber Co. is constantly increasing and the policy of the company is to keep in advance of their requirements by improving and adding to their equipment so that their customers may always rely upon prompt and efficient service.
J. T. SCHUMACHER.
It is a notable fact that in every branch of industry and mercantile activity men can be found who have achieved a success as the direct result of superior business qualifications, and conscientious methods, natural aptitude and adaptibility (sic).
Among the successful merchants of Grand Rapids whose business has outgrown the smaller quarters in which it was established is that of Mr. J. T. Schumacher. Mr. Schumacher has recently moved his business into the handsome Wood County National Bank Block, at the east end of the bridge. The location is an ideal one; there are two entrances to the store, one on First street and one on Vine street, making one of the finest and most convenient store buildings in the City. A town is generally judged by the character and general appearance of its retail stores. In this respect Grand Rapids stands high for we have some of the best general stores to be found in the Wisconsin Valley. This is the verdict of travellers who are in a position to speak with authority. Mr. Schumacher's new store adds much to the general appearance of our city, and a visit to the different departments will convince one that it is modern and up to date in every respect. It is decidedly the finest store-room in our city and its location is second to none. Mr. Schumacher handles dry goods, cloaks, ladies' and gents' furnishings, shoes and groceries. He also carries a select line of millinery.
Mr. Schumacher takes pardonable pride in the growth and development of our city, realizing the possibilities that here exist, and is among those who cheerfully support any movement which has as its object the further advancement of Grand Rapids interests.
THE GRAND RAPIDS TABLE COMPANY.
In keeping with the recent growth and prosperity of Grand Rapids and contributing its share in aiding this growth is the table factory of Chas. Wipperman. This shop was established in our city in 1891, and has been of much service to the city in furnishing steady employment to a force of men winter and summer. This company manufactures nothing but extension tables; the timber used is oak, ash and birch. The output of the factory is over three hundred and fifty tables per month. Mr. Wipperman keeps two travelling salesmen on the road, and finds ready sale for his products throughout the west and northwest. He employs eighteen men, nearly all skilled mechanics. At the beginning of this year he was nearly two thousand tables behind his orders, and states that if his shop had three times its present capacity he could find ready sale for the entire output. Mr. Wipperman has a fine shop with an excellent line of machinery, and enjoys a business reputation second to none in our city, honestly won by his many years of service in the community and doing the duties of a good citizen in caring for the interest of the city as well as of his own.
THE STANGE-ELLIS NEW MANUFACTURING PLANT.
Have you ever given a thought to the difference between skilled and unskilled labor? Do you realize the difference between the two classes in building our city? Or, have you just gone along without any regard for these things?
A quarter of a century is not a very long time in the development of a little city like ours; our early life began along the Indian trail or logging road, but it has crystallized in the shops and factories, and in the furrow of the plow.
Grand Rapids offers great inducements for the prosecution of industry of large scope. That these facts are recognized is shown in the securing of so celebrated an institution as the Stange-Ellis Lumber Company, an institution which will contribute a large quota to the prestige and material prosperity of our city.
This company has already begun the construction of their large manufacturing plant that will employ from 150 to 200 men both winter and summer. Their main factory will be 96x160 feet, two stories; the lower floor will be used as a box factory, and for the cutting up of lumber for doors and sash, to be manufactured on the upper floor. The box factory will have a capacity of about a car-load and a half of box material per day, while the upper floor will manufacture about 500 doors and 1,000 sash per day.
The saw-mill will cut about fifteen million feet of pine, hard-wood and hemlock each year; the dry kiln will be 40x100 feet, while their warehouse will be 64x128, two-story. One central power house 75 feet square, with a capacity of 800 horse power, will supply each department with steam, using a two hundred and fifty horse power engine in the main factory, and supplying a 250 horse power engine in the saw mill. Their office will front on Grand Avenue, and will be in keeping with this large manufacturing plant. Grand Rapids is very fortunate to secure an institution of this kind. Their business will he entirely of a wholesale nature.
Mr. Stange and Mr. Ellis are practical, progressive and successful lumbermen. Mr. Ellis, who resides in our city, is counted one of our most esteemed citizens.
THE CENTRALIA HARDWARE COMPANY.
The farmer is next to the soil, and the man who supplies him with tools and implements with which to till the soil and get bountiful crops, must be in touch with both the farmer and the farm.
L. M. Nash is a dealer who keeps the farmer of this region well and abundantly supplied with farm implements. Mr. Nash has been in business in our city for many years, and ranks among the oldest of our hardware dealers. He owns and occupies an excellent store building, and carries a full line of shelf and heavy hardware, and almost anything betwixt and between; he also handles wagons, buggies and sleighs of various kinds; also stoves, furnaces and ranges. Then he makes a specialty of steel ceiling, galvanized cornice, etc.
He also does a general line of repairing in which his workmen are experts, also steam fitting and plumbing. His large warehouse recently erected between two lines of railroad give him excellent facilities for handling his increased and increasing business.
Mr. Nash is one of our most public spirited citizens, and while he devotes the greater part of his time and ability to the promotion and enlargement of his local and country trade, he is always ready to take a commendable interest in any thing that is intended for the general welfare and advancement of our city's interests as a whole. He represents a type of commercial men and civic workers of which this community is justly proud.
THE DIXON - A MODEL HOTEL.
In no one particular is a city made more pertinently to receive judgment from the casual visitor, or that great class of tourists who constitute so considerable a part of American society to-day, than in the character and extent of her leading hotels, indeed city and hotel are so indissolubly linked together in the mind of the average representative of the traveling public, that a prejudice against the latter invariably implies an equal distaste for the city itself.
In her prominence Grand Rapids commands a position which essentially calls for first-class hotels of large capabilities and able management. In this respect the city will be found fully capable of maintaining a reputation equal to that of any other leading city in the country, in confirmation of which statement it is only necessary to refer to the Dixon House, as an illustration of its correctness.
"The Dixon" occupies the leading position as the most modern and popular hotel in the city of Grand Rapids. The house is centrally located, convenient to the best shopping and representative mercantile establishments of the city, and in its equipments, general appointments and accommodations, is to be considered an eminently model hotel. It is in every respect a hotel of the highest class, an ornament and desirable acquisition to the beautiful city of Grand Rapids.
JACOBSON & DEGUERE, ARCHITECTS
There is no class of men to which the public is so indebted and which have contributed more to the comforts of life than those who devote their time and thought to perfecting the art of building. Contractors and builders, as a class, are noted for their progressiveness, and there is no branch of business in which the spirit of improvement runs higher. Modern public buildings and private residences possess many almost indispensable features which a few years ago were unthought of, and which go to show beyond a shadow of doubt that the men who have had this work in hand have not only possessed marked capabilities but have given their work serious thought and individual attention.
Among the architects of this section of Wisconsin the firm of Jacobson & DeGuere stand among the best. Their name is identified with many of the best and most perfectly arranged residences and manufacturing plants in the Wisconsin Valley. For the past few years they have made a specialty of dams and paper mills. No line of industry requires greater natural talent or more careful study and preparation than the architect of a large manufacturing plant. Their business not only extends over the state of Wisconsin, but reaches into Minnesota and some portions of Canada. They are thoroughly reliable business men and enjoy the confidence and esteem of a long list of friends and patrons.
KRUGER & WARNER COMPANY.
The first thing that strikes the eye of the visitor of Grand Rapids is the clean, wholesome appearance of her stores, a good criterion of what can be found on the inside. It is perhaps very apparent to the careful observer of industrial and commercial matters that the city has never forged ahead so rapidly as in the past three years, and in every legitimate branch of commerce she can lay just claim to having representative establishments which are abundantly capable of holding their own in any equal field with the best houses in the Wisconsin Valley. This is especially true in the line of Gents' furnishing goods, and in this connection we wish to mention the splendid mercantile establishment of Kruger & Warner Company. This Company is incorporated and the officers consist of F. W. Kruger, President, F. J. Wood, Vice-President, and F. B. Warner, Secretary and Treasurer.
Their stock consists of a complete line of gents' furnishing goods. This store is a very inviting place, and no pains are spared on the part of the proprietors to furnish the purchaser just what he is looking for. The business is conducted in a thoroughly reliable manner, and is worthy of the utmost confidence. Kruger and Warner are men of the progressive type, as they have increased their business in the past three years from thirty to forty per cent. They are both young, active, progressive men, well and favorably known in both business and social circles, and their enterprise and honorable methods in conducting their business, has won for them hosts of friends and patrons.
CHAMBERS CREAMERY COMPANY.
The Chambers Creamery Company of Grand Rapids has built up a business within the past few years that enables them to directly encourage an industry for which our country is especially adapted. Their butter is a first-class product, and there is a demand on the market for all they can manufacture. This Company has recently added to their plant an ice-cream manufacturing outfit, and they will manufacture and sell this commodity at wholesale.
Dairying has proved to be the friend of the farmer in Wood County. The dairying business brings in the money every month in the year, and makes the farmer more independent than he has ever been before.
There is no better illustration of the possibilities offered to the young man, than the example of the Chambers Creamery Company. These three young men have made and are making the creamery industry a success in our city. They have recently moved their creamery plant into the basement of the Post Office Block, which furnishes an ideal location both for their creamery and ice-cream industry. They are practical business men, honest and conscientious, and understand their business in every detail. They should receive and are receiving the right hand of fellowship, not only from the city of Grand Rapids but from the entire surrounding country.
G. W. PURNELL, HARDWARE DEALER.
Most people are contented to live where they can do well in a financial way. All have individual preference as to trade, business or profession. Our inherited tendencies have much to do with our likes and dislikes, especially as to our life's work.. Mr. Purnell is a hardware dealer from choice, from birth and the force of habit. He came to our city from Merrilan in 1904, and he seems to have the happy faculty of not only adding to his stock in trade each succeeding year but adding to his list of friends as well. He carries a line of general hardware, also vehicles and farm implements. He also instals (sic) heating plants and does a general plumbing business. He employs several good workmen and is getting his full share of the hardware business of our city. This condition has not been brought about by chance, but by hard work, a life devoted entirely to the business and the closest application to that business. He is a practical business man, and while he is an active man in the business Men's Association and awake to the best interests of the city, he is first, last and all the time a hardware dealer. Those who may require anything in his line will find him ready to offer inducements and advantages that are sure to render business relations with them pleasant and profitable.
J. R. RAGAN.
One of the prominent furniture and undertaking establishments in the City is that of J. R. Ragan, who has been established here for some years past, and has met with well merited success.
He carries a stock of furniture which embraces every article necessary to the complete furnishing of a modest cottage or more pretentious house from garret to cellar. Chairs, rockers, tables, parlor sets, bedroom sets, iron beds, rugs, carpets, linoleums, etc. His line of go-carts is most complete and up-to-date.
Mr. Ragan and his assistant are graduate embalmers, and are accessible day and night. He carries an assortment of caskets.
Mr. Ragan's courteous treatment of the people with whom he has come in contact has been one of the strong points in establishing his excellent business.
S. A. SPAFFORD.
S. A. Spafford has claimed Grand Rapids as home for more than forty years. He came to this hamlet bringing with him a limited set of carpenter tools and a good violin. He is one of the men who made the most of his opportunities in a new country, and established himself, while yet a young man, in the mercantile business, and for thirty-five years devoted himself exclusively to this calling. He has accumulated a handsome fortune, and established a reputation that is worth more than all else to a business man, or humble citizen.
Mr. Spafford still retains his interest in the large department store of Spafford & Cole, located at Rhinelander. He is now spending most of his time looking after his large dairy close to Rudolph. He not only stands high in our city as a business man, but he is highly respected as a straightforward, just and honorable citizen.
He served the county for six consecutive years as sheriff and deputy sheriff.
OUR NEW GUM FACTORY.
What is unquestionably one of the most important industries, one that is destined soon to be one of the largest single plants in its line in this section of the country is our chewing-gum factory, that has recently been established by Geo. W. Lyons. Comparatively few people have the faintest conception of the magnitude of the chewing-gum industry. This gum factory may be termed a new factor in our midst, its various products find a ready sale through thirty different wholesale houses. Eight different brands of gum are being manufactured, Cinnamon, Orange, Licorice, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Clove, Pepsin and Wild Cherry. The latter brand is the one that will receive the most attention and the one on which the factory relies for its large increased and increasing trade.
Mr. Lyon will soon have his factory in shape to manufacture from 200 to 500 boxes of gum per day, and in this way the name of Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, will reach every state and hamlet in the Union. Mr. Lyons came to our city in 1878, and for the past four years has been a member of the firm of Gross & Lyons, engaged in the mercantile business. He needs no introduction to the people of this city. He has proven himself a reliable, progressive and substantial citizen.
MARBLE WORKS OF WEEKS & WEEKS.
In their particular line of work this firm has few equals in any part of the country. They have made a study of granite and marble-cutting and have the true artist's eye and delicacy which gives that indescribable effect of a harmonious and beautiful outline and which distinguishes the work of art-the masterpiece-from the ordinary patterned block. The efforts of these gentlemen are directed towards the production of new ideas and original designs, and in the local cemetery are many of their productions which are striking examples of the work of masters in their profession. They deal extensively in marble and granite monuments, and cemetery curbing, and number among their patrons many of the best families in this section. The history of the business furnishes an unbroken record of honorable dealing and satisfaction rendered to every patron.
A SPLENDID MARKET.
Kind reader, in looking over the pages of this book descriptive of Grand Rapids and its many industries has it ever occurred to you that this city is to be the center of the meat industry for a large part of the Wisconsin Valley? Do you know that the people are deeply interested in the packing house business? Also, do you realize that Link & Werle are among our foremost dealers in supplying this city with an excellent quality of fresh and salt meat? Did you ever stop to think that every man, woman and child in this great country of ours consumes 152 pounds of meat every year.
The reason that this market is one of the very best in our city is found largely in the fact that these men are practical meat dealers.
OUR STATE SENATOR.
This is truly an age of young men. When the Senatorial District began looking around last fall for a state senator, it was no accident when they selected Theodore W. Brazeau, one of our most prominent young men. He is truly of Grand Rapids, and for Grand Rapids. He seems like a permanent fixture in our city, as he was born here in 1873, educated in our public schools, graduated from our High School in 1891. He entered the University of Wisconsin in 1893, and graduated from the College Department of the University in 1896. He was principal of one of our Ward Schools for a year, and entered Law School in 1899. Immediately after graduating he formed a partnership with B. R. Goggins, and in the past six years the firm of Goggins and Brazeau have established themselves as one of the leading law firms of the Wisconsin Valley. They stand not only at the head of their profession in our city but as leader in the political and social life of our city as well. Mr. Brazeau served as District Attorney of Wood County for four years, and was elected to the State Senate last fall on the Republican Ticket by a majority of 3,500. Mr. Brazeau has not only won distinction in our home city but he is winning it in the State Senate as well.
OUR ASSEMBLYMAN.
C. R. Goldsworthy came from the Southern part of the State about fifteen years ago and located at Vesper, engaging in the mercantile business and real estate. He also served as postmaster for several years and has done much towards the development of Wood County. Last fall he was elected on the Republican ticket to represent our county in the State Legislature and is receiving the support and approval of the entire county.
A SUCCESSFUL INSURANCE MAN.
Among the active, prominent young business men of our city there are none who put more energy, industry and enthusiasm in their everyday life than Henry McCann. He is without doubt one of the very best salesmen in our county and his six years as a member of the firm of Spafford-Cole & Co. established for him a reputation as a salesman and citizen second to none. Mr. McCann holds the position of state agent of the Federal Life. He is proud of his company and his company can well afford to feel proud of him, for he is one of the best insurance men in the entire state. Mr. McCann is one of the progressive young men of our city. Nearly all his life has been spent here, and most of that life has been spent behind the counter. He is always cheerful and looking on the bright side of life, in fact he is just such a man as does one good to meet and greet on the street, in business or in social circles.
THE ELECTRIC & WATER CO.
Are you using power? Are you using much or little? Do you know what your power is costing you? Not guess work, but the actual cost per horse power? If you do not you cannot tell whether your power is cheap or extravagant. You owe it to yourself to figure it out at once. Have you ever considered the electric power proposition? And the installation of a motor to each machine, or group of machines?
This plant is owned by a stock Company and is modern in every respect. Our street lights are such as act as preventative of crime and the lights furnished in our homes and business places are second to none.
There is nothing too large or too small for the attention of the Electric & Water Company, and if they fit you out for a meat chopper or a coffee grinder it will receive as complete care and attention as the contract which means the consumption of one hundred or one thousand times as much current.
Mr. Kordenat, the manager, is a hustling ambitious man, fully deserving of the utmost confidence, and we predict for him and the Electric & Water Company a thorough success in their chosen line.
WOOD COUNTY TELEPHONE COMPANY.
The telephone has become a necessity in business and social life, and the demands made upon it by the people educated to its use are being met with a great many improvements in the equipment. The people appreciate good service, and this is assured under the present management of our local exchange. This is a stock Company controlled entirely by the five hundred subscribers. It is well managed, and the "Hello" Central is conducted as well or better than in other cities of our size. But it would not be just right to say of any Central office that they have no moods, never tire, get impatient, gossip or listen to ruffle your temper.
Probably no public utility or agency more actively reflects the business activity of a community than does the use of the telephone. There is no convenience of modern city life of greater utility than modern telephone service. It is safe to say that this Company by fair dealing with its customers and honesty in all matters has made itself very popular in this community. E. B. Smart has displayed remarkable ability in the conduct of the affairs of the Company and to this the success of its running is largely due.
RIVERVIEW HOSPITAL.
Grand Rapids is particularly fortunate in having a fine hospital and no other institution in the city covers a wider range of usefulness; none does so much to alleviate human suffering; none so much real, necessary and unostentatious good, as this hospital. The Riverview hospital is a modern structure, and is equipped with all the latest modern conveniences, and especially true is this of the operating room which contains all the new and up-to-date appliances known to advanced surgery, and the citizens may feel proud of this splendid institution.
This hospital is located just at the south edge of our city and looking down on the Wisconsin River. It has a commanding view of the country for some distance in every direction, and the splendid view from the front porch is enough to make one forget that he is an invalid.
The building is two-story and basement; on the first floor are the doctor's offices, business office, parlors, laboratory, etc. The second floor is devoted almost entirely to patients' rooms. The building is heated with hot water and lighted with electricity, and supplied with an abundance of pure water. The private rooms are neatly furnished and connected with the central office by electric bells. The idea of this hospital is based on the principle that health is obtained not by some mysterious process but by bringing all the powers of mind and body into harmony with the simple laws of nature, which include every legitimate means known to the medical profession. A trained nurse is always at the disposal of the patients. It is an institution of which the city is justly proud.
THE JOHN E. DALY DRUG STORE.
No profession is more necessary in any community nor more requisite of skillful management than that of the prescription druggist. One of our well and skillfully managed houses in that line is that of the John E. Daly Drug & Jewelry Company, whose equitable and business career has been one of marked success.
This drug store occupies spacious quarters on First street, and is most completely stocked with a fine line of pure drugs and chemicals, while special attention is given to the compounding of the physicians' prescriptions and difficult formulas. The stationery department is fully up to the standard, everything new being always on hand. The stock of office supplies is also large and complete.
The jewelry department of the John E. Daly Store is complete in itself. It is under the capable management of Mr. Hannon, who is an expert in his line.
C. E. BOLES, INSURANCE, ABSTRACTS OF TITLE AND REAL ESTATE.
Among the rising young business men, and up-to-date and wide-awake Real Estate dealers in Grand Rapids, none are better known or more universally respected than C.E. Boles, who, for the past five years, has been engaged in the Abstract of Title, Real Estate, Insurance and Loan Business in this city.
Mr. Boles has attracted considerable attention, owing to his energy and ability, and has built up in a comparatively short time a highly successful business.
Mr. Boles has some good properties listed at all times and is able to give his patrons some genuine bargains as he refuses to list any property the value of which has been inflated. He handles business and residence properties, factory sites, and improved and unimproved farm lands.
Mr. Boles, by his prompt, careful and efficient work in the Abstract of Title business has built up one of the largest businesses in that line in the County and he solicits the patronage of any one desiring work in that line, assuring them of the most prompt and efficient service.
Since the establishment of his business five years ago, Mr. Boles has placed about one hundred thousand dollars in good real estate first mortgages and has yet to have the first mortgage foreclosure on any of his loans. In his Loan business he is most careful and conservative and any one having money to loan or any one wishing to borrow money should call upon him. Safety of the principal and the promptness in the interest payments and not the size of the commissions are what guide him in this line of business.
Mr. Boles represents seven of the best Fire Insurance companies and can write a large line of Insurance on either City, Village or Farm property of any kind. His agency is especially well equipped for writing Fire and Tornado Insurance on Farm risks giving the assured unqualified protection.
COHEN BROS.' DEPARTMENT STORE.
A reliable store is that of Cohen Bros. They occupy two floors and their store is literally packed with a nice assortment of goods. They carry everything, practically, in the line of dry goods, clothing, carpets, etc. Their grocery department is stocked with an excellent line of staple and fancy groceries.
The house not only handles a fine grade of goods but a medium as well, so that all tastes as well as all purses can be satisfied.
This enterprising firm is widely known outside of Grand Rapids, as they also operate department stores in Rice Lake, Merrill and Waupaca.
RECLAIMING OUR MARSH LANDS.
Eggert & Pratt came to our city about three years ago and no men have done or are doing more for the development of our surrounding country than these men. They are draining a large body of marsh land of many thousand acres, and not only preparing it for the farmer, but they are inducing the farmers from the older settled states like Iowa, Illinois and Indiana to settle here and establish homes. This land was worth nothing before being drained; it is worth from twenty to forty dollars an acre now. You can figure the percent of increase for yourself.
These men have brought their experience, coupled with an intimate knowledge of the drainage business, and their miles upon miles of ditches are telling the story of a thrifty, prosperous, productive people. These men are first, last, and all the time, promoters. It is the hope of reward that incites progress. Study the progress of any new country and learn a proper respect for the speculator, the pioneer, the explorer and the exploiter; the men who promote, organize and develop, and men who seek, and see and seize opportunities. These men have added thousands in value to our surrounding country where they have been paid in hundreds. Let us remember that the Wisconsin Valley is a country of opportunities, and promotion, and is yet young. Its undeveloped resources are greater than those developed. These men are experts in the drainage business. They have made it their life work, and their field of operation has carried them over a wide scope of country. They know many of the details pertaining to soil, crops and climate, which cause the homeseeker to worry. The standing of this Company in financial circles is of the highest. They are counted amoung (sic) our thoroughly substantial and public-spirited citizens.
THE ARPIN HARDWOOD LUMBER COMPANY.
While this Company is operating their large mills at Atlanta in the northern part of the state, their home is and has been for many years here in Grand Rapids. It is not the Arpins as lumbermen that are of value to Grand Rapids, but as citizens of our city. They were born in Grand Rapids, and have done more than any other one family in the advancement of our city, not alone along industrial lines, but in our schools, churches, and in society in general. It is doubtful if there is any more public-spirited man in our city than E. P. Arpin, and our school system and public improvements in general owe much to his patriotic, painstaking interest in everything that tends to build up our city.
The seventy thousand dollars left by the Witter Estate to the various institutions of our city is being wisely used and highly appreciated. Grand Rapids has twenty manufacturing institutions, twelve churches, ten school buildings, ten fraternal orders, six hotels, five ladies' clubs, besides the Grand Rapids Federation of Women's clubs, which is decidedly one of the very best institutions in the city.
Grand Rapids has one city and one traveling library, and two cemeteries. Excepting our schools, the three good weekly and one excellent daily newspaper are of the most valued to our city. But the city is fortunate in other ways. Of late our best citizens are taking an active part in the city government so that the city council is composed of strong men. Our mayor, W. E. Wheelan, is serving his second term. He is one of our most prominent young attorneys and holds a balancing hand over every branch of our city affairs. He is giving the city a good government and the city is giving him a royal support. Our efficient police force stand for good order twenty-four hours a day and seven days in the week.
THE JOHNSON & HILL COMPANY.
Of the large mercantile firms of Grand Rapids The Johnson & Hill Company easily take the lead. They operate four stores. They were incorporated in 1899, succeeding Johnson, Hill & Co., who began business in 1887 by consolidating the N. Johnson stock with the F. Garrison store. The firm originally consisted of N. Johnson, G. M. Hill and J. D. Witter. At the time of incorporation, Dan McKercher, C. F. Kruger and A. C. Otto were those who sold shares. Later McKercher and Otto sold out of the business, which is at present owned by the Johnson Estate, G. M. Hill, J. D. Witter Estate, and C. F. Kruger. The present officers are: President, G. M. Hill; Secretary, C. F. Kruger; Treasurer, Mrs. N. Johnson. George W. Mead and I. P. Witter with the above named officers forming the Board of Directors.
Mr. Hill is general manager of this company and is always ready to advance the best interests of the city.
A. P. HIRZY.
That Grand Rapids is thoroughly represented in the line of jewelry and art goods may be shown by a visit to the elegant store of A. P. Hirzy. This house carries a fine line of diamonds, watches, jewelry, silverware, cut-glass, hand-painted china, etc., and enjoys an extensive and high-class patronage throughout Grand Rapids and the surrounding country. A specialty is made of fine diamond setting. Fine watch repairing and engraving is done on short notice and in this line Mr. Hirzy enjoys an enviable reputation. He has the finest optical rooms in Grand Rapids, equipped with every appliance for the fitting of glasses. Mr. Hirzy gives the business his personal attention.
THE HERSCHLEB BAKERY.
One of the most popular bakeries in the city, and one which has been established many years, is the above named. This bakery does both a wholesale and retail business, shipping a considerable part of its product, as its excellent character is becoming more and better known. The proprietor of the bakery is Mr. H. A. Herschleb, who is an expert baker and a reliable business man, and he has built up his business by making and selling only the purest and most wholesome foodstuffs. He occupies a nicely appointed store and bake shop, and the bread and other products of his ovens have no superior in the city.
A good bakery is not only a great public convenience, but it is a public necessity as well.
GRAND RAPIDS AS IT IS.
In this little publication we have devoted considerable space to the business transacted in Grand Rapids. It seems but proper, therefore, to give some attention to other things about the City, which are not directly connected with business or money-making, but are yet very important.
Money-making and the enterprises which make money-making possible are the foundation of the building up of modern city life, but these other things are the superstructure.
Money is means, but civilized life is the end-and civilized life means something more than three meals a day, a suit of clothes, and a bunk to sleep in. While the people of Grand Rapids, pending the early development of their city, and its more recent phenomenal growth were quite absorbed in laying the foundation of material success and providing the means for the more attractive side of life, they have now reached the point where they can spare some of their characteristic energy and abundant resources to improve their everyday surroundings. Public opinion is ripe for work in this direction.
A city cannot be beautiful in spots and still lay claim to superiority; it cannot have well-paved streets and a well built business district and spoil the effect with poor residences and slovenly premises and still boast of itself as a place to be admired. To gain a reputation a town or city must have developed its good appearance along lines of proportion without devoting its entire attention to one district, to one section of the city.
It cannot be expected that a city is to be ideal and consist of nothing but artistic dwellings. There must be some of a common and even of a poorer character, but the poor quarters of Grand Rapids are offset by the fact that the residence portion of the city in which the people take a just amount of pride and satisfaction are not all in one portion of the city, and the humbler dwellings are overlooked by the casual observer as he glances at the more pretentious buildings, which are scattered in almost all portions of the City.
FALSE IMPRESSIONS.
Things are not what they seem in Grand Rapids. Every day's experience compels me to believe things I cannot see, and see things I cannot believe. Every impression I get of this country impresses me as being a false impression. It cannot fairly be judged by comparison with any other. It is a land apart, unique in its appearance, and I can testify to an interest in it which I am at a loss to define. Its freedom, its larger life, its independence may help to explain the fascination. It is not facts merely that we want but a perception of their significance.
Climate is an elusive thing. No one need visit this part of the State in winter and expect to find it tropical. Busy, outdoor Wisconsin people do not seek to dodge winter but to enjoy it. But to winter in Grand Rapids you need not be an arctic explorer by trade. However charming the climate, there is always one question to the majority of us of more vital interest: What does it produce? How can I make a living? There is no wisdom in deception. Misrepresentation leads to disappointment and loss. The question is sometimes asked, What society shall I find in Grand Rapids? What privileges? What refinement, what culture? What air of good breeding and good morals in which to rear my children?
We usually find the kind of society we want to find, and men and women are not far to seek in this northern civilization, as refined in speech, as clean in life as can be found anywhere. Life is a little more joyous and light-hearted, I think; there is a little of the frontier, of the picnic, about it still, but that will take care of itself in time. The stern law of individual responsibility is in force here, and the fool is quickly turned over to the fool-killer. If a young man thinks that in Grand Rapids he will riot he held to so strict an account for manners as in the East, he had better not come. The minor question, What can a poor man do? What can the man with small capital best invest in? How can he invest so as to assure himself a support from what he sells? What are the profitable openings for men of more means? These are questions that must answer themselves after investigation. There is no lottery here. You cannot put money into property blindly and hope to draw a prize; and success, after intelligent investment will depend upon the individual.
Grand Rapids is a healthy and beautiful little city, rich in social culture, churches and schools. It requires good citizens to make and maintain a good city and a short review of some of our citizens may not come amiss.
Geo. P. Hambrecht, attorney-at-law, is the active resident member of the firm of Wipperman & Hambrecht. Ex-senator Wipperman being absent from the city most of the time. Mr. Hambrecht was formerly superintendent of our city schools. He is a member of the County Board, representing the third ward, and is prominent in social, business and political circles.
Dr. D. A. Talfer has never learned to play second fiddle. He was born a leader. He is one of our leading dentists, prominent in the Masonic Order and a permanent good citizen.
Sampson & Halverson are not new in our city, but they have recently opened a new store well stocked with men's and boys' clothing, furnishings and shoes. Their stock is entirely new and up to date. They make a specialty of Sincerity Clothing and are receiving a full share of patronage.
D. M. Huntington is not just a common every day man. He is quite uncommon. His stock of goods consist of hardware and sporting goods. His collection of mounted birds and animals shows something of his skill along this line, while his repair shop in the rear shows him the master mechanic that he is.
W. C. McGlynn is proprietor of one of our best livery stables. He is a thorough liveryman and a splendid judge of horses. Most of us do not care, or cannot afford to keep a horse and carriage, but we can always get a good turnout of Mr. McGlynn on short notice, and at reasonable prices.
Parkinson-Harding Lumber Co. are successors of the Grand Rapids Lumber Co. They operate two first-class lumber yards in our city, one on the West side under the management of M. G. Gordon, while their East side H. J. Giese manages yard. They handle all kinds of building material such as sash, doors, brick, etc.
Love & Moore are a new firm, but they are by no means new as citizens of Grand Rapids. They keep one of the best little markets in the Wisconsin Valley. Their meat is always the best and their treatment such that you will be strongly tempted to call again.
J. E. Farley has the finest plumbing shop in the city. He furnishes and installs both steam and hot water heating plants, and carries on a general plumbing business. He is practical, progressive and prudent and his work is giving excellent satisfaction.
Oswald P. Menzel, our leading photographer, is very partial to Grand Rapids. He is a booster and a knocker. Mr. Menzel has done much to show the beauty spots of the Wisconsin River.
Bossert Bros. & Co. are the leading coal and wood dealers of our city. Their prompt and accommodating methods have built up for them an excellent business. This Company handles both hard and soft coal. When their new warehouse is complete they will have storage capacity for 900 tons of hard coal. The iceman receives a hearty welcome in our homes for three months in the year, but the coal man is always welcome.
Otto's Pharmacy, the Rexall Store, is one of the most down to date drug stores in the Wisconsin Valley; prompt and courteous treatment is their watchword. The ice-cream parlors in connection are up-to-date in every respect. Mr. Otto as a druggist and as a citizen has made many friends and is highly respected.
Chas. Pomainville is one of our leading dentists, was born in Grand Rapids, graduated at the Howe High School, graduated at the Chicago College of Dental Surgery and has had eight years' practice in his profession. He is well known not only in our city but over the entire county and most of the state. He is first, last and all the time a dentist.
W. H. Carey is one of our solid, substantial citizens. He is an intense worker and applies himself mostly to business and he puts the same energy and force when he is out for sport with rod or gun. He furnishes and installs gas-lighting plants manufactured by the Incandescent Light and Stove Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has put in many of these plants in Central Wisconsin, where they are giving entire satisfaction in every case.
There is no enterprise in the city which adds more to the convenience of a citizen than a well-conducted steam laundry, and G. F. Richards has such a plant. His motto is not "how quick," but how well work can be turned out. His plant is equipped with the most modern machinery and his work is entirely satisfactory.
Prominent among the staple and fancy grocery establishments of our city is that of Mr. Grant Beardsley. He is well and favorably known among a large class of customers and the general business community as well. He is an honest, courteous, accommodating grocer.
The Hotel Anderson has become noted as a quite homelike place, and is convenient to the business district, and three depots. The hotel is new and up-to-date in every respect. Mr. Anderson, the gentlemanly proprietor, has made many friends and is receiving a full share of patronage.