RACINE BELLE CITY OF THE LAKES AND RACINE COUNTY WISCONSIN-ILLUSTRATED

VOLUME II Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement

FANNY S. STONE Supervising Editor CHICAGO:
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1916
Contributed by Diane Kaye


THE AMERICAN SEATING COMPANY


The American Seating Company of Racine was incorporated under the laws of New Jersey in 1899 as the American School Furniture Company, but the name changed to the American Seating Company in 1906. In the former year they took over the plant of the firm Thomas Kane & Company at Racine, that company having been organized in 1894 by Thomas Kane and business associates. Prior to that date the business was carried on under the style of the Racine Hardware Manufacturing Company. It was instituted and organized about 1876 by F. H. Head, Thomas Kane, E. G. Durant and I. C. Clapp, of Kenosha, Mr. Kane and Mr. Head being Chicago men. This company failed in 1893, but the business was reorganized in 1894 under the firm style of Thomas Kane & company and since that time they have engaged in the manufacture of furniture. Since that reorganization the business has been carried steadily forward along successful lines and the plant today covers eighteen acres, while the buildings average three stories in height and cover nine acres. Something of the growth of the trade is indicated in the fact that they employ three hundred people, most of whom are skilled laborers. The buildings are of mill construction and they are supplied with a splendid sprinkler system. The output of the plant includes school furniture and veneer opera chairs and the product today is shipped to various parts of the world in addition to many of the chief markets of America. The buildings are well lighted and ventilated and are sanitary in every particular. In the conduct of the business the company has followed a plan that recognizes the individual as such and not as a part of a great machine. Appreciation of faithful service on the part of the employes is shown in promotion when opportunity offers. The company pays a good wage and puts forth effort along many lines for the welfare of its workmen. There has been organized the American Study Club for employes and in the plant is provided a dining room, a parlor and reading room. Moreover, this company was the first to establish the Saturday afternoon holiday in Racine and it has ever been their purpose to win co-operation, knowing that the best results are attained thereby. Theirs has never been the command of the tyrant to go, but the call of the leader to come, and winning the support and allegiance of their people, they have built up a business of gratifying proportions.

ARNOLD ELECTRIC COMPANY


The Arnold Electric Company was organized April 19, 1904, as the United States Standard Electrical Works and business was started in a small way on the fourth floor of the Secor building, in Racine, where they occupied one room. They manufactured electrical devices under the trade name of Arnold and from the beginning the business grew very rapidly and developed its scope to include a line of motor operated devices. This company was the first to place on the market the small type of vacuum cleaners for household use and they were also the originators and developers of the portable massage vibrators, electric hair dryers, electric drink mixers, washing machines, electric signs and phonograph motors. They manufacture small power motors for various uses.

On the 20th of November, 1914, the name was changed to the Arnold Electric Company and the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars, fully paid up. In 1907 the business was removed to a small building known as the Collier building, at Washington avenue and the Northwestern tracks, but in 1909 still more space was required and they purchased an entire city block, on which they erected a three-story and basement brick mill construction building, giving them fifty thousand square feet of floor space. They have their own tool making department and they employ about two hundred and fifty people, most of whom are skilled laborers. Their output is today sold all over the world and the business is recognized as one of the rapidly developing and profitable manufacturing concerns of Racine. Its officers are George C. Schmitz, president and manager, and J. A. Schmitz, secretary and treasurer.

BANK OF BURLINGTON


The Bank of Burlington was organized under the name of the First National Bank of Burlington, December 14, 1871, by Jerome I. Case, Stephen Bull, R. H. Baker, B. B. Northrop and Chauncy Hall, and other prominent business men of this part of the state were among the stockholders. The bank opened its doors for business on the 26th of February, 1872. That the first years of business were not entirely along flowerery paths, is evidenced by the report of Chauncy Hall, cashier, at the end of the first fiscal year, in which he says: "You are well aware of the active and persistent opposition we have encountered, from the date our first effort was made to organize our bank, to the present time." The bank however steadily prospered until 1883, when its amounts reached the amount of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars; this was considered considerable for those days, and was the highest point reached as a national bank. Because of the inability to loan on real estate, and the state of Wisconsin having passed a safe and adequate banking law, the stockholders deemed it inadvisable to renew the national charter when it expired in 1891, and , by unanimous vote, agreed to :take the necessary steps to form a state bank, to succeed to all assets, goodwill and business of the First National Bank of Burlington, to be organized under the banking laws of Wisconsin, under the name of ‘Bank of Burlington’." This course was pursued and from the beginning the reorganized bank prospered. At length a number of enterprising business men of Burlington, believing that a local institution should be owned and managed by home people, on the 6th of June, 1902, purchased all of the stock owned elsewhere and have since conducted the bank for the benefit of Burlington and its residents.

Jerome I. Case, founder of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, and his business associate, Stephen Bull, were intimately connected with the early management of the First National Bank, Mr. Case serving as president and Mr. Bull as vice president for a period of over twenty years. Chauncy Hall served as cashier from the organization in 1871, until his death, in October 1894, and bent every energy toward the development and upbuilding of the institution. He was succeeded in turn by Eugene Hall, J. C. Heddle, Roger Whinfield, F. Roberts, E. H. Schnederman and G. A. Uebele, the last becoming cashier October 1, 1906. Mrs. Florence Hall served as president from 1895 until 1902. C. B. McCanna became president October 1, 1906, and so continued until his death, which occurred December 11, 1913, when his son C. Roy McCanna, was his successor. The other officers of the bank at the present time are: Louis H. Rohr, vice president; G. A. Ubele, cashier; J. T. Prasch, assistant cashier, and S. D. Slade, T. J. Cunningham, H. A. Runkle and A. M. Brehm, directors.

In 1909 the present handsome building at the corner of Pine and Chestnut streets was erected. It is constructed of Bedford sandstone, is three stories in height and designed especially for bank purposes, the bank occupying the first floor. The bank’s equipment affords every modern convenience. Its vaults are especially large and strong and there is a safe deposit vault with a capacity of fifteen hundred boxes, all enclosed in massive walls twenty-six inches in thickness. Massive steel doors guard the entrance and a system of electric protection makes the whole as nearly burglar-proof as modern ingenuity can invent. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that the deposits on January 1, 1873, were fifty thousand four hundred and seventy-four dollars and on the 1st of January, 1916, one million one hundred and sixty thousand to hundred and fifty-eight dollars. On the 15th of November, 1902, a savings department was opened which pays three percent interest, computed semi-annually, on all deposits in that department. On January 1, 1916, there was on deposit in the savings department the sum of two hundred and sixty thousand dollars, which represents the small savings of a large number of depositors.

BEFFEL FURNITURE & UNDERTAKING COMPANY


The Beffel Furniture & Undertaking Company has succeeded to the business established by Mathias Beffel, the enterprise having been in continuous existence for forty-one years. The store is located at No. 610 Sixth street, Racine, and the interests of the concern are managed by William J. Beffel, who is president of the company, and Edward Beffel, secretary and treasurer. It was on the 26th of September, 1914, that the business was organized under the present name. The original establishment was located at the corner of College avenue and Sixth street and after two years removal was made to the present location, Mathias Beffel purchasing the property and building a single store. He conducted business alone for twenty-six years, or until 1901, when he retired, and his sons, William J. And Edward Beffel, purchased the business, which they conducted under partnership relations until the incorporation in 1914, thirteen years later. In 1911 a new building, three stories in height and fifty by one hundred and twenty feet, was erected. They carry a large line of furniture, rugs and household furnishings and in the adjoining building have funeral parlors. This establishment is one of the finest in the state, the undertaking department occupying what was the old furniture store but which was rebuilt at a large expense in 1914. There is every convenience and modern equipment with a large sanitary embalming room unsurpassed in the state, which is light, cool and airy. The furniture trade is large and the business most gratifying. Theirs is one of the oldest establishments of the kind in Racine and it is conducted by energetic young business men whose purposes are high and honorable and who accomplish what they undertake.

CHICAGO RUBBER CLOTHING COMPANY


The Chicago Rubber Clothing Company, withits plant at the corner of Albert street, the Northwestern tracts and Forest avenue, controls one of the largest establishments of this kind in the United States. The company has about four acres of ground space, its buildings covering two acres. Tow of these are three stories in height, one is two stories and two are one story structures and all are of brick construction, adequately supplied with sprinkler system. The buildings are well lighted and ventilated and the employes work under sanitary conditions. They employ over two hundred people, fifty percent of whom are men. They manufacture rubber raincoats for men, women and children and their output represents a wide range of style and price. They also make inner tubes and retreads for automobile tires. This is one of the large and profitable manufacturing concerns of Racine and the goods are sold to jobbers and large dealers. The gradual and substantial growth of the business has made this one of the largest establishments in the manufacture of rubber clothing in the country and their trade is constantly increasing. It is with no difficulty that they hold their patrons, owing to the excellence of their product and the thoroughly reliable business methods which are always maintained.

HENRICKSEN & JACOBSON


Henricksen & Jacobson is the firm name of a well known commercial enterprise of Racine, organized on the 1st of October, 1910, by H. M. Hendricksen and Jacob Jacobson. Although it has been in existence for but a few years its business has grown steadily and has now become of a very substantial character. The business was first located at No. 1309 Mound avenue. On the first of September, 1915, a removal was made to No. 1200 State street. The firm are wholesale jobbers in groceries of which they carry a large line, including butterine, butter, eggs and cheese, and their trade now extends over Racine and Kenosha counties. They have one traveling sales representative and the members of the firm are themselves busily engaged in promoting the trade relations of the house, the business already having reached very satisfactory proportions.

ELITE LAUNDRY


The Elite Laundry is an expression of Racine’s enterprise and business ability. It is the property of the firm of Eager & Dunn and the rapid development of its business is indicative of the progressive methods of the owners. In 1905 the firm of Chapman & Anderson established the Elite Laundry at No. 612 Sixth street, but after two years the business failed. Several months later the plant was sold to Hess & Williams, who a year later sold to Eager & Dunn. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that at that time the payroll was less than forty dollars a week and today it is more than four hundred and fifty dollars. The only wagon then in use has been supplanted by a collection and delivery system that utilizes six wagons and two automobiles. The number of employes in the laundry has been correspondingly increased. The latest improved machinery has been introduced, including a Troy collar ironer with a capacity of twenty-five thousand collars per day. The enterprise of the firm is further indicated in the fact that they now have three independent telephone lines under the number 282 and employ a girl merely to answer calls. They have installed a Troy Trojan forty-eight by one hundred and twenty flat work ironer which is the largest in the state. Their plant is always open to the public and in fact they invite the solicit inspection, knowing that when their methods are seen they will be appreciated and that business will accrue.

Both partners were experienced laundrymen before entering into their present relation. They have made an attempt to educate the people to the value of their business methods by issuing a paper called Clean Clothes and their progressiveness has resulted in a continuous and substantial growth in the business. After a year they were forced to secure the second floor of the building at No. 612 Sixth street and at the end of two years they leased the Beffel building adjoining, thus securing the largest floor space for laundry purposes in Racine. In the next two years, however, they again out grew their quarters and they purchased land at Nos. 931-37 Carroll street, where they erected a building sixty by one hundred feet. After occupying this for three years they found it necessary to put up a sixteen foot addition on the east side of the building in order to enlarge their work-room. They have installed a wet wash department, returning clothing wet to patrons, who can then hang their clothes in the open air for drying. They now do over three tons of wet wash every week besides six tons of family and flat work, in addition to the shirt and collar work. The firm does not claim to have attained perfection but it does claim to do every thing in its power to make the work as nearly perfect as possible and it is putting forth every effort for the further improvement of its service. It employs over fifty people and pays the highest wages in the city, so that it is able to secure the most competent help. The laundry is clean and sanitary and presents none of the appearance of the "blue Monday" of the home. The wash-room methods sterilize as well as cleanse and the goods are given just the treatment demanded by the condition of their coloration or other modification of the original fibers. The seven years of the firm’s existence has been a period of continuous development and progress and the character of the men at the head insures that this will be kept up.

HORLICK MALTED MILK COMPANY


The name of no productive industry of the United States is perhaps more widely known than that of the Horlick Malted Milk Company, the business of which has developed until it reaches into all parts of the civilized world. The company was organized in 1875 and was incorporated in 1878 as the Horlick Food Company by William and James Horlick, brothers who established their plant in the outskirts of Racine, in Mount Pleasant township. They began to manufacture a product known as Horlick's Food, which was a prepared food for infants and invalids and the aged to be added to milk to modify and enrich it. Their sales at that time covered only Chicago and vicinity. William Horlick, however, realized the great disadvantage of all foods for infants that required the addition of fresh milk, owing to the difficulty of obtaining fresh milk and keeping it so. He therefore began experimenting with the purpose of producing a pure food product containing an adequate proportion of pure, rich milk --a food that would be complete in itself, that would keep indefinitely in any climate and would be free from all the dangers arising from the use of milk that is impure, adulterated, laden with disease germs or in any way rendered unfit for use. Moreover, he desired that this food should be not only absolutely safe but very nourishing and easily digested by the most delicate infant or invalid, while it should contain at the same time all the elements of nutrition. In carrying on the work of experimentation Mr. Horlick met with many disappointments and leading chemists claimed that it was both a chemical and mechanical impossibility to perfect such a food, advising him to abandon the idea. He never faltered in his purpose, however, notwithstanding his heavy losses of time and expense, and at the end of six years, or in 1887, he produced for the first time in the world's history a food product in powder form containing clean, rich milk combined with extract of malted barley and wheat that would keep indefinitely. The value of such a product was at once apparent and the business grew by leaps and bounds, so that it was difficult to make the supply meet the demand. A program of building was instituted. New buildings were added from time to time of reinforced concrete construction and the plant today covers an area of fifteen acres. In 1902 plant no. 2 was built, being a duplicate of plant no. 1, and in 1905 plant no. 3 came into existence, a triplicate of the others, but subject to enlargement. Since then the old buildings have been all rebuilt in concrete and steel. All rooms are large and well lighted and there is perfect fire protection. Sanitation and cleanliness are among the basic elements of the business. There is a forced system of ventilation throughout the plant, the air being washed by sprays of water.

To maintain such a plant necessitated the employment of a large force of people and in developing the plant the company has shown marked consideration for the welfare of employes. There are three rest rooms for the girls and a library for the service of the employes. They maintain an athletic association and there is a whist club and a cricket club for employes and also an employes’ beneficial association. On the pay roll are found three hundred and fifty names. The department of agriculture of the State University at Madison says that the standard of dairying in this part of Wisconsin has been raised very largely owing to the rules of the Horlick factory in regard to the production of good, clean milk and the example furnished therein. Nearly every city in the United States has asked for a copy of the rules of this plant for the production and care of pure milk and these rules have constituted the basis for much municipal legislation in regard to the milk supply of cities. William Horlick owns personally several farms upon which are several hundred head of cows and he also buys milk from one hundred and fifty farmers. In 1915 the company erected a new milk house which is one of the finest in the country.

The process employed in the manufacture of the food consists in boiling the milk in a vacuum, which enables them to boil it without heating above one hundred and forty degrees, for milk "cooks" at one hundred and fifty-six degrees. This results, therefore, in removing all the water without cooking. The company has a plant at Slough, England, equal to the no. 2 plant of Racine, and supplies from that point Europe, Africa and a part of India. The trade today covers the entire world, shipments leaving for all parts of the world every week. Every Arctic explorer for the past twenty years has carried a supply of Horlick’s malted milk in powder and lunch tablet form, for it supplies more nutrition to the bulk then any other food and people have lived many years with no other sustenance. It is standard with all the armies of the world and is regarded as an indispensable accessory on all exploration or camping trips.

In 1889 James Horlick went to New York, where he established a branch, and in 1890 opened the English branch and since that time has been in charge of the English plant. He is the president of the company. William Horlick has been managing director of the home plant and has always lived in Racine. He is the secretary and treasurer of the company and his two sons are actively associated with him, the elder A. J., being vice president of the company, with William J. Horlick, Jr., as secretary. There is no other enterprise that has made Racine as well known throughout the world as this product, today used in every civilized country on the face of the globe.

THE CARROLL COAL COMPANY


The Carroll Coal company, one of the foremost enterprises of this character operating in Racine, was organized on the 1st of may, 1910, succeeding to the business of Joseph C. Carroll, who in turn was the successor of the firm of E. L. Hedstrom & Company, who about 1886 embarked in the coal, coke and wood business. The enterprise has since had continuous existence and the trade has developed to large proportions. The present officers of the Carroll company are: Fred C. Best, president; Douglas F. McKey, secretary, and George E. Caystile, treasurer and manager. The yards and main office are situated at 931 Erie street, with a branch office at No. 423 Main street. The yards cover about seventeen city lots. The company owns it dockage, receiving all hard coal by boat, and other excellent shipping facilities are secured through trackage of the Northwestern and St. Paul railroad companies. They employ from fifteen to thirty-five men and have team delivery. Their business has now reached extensive proportions, making theirs one of the foremost commercial enterprises of the city.

THE COMMERCIAL PRESS COMPANY


The Commercial Press Company was organized July 17, 1902, with capital of ten thousand dollars, of which five thousand four hundred dollars was paid in. The first officers were; Robert C. Hindley, president; Robert W. Hindley, vice president; and T. B. Luker, secretary and treasurer. On the 29th of August, 1902, F. C. Bailey purchased stock to the amount of two thousand dollars and on the 9th of April, 1903, the Hindleys and Mr. Bailey sold out to F. G. And John Hassold and Ollie Luker. At that time the Hassolds put twenty-six hundred dollars more in the business and F.G. Hassold became president with John Hassold as vice president and T. P. Luker as secretary and treasurer. On the 4th of June, 1903, the capital was increased to fifteen thousand dollars and on the 17th of August of that year Frank H. Miller purchased stock to the sum of five hundred dollars. He had been foreman from the start and he now became financially interested in the enterprise. On the 6th of May, 1905, he invested two thousand eight hundred dollars more in the treasury stock and a further change in the ownership occurred when on the 29th of August, 1905, Peter J. Huetten bought out the stock of F. G. And john Hassold and became president of the company. On the 22nd of March, 1907, T. P. Luker resigned as secretary and treasurer, selling his stock to F. H. Miller, who became his successor in the duel office and has continued as secretary and treasurer to the present time. On the 15th of July, 1908, the stock of Peter J. Huetten was purchased by F. H. And Leo F. Miller. The latter became president on the 15th of July, 1909, and J. Benjamin Miller, purchasing stock to the sum of five hundred dollars, became vice president. All of the stock is now owned by the Miller brothers. The company started at No. 612 College avenue in a small way and in 1905 removed to No. 470 College avenue, where they occupy the basement and first floor of the building. Their company does the printing for the Wisconsin Agriculturist and conducts a general jobbing business, employing from twenty-five to thirty-five people, mostly skilled labor. They also do cataloguing and all kinds of commercial printing for large corporations of Racine and elsewhere. Their business has now reached gratifying proportions and theirs is today one of the leading printing establishments of the city.

GOLD MEDAL CAMP FURNITURE MANUFACTURING COMPANY


The Gold Medal Furniture Manufacturing company had its inception in a business started by R. B. Lang in 1890 and incorporated in 1892, its first officers being R. B. Lang, president; W. G. Gittings, vice president; and J. G. Teall, secretary. This company manufactures all kinds of camp furniture and outing outfits, although at the beginning the output included only six or seven articles, among which was the Gold Medal Cot invented by Louis Latour. Since that time the output has been extended in its scope until there is no accessory to camp furnishings that cannot be supplied by this establishment. About 1894 they removed to their present location from their old quarters on Thirteenth street. They now occupy about two entire blocks, which includes the lumber yard. Their buildings, two and three stories in height, are of modern construction, supplied with sprinkler system, are well lighted and ventilated and are supplied with the latest improved machinery to facilitate their manufacturing interests. They employ one hundred and twenty-five people, mostly skilled labor, and their product is now shipped all over the world, about one-third being called upon for the export trade. The Gold Medal Cot has been adopted as the standard by the United States army and navy, also a chair bathtub and stool used by the medical department of the United States army. The company furnishes the National Guard with its cots and it also supplies a large trade that equips camping parties with their outfits. This is a close corporation, of which the present officers are C. C. Gittings, president; E. E. Bailey, vice president; W. G. Gittings, secretary; and Ward Gittings, treasurer. The name of Gittings has ever been a synonym for progressiveness and reliability in Racine business circles and it has become known in the same connection throughout the country.

LAVINE GEAR COMPANY


The Lavine Gear Company, which was organized in Detroit, removed its headquarters from that city to Wisconsin in March, 1912. Its plant was first located at Corliss, Wisconsin, for eight months and at the end of that time a removal was made to Racine. The plant is located in the Satterly building and the Company is engaged in the manufacture of auto steering gears for trucks and pleasure cars, these being built after their own design. They also manufacture a special steering gear for customers. Today the plant employs one hundred men who are skilled mechanics and its capacity amounts to one hundred and twenty-five gears per day, which are now used by seventy per cent of the trucks of the United States. Its officers are Herman Uihlein, president and general manager; P. B. Wohlrab, vice president, superintendent and engineer; Fred Westfall, secretary and treasurer. The executive offices are maintained at Racine and E. M. Caskey acts as sales manager and D. L. Robertson as office manager.

MITCHELL-LEWIS MOTOR COMPANY


The Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company was established under its present form in 1903 by W. T. and W. M. Lewis, who began the manufacture of automobiles using the motor invented by John W. Bate. Long prior to this the name of Lewis had figured in connection with manufacturing interests in Racine. In 1834 Henry Mitchell, a pioneer wagon manufacturer, had established buisness here and was later joined in a partnership by his son-in-law, W. T. Lewis, who purchased an interest in the buisness in 1864. They were manufacturers of farm wagons and after the partnership had been in existance for two years the firm style of Mitchell Lewis & Company was assumed. Although the company suffered losses through a disastrous fire which completely destroyed their factory in 1880 they at once rebuilt on a larger and better scale and the buisness was resumed with renewed energy. In 1884 the company was incorporated with Henry Mitchell as president; W. T. Lewis as vice president; Frank L. Mitchell, secretary; C. D. Sinclair, treasurer, and Henry G. Mitchell superintendent. This was a close corporation, for aside from the Mitchells father and son, the other two were son-in-law of the founder. With changing conditions there developed the automobile industry and the Lewis Motor Company sprang into existence. The manufacture of wagons was continued and in 1910 the two companies were merged and consolidated under the style of the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company. Today they have a plant covering twenty-five or thirty acres and on their pay roll are found the names of two thousand or more men. The buildings ate of cement construction supplied with a sprinkler system and equipped with electric power furnished from a central plant. This is one of the foremost productive industries of Racine, contributing in large measure to the city's reputation as a manufacturing center.

MUELLER-KUEHN COMPANY


The Mueller-Kuehn Company, which was organized in 1907, owns and controls one of the important wholesale grocery establishments of Racine and is enjoying a constantly increasing business. The firm succeeded to the business of H. F. Mueller, who established the undertaking on the first of may, 1876, as a retail store at no. 1017 St. Clair street. He continued to retail groceries until 1903, but in 1882 removed to the corner of Superior street and Douglas avenue, where he continued until 1887, when removal was made to Nos. 1400-1410 Douglas avenue. There the business has since been continued and has been strictly wholesale affair for thirteen years. Its ramifying trade relations now cover a broad territory and in 1903 a branch house was established in Kenosha. In 1910 the company erected a modern business block in Kenosha. Forty by one hundred and thirty feet and two stories in height, adjacent to the railroad, so that excellent shipping facilities were thus secured. Mr. Kuehn has charge of the Kenosha plant, while Mr. Mueller remains in charge of the Racine plant. The company is now erecting a three story building on Liberty street and the Northwestern Railroad tracts, a fireproof structure especially designed for its purposes. The business has grown rapidly and the sales of the company now amount to about six hundred thousand dollars annually.

RACINE TRUNK COMPANY


Among the large manufacturing enterprises of Racine which have brought the city to its present position of distinction as a great industrial and commercial center is the Racine Trunk Company, which has passed through an era of prosperous existence covering thirty-one years. The company was organized April 1, 1885, by J. F., T. C., and H. O. Wadewitz together with A. B. Augustine. The business was carried on under firm organization until 1895, when it was incorporated with J. F. Wadwidz as president, T. C. Wadwidz as vice president and Herman O. Wadwidz as secretary and treasurer. No change has occurred since save that Miss M. A. Wadwitz has succeeded T. C. Wadwitz in the vice presidency, the later having sold out in 1901. The business was begun with a force of three or four workmen, the factory being established at No. 1007 Superior street in a building forty by eighty feet. Since that time they have added four buildings and now have a plant two hundred and eighty by eighty feet, three and four stories in height and of brick construction. The plant is operated with steam power and they manufacture trunks, traveling bags and wood novelties of all kinds. Something of the continued growth of the business is indicated in the fact that they have now sixty employes, most of whom are skilled workmen, and they are also represented upon the road by six or seven traveling salesmen. They sell to dealers and the product goes to all parts of the United States, their business now amounting to about two hundred thousand dollars annually.

RACINE CITY BANK


The Racine City Bank was organized in 1907 and opened its doors for business on the 25th of January, 1908. Its first directorate included W. G. Gittings, who was chosen president; F. W. Gunther, vice president; H. N. Bacon, cashier; C. A. Wustum, Chris Slot, E. C. Tecktonius, W. T. Harvey, A. J. Piper, Thomas Hay, W. J. Higgins and G. W. Blythe. There were no change in the personnel of the officers of the bank, a fact which indicates the harmonious relations which have ever existed in the management and the efficiency of those who as officers control the affairs of the institution, until two vacancies occurred, owing to the death of Mr. Slot and Mr. Wustum, after which Peter nelson and W. H. Bell succeeded to the places on the board made vacant by death. The bank was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars and is located at 1345 Washington avenue. The business of the bank has steadily increased and its deposits now amount to more than five hundred thousand dollars. It is regarded as one of the safe, substantial moneyed concerns of southern Wisconsin, for back of it are men of well known reliability, and the growth has been the legitimate outcome of a business policy that is based upon a thorough recognition of the fact that the bank is most worthy of patronage which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors.

RACINE HOSIERY COMPANY


Racine is constantly drawing to it new industrial and commercial enterprises. Its development along manufacturing lines within the past few years has been notably rapid and among the concerns which have been started in the city in less than a half decade is that operating under the name of the Racine Hosiery Company, with W. R. Anderson as president, A. R. Anderson as manager and treasurer and J. H. Brinsley, secretary. The success of this undertaking was insured from the beginning, for its officers are men of long and broad practical experience in connection with every phase of the knitting business. W. R. Anserson has had forty years’ experience as a dyer and is now the highest salaried man in that line of work in the country, having charge of the finishing and dyeing department of the Chicago-Kenosha Hosiery Company. His son, A. R. Anderson, brought to his present duties the lessons learned from twenty years’ training in all departments of the mill, including the office work, and, moreover, he based his advance in business upon a thoroughly technical training in chemistry received in the Northwestern University. The secretary of the company has fifteen years’ experience in the knitting end of the business, and thus the combined ability of the officers is adequate to every phase of the business and every situation that may arise.

The plant is located at Fifteenth and Clark streets and has eight thousand squre feet of floor place space. Its machinery was set in operation on the 3rd of September, 1912, the company having paid-up capital of fifteen hundred dollars. The capacity of the plant was forty-two thousand pairs of stockings annually, the output of three knitting machines and three operatives, and from that beginning the business has increased until the machines now number twenty-nine, with a production of eight hundred and twenty thousand pairs of stockings annually, while thirty-five employes are on the pay rolls of the company. The production of this mill consists of pure thread silk and artificial silk and the product is finding a ready market from coast to coast. All of the hosiery is made with the latest and most up-to-date improvements known to the trade of knitting, such as French welt top, reinforced transfer, expanded heel, narrowed ankle, double sole and advanced toe. The incorporation of these features allows the manufacturers to give the broad guarantee which is sent out with every pair of stockings-- satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. The methods of manufacture and the business policy of the house insure a continuance and promise a development of the trade, and Racine has reason to congratulate herself upon this accession to her manufacturing circles.

RACINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY


The business now conducted under the name of the Racine Manufacturing company was organized about 1910 under the present form but was established about 1902 under the name of the Racine Novelty company by George W. Jagers. The business was thus conducted until December, 1909, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and in 1910 the company was reorganized with George W. Jagers, F. K. Bull and Fred F. Blandin as the incorporators. Since that time changes in ownership have occurred and the present officers are: John Reid, Jr., president; C. F. Barndt, vice president, and F. J. Kidd, secretary and treasurer. The plant, located at Sixth and Mead streets, is devoted to the manufacture of automobile bodies, which are sold all over the United States. The factory contains five hundred thousand square feet of working space and there are three four-story buildings, all modern in construction, supplied with sprinkler system and thoroughly equipped for the conduct of the business. The latest improved machinery has been installed and the work has been so organized and systematized that there is no waste of time, labor or material. Co-operation is maintained between the various departments and the completion and assembling of the parts is accomplished in the shortest possible time. Something of the magnitude of the establishment is indicated in the fact that they have nine hundred employes upon the payroll and most of these are skilled laborers. The greater part of the output consists of automobile bodies for high grade cars and these are used by a score or more of the leading automobile manufacturers of the country. The plant is usually operated to its full capacity and within its walls the hum, of industry is constantly heard, the undertaking being one of the important factors in the commercial activity and upbuilding of Racine.

RACINE SHOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY


Among the important business enterprises of Racine which have contributed in large measure to the substantial development of the city is the Racine Shoe Manufacturing Company, which was organized in in 1902 with Sands M. Hart as president, L. J. Elliott, secretary and treasurer, and Fred C. Goff as general manager. The plant of the company was located originally at the corner of Wisconsin and Seventh streets, but with the demand for larger quarters, a removal was made in 1906 to 13220 Clark street. In 1914 Mr. Goff was elected president of the company and in 1916 Jens Jensen became president, with Fred C. Goff as secretary and treasurer and L. J. Elliott as vice president. The plant includes thirty-five thousand square feet of floor space, occupying a building three stories in height, with basement. They manufacture a special line of men’s fine Goodyear welt shoes and the product is sold extensively over this country and is sent to many points abroad including Denmark, France, Australia, South America and Africa. They employ from one hundred and eighty-five to two hundred operators in the factory, mostly skilled labor, and their plant is equipped with the most modern machinery for the making of shoes and is operated by steam and electric power. They sell to the retail trade and are represented upon the road by fourteen traveling salesmen, who thoroughly cover American territory. The business has gradually grown and developed during the fourteen years in which it has been conducted under the present organization.

RACINE PAPER GOODS COMPANY


The Racine Paper Goods Company was organized in 1894 by Lucius J. Elliott, Byron B. Blake, Richard T. Robinson and O. L. Parmenter. This was started as a partnership affair, the plant being located at No. 612 Wisconsin street. They manufacture paper cigar pockets, patented by O. L. Parmenter. The company was incorporated in 1902 with L. J. Elliott as president; R. T. Robinson, vice president, and O. L. Parmenter, secretary and treasurer. The company also manufacturers packages for putting up silk, chocolates and other kinds of candy, etc. Their product is sold all over the world and this business has done as much as any other company in the city to make the name of Racine known throughout the length and breadth of the land. The policy maintained is fruitful of most excellent results. The company has ever taken a great interest in its employes, assisting them in every possible way. The product is sold to jobbers, retailers and manufacturers and the business has ever been conducted in recognition of the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. Seventy-five employes are in the Racine factory, one half of whom are skilled workmen, and the company has another factory in Toronto, Canada. They also have their own printing plant and the factory uses special machinery, all of which has been invented and manufactured by Mr. Parmenter. The three officers of the company have been continuously associated in business since the establishment of the undertaking, but Mr. Parmenter is the only one who is in active charge. They have become particularly well known through their wax-lined coupon cigar pocket, which are impervious to either moisture or heat and are therefore equivalent to miniature pocket humidors. The pockets have a triple fold, making each pocket elastic, so that they can hold a large or small cigar equally well. Each cigar is therefore thoroughly protected. The business has grown rapidly and has now reached very gratifying proportions, while the sales of the house along other lines are equally gratifying..

RACINE PUTTYLESS WINDOW COMPANY


The Racine Puttyless Window Company, one of the recent additions to the business circles of Racine, was organized in 1914, at which time Gustave Bahnemann was chosen president, with W. S. Goodland, secretary and treasurer, and Dr. J. S. Keech as vice president. There has been no change in the personnel of the firm since that time. The business was conducted at No. 1117 Main street, where they occupy a building two hundred by one hundred and fifteen feet and two stories in height with a four story factory on the west side of the street that is fifty by one hundred and fifteen feet. Here they have a lumber yard and employ fifty people, most of whom are skilled workmen. The company manufactures wood work of all kinds and their specialty is the puttyless window. In this connection the plant manufactures about one hundred thousand windows per year in both wood and metal work and the frame is so constructed that it does away with all putty, making a much better and more durable window. The value of their output is further indicated in the fact that twenty four other firms are now manufacturing the puttyless window on a royalty and the company receives a good financial return in that way. The durability of putty has ever been a question of time when it has had to be replaced and with the output of the company this necessity has been obviated. The business is now thoroughly organized and systematized so that there is no useless expenditure of time, labor or material and their patronage is steadily growing.

RACINE TRAVELING BAG COMPANY


Another of the business enterprises which have to do with the attainment of Racine’s present greatness and prosperity is the Racine Traveling Bag Company, which was established in 1890 by Herbert Van Bree, Theodore Van Bree and other stockholders. The business was at that time incorporated with Theodore Wadewitz as president and with Herbert, Theodore and H. Van Bree and Herman Wadewitz as directors. The present officers of the company are: Herbert Van Bree, president; Mrs. Joseph Van Bree, vice president; and Mrs. H. Van Bree, secretary and treasurer. The factory is fifty by eighty feet and is three stories in height. They manufacture traveling bags and suitcses and sell direct to the trade, their output going to all parts of the United States. Twenty-five skilled workmen provide the neccessary labor for the conduct of the business and the establishment adds to the continuous hum of industry which characterizes Racine and has made it one of the busiest manufacturing centers of the upper Mississippi valley.

THE RACINE WOOLEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY


The Racine Woolen Manufacturing Company was organized to take over a business that was founded in 18963 by L. S. Blake and John S. Hart and was conducted under the name of Blake & Company at Bridge and Ontario streets. They started business on a small scale in a little building, but the trade steadily grew and in 1877 the business was incorporated with L. S. Blake as the president, John S. Hart as treasurer, James J. Elliott and A. W. Tillapaugh as stockholders and directors. At that time the plant was known as a two set mill, having about fifteen looms. Afterward the business was incorporated under the name of the Racine Woolen Mills, Blake & company as proprietors. The company originally made shawls and blankets and in later years extended the scope of their output to include cloth for clothing. Their shawls were sent out under the name of the Badger State shawls, which became famous, being recognized as a standard of manufacture for the United States, their sales extending throughout the entire country. Various changes have occurred as the business has developed, not only in the goods manufactured but also in the processes used. Today their output includes Indian shawls and blankets and they have become the largest manufacturers of this line in the country, selling to all Indian traders throughout the United states. The factory covers forty-five thousand square feet of floor space and in normal times they employ about one hundred and fifty people. They handle exclusive lines that cannot be duplicated elsewhere and their goods include a large variety of designs and patterns brought out in the most attractive colors and most durable materials.

Mr. Blake remained president of the company until his death, which occurred in 1894, when he was succeeded by L. J. Elliott, who continued as president until 1911. John S. Hart was treasurer until 1895, when he was succeeded by his son Sands M. Hart, who occupied the office until 1911. In 1912 the business was reorganized, with Sands M. Hart as president, associated with his two sons, H. H. Hart, treasurer; and John S. Hart, secretary. With the death of Sands m. Hart on the 23rd of December, 1915, H. H. Hart became the president, with John S. Hart as secretary and treasurer. The Hart family have taken over all of the stock of the company and are active in the management of a business which has become one of the leading manufacturing interests of Racine.

RED CROSS DRUG COMPANY


The Red Cross Drug Company is one of the strong commercial enterprises of Racine. It was organized in 1905 by T. W. Thiesen who bought out the Holmberg-Wichen Company, which was established about 1898 and which at one time owned four drug stores. Another was added in 1906 and buisness has since been conducted in these five establishments, which bring to the company a very extensive and gratifying trade. Each drug store is splendidly equipped with the latest and best products of the drug market, a comprtent force of salesmen and a manager is employed and the personnel of the house,the treatment accorded customers and the excellent line of goods carried insure a continuance of the liberal and well deserved patronage. The policy of the company is most progressive as instituted and carried on by the officers, who have incorporated the buisness under the Wisconsin state laws. The president of the company is T. W.Thiesen; vice president, Carrie Thiesen; secretary and treasurer, O. W. Gertenbach.

ST. ROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH


St. Rose Catholic church, of which Rev. John M. Naughtin is now pastor, was established October 6, 1885, when the corner stone was laid, and the church was dedicated January 31, 1886.

This was regarded only as a temporary structure, however, and the growth of the congregation soon led to a demand for a larger church. The corner stone of the present edifice was laid may 24, 1903, and the church was dedicated February 14, 1904. It is an excellent structure, well appointed and beautifully adorned, and the work of the church has been carefully organized through its various societies and steady progress is being made.

S. C. JOHNSON & SON


S. C. Johnson & Son is the firm under which is conducted one of the important manufacturing enterprises of Racine. The buisness was established in 1882 by S. C. Johnson, who began the manufacture of hard wood flooring. Gradually, however, the trade was developed along another line and the company now concentrates its energies upon the manufacture of wood finishes, one of the chief products being Johnson's Prepared Wax, which is sold through jobbers throughout the entire world. Such was the value of the output that the trade steadily grew, covering not only America but every section of the globe., and today the company has its own office in London, England and Sidney, Austailia. In the Racine plant they employ two hundred people. The plant is equipped with automatic machinery and with a sprinkler system. The buildings are all of modern construction and the factory is adequate to every demand in its equipment and in its capacity. Theirs is today the largest establishment of the kind in the world, its output being five million pounds of wax per year.

S. FREEMAN & SONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY


The S. Freeman & Sons Manufacturing Company, one of the foremost business enterprises of Racine, was established in 1867 by S. Freeman, who in a small way began manufacturing and repairing boilers. A few months later he entered into partnership with William E. Davis and opened a little machine shop. In 1868 they admitted John R. Davies to a partnership, at which time Mr. Davies was operating a foundry in the old Star mills, located where the William Pugh coal yards are now found. At that time the firm name was Davies, Freeman & Davis. After a brief existence the new undertaking faced failure. In the fall of 1869 Mr. Freeman again established business on Bridge street, where he opened a machine shop and foundry and conducted a small boiler shop. He became engaged in the manufacturer of grey iron castings in connection with his work of boiler making. In 1871 the firm of J. I. Case & Company began the manufacture of boilers and engines for threshing machines and Mr. Freeman took a contract to build the boilers. This business became a very large and profitable enterprise and he continued to manufacture boilers for the company throughout his remaining days. In 1875 he also began the manufacture of a fanning mill, patented by G. E. Clark, and gradually added other implements until the output now includes a large line of farm implements and machinery. In 1886 the business was incorporated under the name of the S. Freeman & Sons Manufacturing Company, with S. Freeman as the president, Charles Freeman as secretary and Michael N. Freeman as treasurer. The first factory was on Bridge street, near the plant of the Case Company, and in 1894 they built a boiler plant at the foot of Reichart Court, facing Hamilton street on the north. In 1895 the entire plant was removed to the present location, where the company has six acres of land. The buildings cover three acres and some of the buildings are two and three stories in height and are of brick and steel construction and equipped throughout with a sprinkler system. The company has its own electric plant, also a hydraulic and pneumatic power system and the plant uses machinery of three hundred and fifty horse power. They employ three hundred men, mostly skilled labor, and their product is today sold all over the world. They manufacture boilers, both power and heating, of the tubular type, also boilers internally fired and of the water tube type. Their product includes all kinds of steel pipe, smokestacks, ensilage cutters and carriers, corn shellers, steel windmills and towers, fanning mills and broadcast seeders.

T. DRIVER & SONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY


T. Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company is one of the old established industrial enterprises of Racine, business having been begun in 1867 by Thomas Driver, as a sash and door manufacturer. At that time he bought out Lucas Bradley, who had established the business in the ‘40s and who was then located at Sixth and Campbell streets. When Mr. Driver took charge he used every energy toward the further development of the trade and success was crowning his undertakings when, on the 17th of January, 1870, his plant was destroyed by fire. Although he suffered considerable loss, he met the situation courageously and rebuilt his mill at No. 212 East Second, now State street. The plant consists of two buildings; one seventy by seventy feet and three stories in height; the other one hundred by one hundred and thirty feet and two stories in height. For the second the company sucered a disastrous loss through fire, when the plant burned in 1896, but again it was rebuilt. After purchasing the business from Lucas Bradley, Thomas Driver had continued alone for a few years, but in 1875 was joined by his son, at which time the business was reorganized under the firm name Thomas Driver & Son. Still later a further reorganization occurred and the firm name Thomas Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company was assumed, for at that time not only John was his partner, but three other sons, Andrew, Charlie and S. M. Driver were taken into the company. The business was incorporated in 1884. The father continued at the head of the undertaking until his death, at which time J. C. Driver was made president with John M. Driver as secretary and treasurer and S. M. Driver, superintendent. There was no further change of the officers until June, 1915, when S. M. Driver bought out the interests of his brothers, and is now president of the company with Clara Driver as secretary and treasurer. They manufacture a full line of sash, doors, stairs, cupboards and in fact many things in woodenware and employ on an average of from fifty to sixty men. The work done is of excellent character and the product finds a ready sale on the market, while the reputation of the house for commercial integrity as well as enterprise has always been an unassailable one.