History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 67

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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Ideas and equipments have developed so largely along all lines that the company now operates one of the finest tow boats in the river, and is constantly adding to its fleet of barges, quarter boats, launches and other craft necessary to transporting ma- terial from woods to mill and taking care of the men. The forest work has been largely tentative. A quarter of a million trees of many varieties and sizes have been planted under various conditions of soil, moisture and exposure and their growth will be watched with great interest. The native young timber is thinned and culled to increase its growth and the mature timber removed as fast as it can be handled. All this work is experi- mental for. so far as can be learned, cultivation of trees of these varieties and on this kind of land is entirely untried, both in this country and abroad. The success of the venture will be watched with keen interest by all interested in the future of the country and by all friends of the present much-agitated subject of the conservation of natural resources.

Red Wing Brick Company. Brick making is another industry that has for many years been important in Red Wing. The old state capitol at St. Paul was made of red pressed brick from Red Wing. Among the early brick makers of the city were Brink. Williams & Co. and Ole Simmons. The industry is at present represented by the Red Wing Brick Company. This com- pany was organized in 1905, incorporated in February of the same year by Charles A. Betcher, J. J. Bovy, B. Gerlach, J. A. Schouweiler and Gust Lillyblad. The first officers were: Presi- dent. C. A. Betcher: vice president. B. Gerlach; secretary and general manager. J. J. Bovy; treasurer. C. F. Hjermstad. The first building was erected in March. 1905, and began operation in July of the same year. The plant then had a capacity of about 15,000 per day of a first class facing brick or about 18,000 com- mon brick. The buildings now cover about two acres of ground. the main factory being three stories high. The present capacity of the plant is about 10,000,000 brick per annum, the product con- sisting of pressed brick in all shades and a fine line of orna- mental stone. this output being sold in Minnesota, Wisconsin. lowa. North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba. The com- pany employs at the present time about eighteen men. the plant being located in the western part of the city on the C. G. W. R.y. and the office is in the Goodhue National Bank building. The present officers of the company are: President. B. Gerlach ; vice president. J. A. Schouweiler ; treasurer, C. F. ILjermstad : seere- tary and general manager. J. J. Bovy. These gentlemen, with F. W. Foot. constitute the board of directors. In regard to indus- tries of this nature the "Rock Prodnets" for August, 1909, says : "The industry of sand lime brick manufacture is still in its in-

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faney in this country, and unless all present and past indications fail, marvelous developments may be looked for in the near future. This building material has already taken its place among the other time-honored building materials and has gained a most enviable reputation. The largest municipalities in the East. prominent architects and building inspectors and even the United States government engineers have recognized the great merits of sand lime products. When properly manufactured they are proof against all action of the elements, including frost and fire. This has been conclusively demonstrated by practical oh- servations and extensive laboratory tests. Recent statistics published by the United States Geological Survey show that there is a rapidly increasing demand for good common briek, which fact largely accounts for the rapid growth of the sand lime briek industry. Most factories confine their efforts to the production of this grade, which is invariably far superior to the low grades of common clay briek, which have gone from bad to worse in the last few years until now they really contain no structural valnes, either for compression, tensile strength. fire resistance or density."

John J. Bovy. secretary and general manager of the Red Wing Brick Company. has made a success of life as an educator, from which profession he is now retired, and as a business man. in which he is still actively engaged. He was born in Carver county. Minn., in the town of Norwood, December 1, 1872. 1lis parents. John and Lucy (Schafer) Bovy, were natives of Cologne. Germany. They came to America in 1852 and settled in Kenosha county, where the father followed his trade as a blacksmith. In 1858 they removed to Norwood, Carver county, this state, and there remained until the death of the father in January, 1876. The mother died in January, 1896. John J. re- ceived his early educational training in the public and parochial schools of his neighborhood and graduated from the commercial department of St. Joseph's College. Teutopolis, Ill., and the Nor- mal School at Milwaukee, thoroughly fitting himself for the pro- fession of a Catholic teacher. He also made a special study of innsie, particularly that of a devotional character, from the old masters, and became a proficient performer on the pipe organ. Thus equipped for his chosen life work. he started teaching at the age of twenty-two years. He taught at Fort Jennings, Ohio. and Mankato, Minn., with marked success, being admired by the citizens of the locality and loved and respected by the children placed in his care. In 1895 he accepted his present position in Red Wing, where he has since become one of the leading citizens of the city. In recognition of his educational qualifications he has been placed on the board of the Carnegie-Lawther library.

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but aside from this has not cared to seek public office. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of this city. He is a prominent member of the Roman Catholic Church, and in the Knights of Columbus holds the office of chancellor. In politics he is a Democrat, but of late years an independent voter. Mr. Bovy was married in August. 1900. to Anna M. Bush, of Red Wing, daughter of William Bush, a Red Wing citizen who is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Bovy was born at Mankato. this state, in June, 1903. one child. who died in infancy.

The Red Wing Milling Company was started in 1901 and was then known as the Simmons Milling Company. The new con- cern at once built a mill and elevator on the site of the old Dia- mond Mill and was soon in operation, manufacturing the Bixota and other brands of flour. Tams Bixby was the first president and John Diefenbach the first secretary. N. K. Simmons was the manager. In 1907 the name was changed to the Red Wing Milling Company. In 1909 the concern was sold to a new com- pany and the present officers are : President and treasurer, H. C. Stebbins ; vice president. J. G. Lawrence ; secretary. R. L. Thomp- son ; directors, HI. C. Stebbins, John II. Rich. J. G. Lawrence, D. R. Jones and R. L. Thompson.

The Red Wing Hat Manufacturing Company was incorporated July 31. 1902. and at once started operations in a three-story brick building at 116-118 Plum street. The first officers were : President. John H. Rich : vice president. F. Busch; treasurer. C. F. Hjermstad: secretary. L. H. Stiles. These gentlemen, with J. R. MeLain. G. Gerlach and L. S. Gillette. constituted the first board of directors. The company manufactured stiff and soft fur felt hats, and had an annual output estimated at about $60.000. The employes numbered about thirty men. The last board of officers consisted of president. John H. Rich; vice presi- dent. C. A. Betcher: treasurer. Hiram Howe: secretary, W. E. (less. These gentlemen. with Henry Willard, L. S. Gillette and E. S. Hoyt. constituted the last board of directors. The original capital stock of $50.000 was increased to $75,000 in March. 1906. During the existence of the company the Red Wing hat had a wide sale in all the northwestern states. The company dissolved partnership Angust 4. 1909, and was absorbed by the Mckibbon, Driscoll & Dorsey Company. of St. Paul, which will quadruple the capacity and output of the plant.

The Red Wing Iron Works produce an annual value of about $30,000. The establishment has had a longer existence under the same name and in the same location than any other concern of a manufacturing nature in Red Wing. The plant is located at the corner of Bush and Levee streets, and is owned and man- aged by the. Densmore Brothers, who completed the buildings

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in 1866 at a cost of $12,000. In 1874 the shops were destroyed by fire, but were at once rebuilt within a period of sixty days. A large amount of general repairing is done at the foundry and the output ineludes high grade machinery for the making of the lighter varieties of stoneware, capstans for boats and barges and many other metal castings. The brothers have maintained a reputation for sterling honor, and are proud of the fact that in the more than forty years in which they have been in busi- ness they have never been sued for an unpaid bill.

The Red Wing Advertising Company, which ranks among the foremost advertising specialty concerns in the United States, had its origin in the fall of 1897, when the partnership of Sultzer, Shedd & Livingston was formed. In 1902 the business was incor- porated under the title of Red Wing Advertising Company, with the following board of directors: H. E. Shedd, president; O. M. Hall, vice president; C. S. Sultzer, secretary; W. H. Putnam, treasurer; C. E. Friedrich. The authorized capital stock was $100.000. Later Mr. Shedd retired. In 1904 the capital stock was increased to $250,000 and the present board of directors chosen : C. S. Sultzer, president ; O. M. Hall, vice president ; W. H. Putnam, treasurer: Axel Haller, secretary; Tams Bixby. So rapid has been the growth of the company that in the last ten years it has been compelled to change its quarters six times, each time securing a larger and more commodious building and each time finding itself forced to move to a still larger place in order to handle the increasing volume of business. In 1905 the large factory building of four stories and basement which the company at present occupies was erected. To this a two-story wing was added in 1909 for office purposes. This company manufactures specialties of various kinds which are used for advertising pur- poses, including calendars, leather and cloth utilities, and also does a great amount of bank lithography. Its line of leather utili- ties such as cheek covers. purses, pocketbooks, money bags, eard cases, policy cases. diaries, memorandum books and pass books, is large and varied and of the highest quality. The cheek cover idea has been particularly developed, and, holding patents as it does on several of the most popular styles of this article on the market, the Red Wing company is acknowledged to be the largest bank advertising house in existenec. The Red Wing cloth line is noted for its quality. All these articles-caps, grocers' aprons, sunbonnets, school bags. carpenter aprons, clothespin aprons. horse covers, etc .- are made with lockstitch machines exclusively. The first cushion visor cap ever sold for advertising purposes was made by this concern. In the line of art calendars the company is especially prominent, purchasing outright paintings of the best artists of both hemispheres and copyrighting them so as to assure

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exclusive designs for its patrons. Forty salesmen are kept con- stantly on the road carrying this line into every state in the union. In the factory two hundred hands are employed the year round, while an office force of sixteen people is required.

The Red Wing Gas, Light & Power Company has sixteen miles of gas mains. It manufactures 35.000.000 feet of gas per year and 375,000 kilowatts of electricity ; also 1.000 tons of coke and 900 barrels of gas-coal tar. The capital invested is $250,000. The company was organized in 1872 for the purpose of lighting the streets, public buildings and private residences, under the name of the Red Wing Gas Light Company. The company com- pleted its preparations for furnishing gas, and the streets of the "ity of Red Wing were first lighted by that material on the even- ing of February 11. 1873. an important event duly celebrated by the citizens. Later an electric light plant was introduced, and the company was reorganized under the present name. At this writing arrangements are being made to bring power from water- falls at Eau Claire, Wis .. and surrounding points. to Red Wing, which is likely to revolutionize manufacture and do much to build up the future and greater Red Wing.

The Ballord-Trimbell Lumber Company has had a branch here since 1906. During that year the company purchased the retail department of the Beteher establishment, and placed John Comp- ton in charge. The company deals in building material and also does mill work. The plant is well equipped and is located at 502 Main street.

The Red Wing Wagon Company was established in 1882 and had a capital stock of $95,000. The plant, valued at $40,000, was purchased in 1891 by the Red Wing Sewer Pipe Company, and was destroyed by fire in 1902. At the time when the company closed its business and disposed of the plant the officers were: President. E. W. Brooks; secretary, L. A. Hancock ; treasurer, F. Busch. During the days of its prosperity the firm was an impor- tant one. turning out about fifteen wagons a day.

Gust Lillyblad, who started business in 1888 by purchasing the Berglund stone quarry and limekiln in South Red Wing, is now the sole representative of the lime burning industry which in former years has been most important. Mr. Lillyblad now operates one of the original Berglund kilns and also another at the foot of Sorin's Bluff. having a capacity of about 250 barrels per day.

Lime burning was first started in Red Wing about 1853 by Phineas Fish, who operated just east of the south approach to the high wagon bridge over the Mississippi. He used large frag- ments which had fallen from the face of Barn Bluff. For a time

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he was very successful, but in time became discouraged and abandoned the enterprise.

G. A. Carlson established the Pioneer Lime and Stone works in 1871. His quarries were located at the south end of Barn Bluff and also in Sorin's Bluff. Ile operated a number of kilns and at the time of his greatest prosperity had one of the most extensive lime burning plants in the state. ITis efforts at burning lime by using gas instead of wood caused him heavy financial loss, and his enterprise is now abandoned.

The Red Wing-Sheboygan Lime Company, better known as Linne's enterprise and later called the Twin City Lime & Cement Company, was established February 15, 1889, with a capital stock of $50,000. Those most heavily interested were F. J. Linne and H. L. Braesch. This company bought out the Red Wing Lime & Stone Company and for a time it looked as though the Twin City concern would become one of the most important in the state. The enterprise was abandoned about 1890.

Charles Olson, known as "Catfish" Charlie, was another early lime burner, and as has already been noted, Robert Berglund was the predecessor of G. Lillyblad and conducted a large business. Andrew Danielson was also an extensive lime burner for many years.

Mr. Danielson was at one time associated in the lime and cement business with Charles Betcher. In 1879 four companies were conducting extensive lime operations. the official state report of the matter being as follows: "R. L. Berglund, 250 barrels per week ; Danielson & Betcher. 75 barrels per day ; G. A. Carlson, 90 barrels per day; Oleson & Co., 90 barrels per day."

The lime produced in Red Wing has always been of the finest quality and is in high esteem with builders throughout the Northwest.

Red Wing Linseed Mills .- The 250,000 bushels of flax annu- ally raised in Goodhue county furnishes raw material for another of Red Wing's important industries, the Red Wing Linseed Mills. The concern is situated near the south approach to the high wagon bridge across the Mississippi. The plant cost originally about $66,000. an elevator and late improvements bringing its valne to about $100.000. The concern was started and the first buildings erected in 1901. At the reorganization in 1907 the officers elected were as follows: President, C. A. Betcher; vice president, N. II. Withel; treasurer, C. F. Hjermstad ; secretary. C. E. Betcher. Since that time there has been no change.

The Red Wing Shoe Company employs 100 people and pro- duces from 400 to 450 pairs of shoes daily. The original capital stock of $100.000 was enlarged to $200,000 in January. 1909, and the business is constantly increasing. The plant is an artistic

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three-story brick building at the corner of Main and Potter streets measuring 140x60 feet at the ends, with a jog reducing the width to 45 feet in the center. The company manufactures a general line of medium, heavy and fine men's and boys' shoes, ranging from oxfords to extreme high cut, and sold under the name "Red Wing Treadstrate Welts." The market for these shoes is in all the Northwestern states, and the territory covered by the sales- men of the company is growing rapidly. The company was incor- porated February 10, 1905. by Charles Beckman, O. M. Hall, C. H. Boxrnd, C. E. Friedrich, HI. A. Willard. C. E. Sheldon and E. S. Hoyt. The first officers were: President and manager, Charles Beckman ; vice president, C. H. Boxrud ; secretary, H. A. Willard ; treasurer, C. E. Friedrich. The building was erected at once, operations were started September 1, 1905, and the first finished shoes were ready to ship September 15. The present officers are: President and manager, Charles Beckman; vice president, C. H. Boxrnd; secretary. Il. A. Willard; treasurer and assistant manager. Hiram Ilowe. The directors are: Charles Beckman, C. H. Boxrud, C. E. Friedrich. E. S. Hoyt. W. H. Putnam, O. M. Hall and II. A. Willard. J. A. Stierman is the superintendent of the factory.

The LaGrange Mills, with a capacity of 1,500 barrels per twenty-four hours, are located on the levee at the foot of Plumb street, and consist of two elevators, a mill 50x80 feet, six stories, and a warehouse, 60x62, two stories. The property includes the old Sheldon elevator. The original LaGrange mills were erected in 1877 and the plant was practically rebuilt in 1888. New equip- ment is constantly being added from time to time, and no modern machinery of proven worth is missing from the present appli- ances. The LaGrange Mill Company was incorporated in 1877. The capital stock was fixed at $100,000, divided into 2,000 shares of $50 each. The incorporators were O. Eames, Hiram Walers, Anarand Seebach, A. J. Grover, John Miller, J. J. Starz, Charles Betcher. J. C. Bennewitz, John Dablow, Peter Stromberg, D. C. Hill, B. B. Herbert. John C. Diefenbach and F. W. Hoyt. Febru- ary 3. 1877, at a meeting of the stockholders. E. W. Brooks, Anarand Seebach. J. S. Hoard, William llayman, H. E. Perkins. Charles Betcher and O. Eames were elected directors, and at a meeting held two days later these directors elected the follow- ing officers: President, E. W. Brooks: vice president. Charles Betcher; treasurer. J. S. Hoard ; secretary, A. J. Meacham ; super- intendent. A. Seebach. This company was succeeded in June, 1885, by The LaGrange Mills. The first board of directors con- sisted of F. Busch, F. W. Hoyt. T. B. Sheldon, E. W. Brooks, William Featherstone, H. E. Perkins and B. Gerlach. The officers were: President, F. Busch ; vice president. T. B. Sheldon ; seere-

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tary, B. Gerlach; treasurer, William Busch. The original stock of $85,000 was in 1894 increased to $200,000. The present officers are : President, B. Gerlach ; vice president, William Busch ; treas- urer, J. C. Seebach; secretary, W. S. Weiss. These gentlemen, with E. D. Brooks and Gust Lillyblad, constitute the present board of directors. The brands manufactured are the "Gilt Edge" and the "Corner Stone," and the plant employs about forty men.

Bernard Gerlach is president of the La Grange Mills and an officer of other local concerns. Ilis parents, George and Anna M. (Fux) Gerlach, were natives of Germany, where the father was a carpenter, a trade which he followed all his life. He came to America in 1851, located in New York state until the spring of 1856, then settled in St. Paul, where he died September 1, 1888. His widow still survives, making her home in St. Paul. In that city, August 2, 1860, Bernard Gerlach was born. He at- tended the parochial and public schools and started life for him- self as clerk in the employ of Jacob Mainzer, who conducted a law and abstract office, in which latter department Mr. Gerlach worked until March, 1879. Coming to Red Wing on the tenth of that month, he entered the employ of H. N. Willson & Co., in the abstract business, continuing there until January, 1880, when he engaged with the Red Wing Mills as bookkeeper in their lum- her department. September 1, 1882, he first entered the La Grange Mills as bookkeeper. In June. 1885, when the company was incorporated, Mr. Gerlach was elected secretary. After that his career was one of faithful service and steady advancement. In 1891 he was chosen manager and continued in that capacity. In September, 1908, he was elected president of the company. Mr. Gerlach is a Democrat in politics and, although interested in publie matters, has always avoided the lime light of public office. He has been persuaded, however, to become a member of the T. B. Sheldon Memorial Auditorium Board, in which capacity he now serves. In fraternal affiliation he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph's Society and the D. R. K. U. G. of Minnesota. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Bernard Gerlach was married April 29, 1884. at Red Wing to Frances M. MeCue, daughter of Timothy and Margaret MeQue. IIer father died at St. Paul in 1898, and her mother makes her home in Red Wing. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach have been born. all in Red Wing, five bright children, Helen, Anna. Laura, Ger- trude and Frances, all of whom are at home.

The Red Wing Mill Company, which from 1873 to 1891 oper- ated the Diamond mill, the Bluff mill and the Bluff sawmill, was the project of a large number of Red Wing men who planned to build up a tremendous flouring and woodworking industry. The

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company was incorporated April 17, 1873, the directors being T. B. Sheldon, E. T. Wilder, J. M. Hodgman and E. L. Baker. The president was T. B. Sheldon. Among the heaviest stock- holders were D. C. Hill, William Howe, F. B. Howe, W. R. Craig, J. M. Ilodgman, A. Howe. Sr .. S. Le Greenwood, T. B. Sheldon, Webster, Purdy & Co .; O. Eames, E. L. Baker, James Lawther, Thomas McSorley, F. Jopp, G. W. Woodly, W. W. Phelps. H. and E. T. Wilder, W. Heising, G. A. Carlson, Charles Nilson. Fried- rich & Hack, Thomas Wilkinson. H. E. Perkins, Erickson & Anderberg. Jesse MeIntire. T. K. Simmons, J. C. Pierce. John Winter. L. L. Richardson, Ole Westerland, H. B. Baldwin, John (. Deipenbrock. Brink & Williams. N. Swift. B. B. Herbert. John T. Verder, Wilder & Williston, E. P. Philleo and E. W. Brooks. This company erected the Bluff mill in 1873 and the Diamond mill in 1877. The same company operated the Bluff sawmill, erected by S. S. Grannis. The Bluff and Diamond mills were destroyed by fire March 4, 1891. and were never rebuilt, although their walls were later used to a certain extent by more modern buildings erected by later companies.

The Red Wing Manufacturing Company makes a fine line of furniture which has a wide market, its familiar label. enclosing the bird with the red wing. being extensively known. The enter- prise was first established by Daniel C. Hill in 1862 at the corner of Main and Bluff streets. A small two-story frame building, 30x60 feet, with a wing 16x30. served for the first few years, was operated by steam power and devoted to the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and moulding. The rapid growth of the busi- ness obliged the proprietor to enlarge his works, and in 1869 he erected a two-story brick block. 50x60 feet. This building is still standing and is easily distinguished from the rest of the plant by its style of windows. The company was incorporated March 13, 1882. by D. C. Hill, C. E. Erickson. Andrew Swanson and T. K. Simmons. The original capital stock of $30.000 has been increased at various times and is now placed at $72,000. At the first meet- ing of the company, held April 1, 1882, the following officers were elected : President. T. K. Simmons : vice president, D. C. Hill ; secretary and treasurer. W. H. Putnam. These gentlemen, with A. Swanson and C. Erickson. constituted the board of directors. The manufacture of furniture gradually replaced the sash, door and moulding output. About sixty persons are now employed in the establishment. The warehouses are of brick, four stories high. measuring 120x40 and 70x38. respectively. The main build- ing is 60x120, of brick, three stories high. The office is in a sepa- rate building. The present officers of the concern are: President and treasurer. W. H. Putnam ; vice president. A. P. Pierce ; seere-

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 67

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264