USA > Wisconsin > Racine County > Racine > Racine, belle city of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. I > Part 23
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RACINE TRUNK COMPANY
This company was organized April 1, 1885, by J. F., H. C. and H. O. Wadewitz, together with A. B. Augustine. The busi- ness was carried on under the firm organization until 1895, when it was incorporated with J. F. Wadewitz as president; T. C. Wadewitz, vice-president, and Herman O. Wadewitz, secretary and treasurer. No change has occurred since, except that Miss M. A. Wadewitz has succeeded T. C. Wadewitz in the vice-presi- dency, the latter having sold out in 1901. The business was begun with a force of three or four workmen and the factory established at 1007 Superior Street in a building 40 by 80 feet. Since that time four buildings have been added, all of modern construction. The plant is operated with steam power and they manufacture trunks, traveling bags and wood novelties of all
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kinds. Abont sixty employes are kept on the payroll. The busi- ness is done entirely through dealers.
CHICAGO RUBBER CLOTHING COMPANY
The Chicago Rubber Clothing Company was established in December, 1886, by Mr. and Mrs. Laughton, who brought the works here from Chicago. Mr. Laughton died in 1893 and the business management then fell to Mrs. Laughton. This plant now, located at the corner of Albert Street, the Northwestern tracks and Forest Avenue, controls the second largest establish- ment of this kind in the United States. The company has four acres of ground space, its buildings covering two acres. These structures are of the latest pattern. About 200 people are em- ployed, 50% of them'men. Rubber raincoats are manufactured.
GOLD MEDAL CAMP FURNITURE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
The Gold Medal Camp Furniture Manufacturing Company had its inception in a business started by R. B. Lang in 1890 and incorporated in 1892, the first officers being: R. B. Lang, presi- dent; W. G. Gittings, vice-president; J. G. Teall, secretary. This company manufactures all kinds of camp furniture and outing outfits, although at the beginning the output consisted of only a few articles, among which was the Gold Medal cot invented by Mr. Latour. About 1894 they removed to their present loca- tion from their old quarters on Thirteenth Street. They now occupy about two entire blocks, which includes the lumber yard. Their buildings are of modern construction and supplied with the latest types of machinery. Two hundred people are em- ployed. 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 supplies the National Guard with cots. The pres- ent officers of the corporation are: C. C. Gittings, president; E. E. Bailey, vice-president; W. C. Gittings. secretary, and Ward Gittings, treasurer.
F. J. GREEN ENGINEERING WORKS
This plant has been in existence since 1892, when the busi- ness was established by Fred and George Hodges under the firm style of Hodges & Son. In 1894 F. J. Green purchased an interest in the business and about 1902 he bought out George Hodges
Photo furnished by Billings
HENRY MITCHELL
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and the firm style of Hodges & Green was assumed. That rela- tion continued until 1904, when Mr. Green bought out Fred Hodges, and since that time the firm has been the F. J. Green Manufacturing Works. The plant is located at the corner of Donglas and Prospect Streets and the property is 215 by 220 feet in dimensions: the three-story buildings are all of mill con- struction, with sprinkler system. About sixty men are employed. They manufacture special machinery for structural iron work. also general job work and repairing, plating, stamping and screw machines.
RACINE PAPER GOODS COMPANY
This company was organized in 1894 by Lueins J. Elliott, Byron B. Blake, Richard T. Robinson and O. L. Parmenter. This partnership concern was located at 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 manufactures pack- ages for putting up silk, candy, chocolates and silverware. The product is sold all over the world. Seventy-five employes are maintained in the Racine factory, another factory is operated also at Toronto, Canada. They have their own printing plant and use machinery invented by Mr. Parmenter.
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 was changed to the American Seating Company in 1906. In the former year they took over the plant of the Thomas Kane & Company at Racine, that company having been organized in 1894 by Thomas Kane and his business associates. Prior to that date the business had been carried on under the name of the Racine Hardware Manufacturing Com- pany. It was instituted and organized about 1876 by F. HI. Head, Thomas Kane, E. G. Durant and 1. C. Clapp of Kenosha. This company failed in 1893, but the business was reorganized in 1894 under the firm style of Thomas Kane & Company. Three Inm- dred people are employed by this factory, most of them skilled. The buildings are of mill construction. The output of the plant includes school furniture and veneer opera chairs. This was the
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first company in Racine to establish the Saturday half holiday.
AMERICAN SKEIN & FOUNDRY COMPANY
This business was established in 1900 under the name of the Racine Steel & Iron Works, but was reorganized under the pres- ent firm name in 1904. The business was originated by G. N. Prentice and others, while the present officers are: Walter F. Walker, president; W. B. Mitchell, secretary and treasurer. The plant is located at Twenty-third and Racine Streets and covers five acres. The buildings are modern in construction. Abont 170 people are employed in the plant, most of which is skilled labor. The output is sold all over the United States.
RACINE SHOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
The Racine Shoe Manufacturing Company was organized in 1902 with Sands M. Hart as president; L. J. Elliott, secretary and treasurer, and Fred C. Goff, 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 ro- moval was made in 1906 to 1320 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, vice-president. The plant ineldes 35,000 square feet of floor space, ocenpying a building three stories in height. They mannfacture a special line of men's Goodyear welt shoes and the product is sold in this country and in many foreign lands. About 200 workmen are employed by this com- pany, most of which is skilled labor.
ARNOLD ELECTRIC COMPANY
The Arnold Electric Company was organized April 19, 1904. as the United States Standard Electrical Works Company and business was started in a small way on the fourth floor of the Seeor Building in Racine, in one room. They manufactured elec- trical devices under the trade name of Arnold. This company was the first to place upon the market the small type of vacuum cleaners for household use and they were also the originators 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 November 20, 1914, the name was changed to the Arnold
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Electric Company and the capital stock to $100,000.00. In 1907 the business was moved to a small building known as the Collier Building, at Washington Avenue and the Northwestern tracks. In 1909 an entire city block was purchased, upon which a three- story building was constructed, giving them 50,000 square feet of floor space. They have their own tool making department and employ about 100 people, most of whom are skilled workers. The officers are: George C. Schmitz, president and manager, and J. A. Schmitz, secretary and treasurer.
RACINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
The business now conducted under the above name was or- ganized 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 conducted until December, 1909, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and in 1910 the com- pany was reorganized with George W. Jagers. F. K. Bull and Fred F. Blandin as the incorporators. Since that time several changes in ownership have occurred. The plant, located at Sixth and Mead Streets, is devoted to the manufacture of automobile bodies, which are sold over the whole United States. The factory contains over 500,000 square feet of working space and there are three four-story buildings, all modern in construction. Fully 900 employes are maintained and the plant is continually worked at full capacity. Many of the leading automobile factories of the country use the bodies put out at this plant.
RACINE RUBBER COMPANY
The Racine Rubber Company was organized March 12, 1910, its first officers being: C. F. U. Kelley, president; Frank L. Mitchell, vice-president; Stuart Webster, treasurer, and J. H. Dwight, secretary. The work of building the factory commenced on June 6, 1910, and was completed April 1, 1911, since which time further additions have been made, until now the plant cov- ers three and one-half acres. The buildings are of modern con- struction and three stories in height. The output of the plant includes automobile, bicycle and motorcycle tires. The "Racine Tire" has become famous and the production of the plant now ruus about 1,300 tires per day. From 800 to 1,000 people are employed by this firm.
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WALLIS TRACTOR COMPANY
The Wallis Tractor Company was organized about 1912, with 11. M. Wallis as president and treasurer; H. M. Wallis, Jr., sec- retary, and O. P. Conger as director. The company manufactures farm and road tractors and employs 200 people. The factory was at one time located in Cleveland, Ohio.
RACINE MALLEABLE & WROUGHT IRON COMPANY
The business of this establishment was started in 1870, when Jens Jensen turned out work for various wagon companies. The company was incorporated in 1883 as the Jensen Manufacturing Company and in 1886 the interests of Mr. Jensen were purchased and the name changed to the above caption. The immense shops of the company were located at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Prospect Streets until July 13, 1898, when the main struc- tures were destroyed by fire. Not long afterward a site was purchased at Lakeside, south of the city. Here an extensive factory was built. About 300 people are employed at this plant.
LAKESIDE MALLEABLE CASTINGS COMPANY
This large industry, now employing about 250 men, was started in 1899. The product of the company has a sale over the whole United States. An entire block of land is covered by the factory buildings, which are of the latest construction and ade- quately protected. The first officers of this plant were: William Horlick, president: David G. Janes, secretary and treasurer, and Walter A. Driver, manager.
THE HARTMAN TRUNK COMPANY
Of all the products of Racine's many factories, perhaps no one bears more universal popularity or is better known than the Hartman trunks. The brand of trunks manufactured by this company bears a reputation of durability and convenience im- surpassed. The Hartman Trunk Company was incorporated in 1889, with a capital stock of $200,000.00. The present officers of the concern are: Joseph S. Hartman, president; Henry S. Hartman, vice-president; Sam J. Hartman, treasurer, and Hugo Hartman, secretary. About 190 men are employed by this com- pany.
INCUBATOR COMPANIES
There have been and are several inenbator companies located
WILLIAM SEE'S SAW-MILL
Built at the Rapids in the spring of 1-35. Dislodged by flood of 1864 and floated down the river to the George Wustum Farm.
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
in the City of Racine. The Belle City Inenbator Company is one of the largest of this number, employing upon an average about 150 men, and is devoted solely to the manufacture of incubators, which are sold over the entire country and abroad. Other com- panies are: The Kommon Sense Incubator Company, the Na- tional Incubator Company, the Progressive Incubator Company, and the Iron Clad Incubator Company. The last named is the youngest of the group, having been incorporated in the year 1916, with a capital stock of $60,000.00. The Wisconsin Ineu- bator Company was also capitalized in 1916. Thomas J. Collier is president of both of the latter companies.
BELLE CITY MALLEABLE IRON COMPANY
This manufacturing institution is devoted to the making of various iron products; it is a large, complete and extensive iron foundry employing upwards of 400 men. The Belle City Mal- - leable Iron Company was incorporated in the year 1892 with a capital stock of $500,000.00. J. A. Chapman is the president; J. H. Dwight, vice-president and general manager; C. S. Ander- son, secretary and treasurer. The plant is located at 1500 Ko- waunee Street.
BELLE CITY BASKET COMPANY
The Belle City Basket Company, located at St. Patrick Street and the Northwestern tracks, while not one of the largest manu- factories of Racine, is distinctive. This plant manufactures baskets of all descriptions. The average payroll comprises about fifty men. The plant itself is modern and equipped with the latest style machinery for the work.
HAMILTON-BEACH MANUFACTURING COMPANY
The Hamilton-Beach Manufacturing Company is one of the largest manufacturers of electrical specialties in Racine. About seventy-five men are employed. This company was incorporated in 1910, with $16,000.00 capital stock. F. J. Osius is the presi- dent; M. Osius, vice-president; Albert J. Druse, secretary and treasurer. The plant is located at Rapids Drive and the North- western Railway tracks.
HILKER-WIECHERS COMPANY
The Hilker-Wiechers Manufacturing Company employs 350 men in the production of workingmen's clothing. The plant of
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
this large company is located at 1232 Mound Avenue. The com- pany was incorporated in 1899 with a capital stock of $10,000.00. This amount has subsequently been increased. The following are the officers: William Hilker, president; William F. Hilker, vice-president; John Wiechers, secretary and treasurer. The equipment of the plant is modern and adapted to efficiency and quality of production.
B. D. EISENDRATH TANNING COMPANY
This large concern, located on West Sixth Street, and with an average payroll of 125, had a small beginning in the early '90s. but has in later years grown to its present proportions. The company was incorporated under the laws of the state in 1897 and at that time carried a capital stock of $100,000.00. Jacob Schnadig is the president of the company, S. Haas the vice-presi- dent, and D. B. Eisendrath the superintendent.
BELLE CITY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
This is one of the oldest manufacturing concerns in Racine, having been established in the late '70s. The company was in- corporated as early as 1882 and was capitalized recently for $300,- 000.00. The plant is devoted almost exclusively to the manu- facture of agricultural implements of all kinds and about 175 men are given employment throughout the year. The officers of the company are: John Reid, Jr., president; John H. Jones, vice- president; Walter J. Tostevin, secretary; Milton M. Jones, treas- urer. The factory is located at Seventeenth Street and Junction Avenue.
M. M. SECOR TRUNK COMPANY
The business of this concern was started by Martin M. Secor. a native of Bohemia, who came to Racine in 1852. He gained prominence here as mayor of the city and also as one of the largest trunk manufacturers in the country. The company was incorporated in 1888. Over 100 men are employed by the com- pany at the plant, which is located at 401 Lake Avenue. The officers at present are as follows: A. T. Perkins, president and treasurer; Mrs. F. E. Secor, vice-president; Charles Kristerius, secretary. M. M. Secor, the founder of the business, died in Racine on January 5, 1911.
Photo furnished by Billings
MAIN STREET, RACINE, ON CHRISTMAS DAY, IST
Photo furnished by Billings
RUINS OF MITCHELL-LEWIS WAGON FACTORY AFTER THE FIRE
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
GEORGE GORTON MACHINE COMPANY
While not among the larger concerns of Racine in point of the number of men employed, this company has gained national reputation owing to the quality of the Gorton products, the in- ventions of George Gorton. Milling machines are the staple product and they are of unexcelled quality. About fifty men are employed at the plant located at 1107 Thirteenth Street. The company was made into a corporation in 1895, with a capital stock of $50,000.00. The present force of officers includes: George Gorton, president and treasurer, and S. Gorton, vice- president.
F. W. GUNTHER COMPANY
This company represents an industry distinctive to the local- ity. This is the canning of sauer kraut and other staple special- ties. The tremendous yield of cabbage in this part of Wisconsin has made the business possible and the sauer kraut industry has grown to large proportions. About fifty men are employed by the Gunther Company. The plant is located at 1715 Asylum Avenue.
ALUMINUM SHOES
The manufacture of steel and aluminum shoes is another of Racine's prominent industries. The Overland Shoe Company, the Racine Aluminum Shoe Company and the Steel Shoe Com- pany are representative of this work here. From twenty-five to sixty men are employed by these factories. The Fiebrich-Fox- Hilker Company and the Monarch Shoe Company are both large concerns manufacturing shoes for workingmen. Over 150 men are employed by the former.
INDUSTRIES OF 1879
In the year 1879 the factory was the feature of Racine. There were many of them and it was estimated that over $7,000,000.00 in capital was invested.
The principal establishment was the JJ. I. Case & Company. Then came Fish Brothers & Company, manufacturers of every variety of farm, freight, plantation, quarry and header wagons, together with a full line of phaetons, trotting buggies, road wagons and spring wagons of every description. This institu- tion had been started in the fall of 1862 under the firm name of Fish & Bull. The Racine Wagon & Carriage Company, which
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
had been incorporated in 1877, was then building up a business, also the Belle City Novelty Carriage Works, which had been established in 1874. The JJ. I. Case Plow Company had been in operation about three years. The Seaman Chilled Plow Company was just ereeting its factory plant. The Racine Silver Plate Com- pany, manufacturers of gold and silver plated ware, Britannia ware, entlery, etc., had been incorporated in 1875 and were doing a creditable business. Henry W. Wright was manufacturing sash, doors, blinds, mouldings, fanning mills, etc. He erected a factory in 1872. Thomas Driver & Son were making the same articles as Mr. Wright on State Street, close to the Western Union Depot. Mohn & Stecher's planing mill was started in 1876. The Racine Woolen Mills, which had been started in 1865, were run- ning at the corner of Bridge and Ontario Streets. Gunther & Son were making post-hole angers. The Racine Cotton Batting Mill, William Baman, proprietor, established in 1871, was located on Douglas Avenne. The Racine Twine & Cordage Works was located on Chestnut Street and covered three acres of ground. The Racine Basket Manufacturing Company, which had been opened in 1869 by Elliott & Wetherell, was then doing a growing business. The Belle City Soap Factory, a small concern, was situated on Chippecotton Street. The Racine Wire Cloth Works. formerly Charles Goehner's Wire Works, established in 1869, were manufacturing on Superior Street, north of State. The Northwestern Trunk & Traveling Bag Mannfactory had been started by M. M. Secor as a harness business in 1861. In 1877 the firm was styled M. M. Secor & Company, Joseph and Anthony Hayek having been admitted. The Racine Linseed Oil Works were started in 1872 by Emerson & Company and were doing business. The Racine Pump Factory, Winship Brothers, which had been started in 1864, were rimming at the corner of State and St. Clair Streets. Jens Jensen was manufacturing wagon hard- ware and malleable iron. Hodges and Mutter were making wooden cisterns and tanks. The Raeine Hardware Manufactur- ing Company were in operation at Racine Junction. Hurlburt & Company commenced the manufacture of a patent lock for wagon brakes in 1870, and were then manufacturing several types of locks. The Vinegar & Pickle Factory, George Bucher, was established in 1867. The Racine Iron Works, S. Freeman & Son,
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had shops located on Bridge Street. F. Eckhardt was a piano manufacturer on Sixth Street.
The fanning mills were represented by the firms of Blake- Beebe Company, Racine Agricultural Foundry & Machine Works, Daniel Bull. E. P. Diekey, C. & N. Altringer, Hughes & Williams, Tostevin & Le Ray, Johnson & Field, and Freeman & Evans.
The breweries were those of Fred Heck, the City Brewery, the Star Brewery, the North Side Brewery and W. H. Weber.
There were two flouring mills, those of P. A. Herzog and J. H. Roberts, called the Racine Star Mills, and the State Street Mill, Peter Zirbes and Lambert Weiss, proprietors.
J. Miller & Company were engaged in the manufacture of shoes: also Anthony G. Peil and the L. W. Philbrook & Company.
The tanneries were operated by F. Platz & Son, Bevier & Reid, Jacob Kawelti, A. Madson, Mark Nelson and L. W. Phil- brook & Company.
J. A. Horlick & Sons and William Beswick were lime manu- facturers.
Among the brick manufacturers were: Meidinger & Com- pany, Morris Brothers and Burdick Brothers. The Imber yards at this time were operated by Daniel Slauson, George Farns- worth, Durand & Hill, Isaac Taylor, N. Pendleton and R. Canfield.
MANUFACTURERS OF 1910
The United States census of 1910 gives among the more in- portant manufactures of Racine the following, with the number of men employed in each: E. H. Adams & Son, hardware special- ties. 10; Advance Manufacturing Company, hardware specialties. 25; Charles Alshuler Manufacturing Company, clothing, 325: American Seating Company, 200; American Skein & Foundry Company, 200; Art Furniture Manufacturing Company, 6; Badger Manufacturing Company, 100; Badger Foundry Company, 20; Beffel Manufacturing Company, 10; Belle City Basket Company, 42; Belle City Incubator Company, 55; Belle City Malleable Iron Company, 450; Belle City Manufacturing Company, 150; Belle City Skirt Company, 25; R. R. Birdsall, 30; A. C. Bye Company, 12; Brannum Lumber Company, 20; Broecker Paper Box Com- pany, 20; Carroll Coal Company, 25; Chicago Rubber Clothing Company, 110; Chalmers & Company, iron foundry, 10; Case Broth- ers, 10; J. I. Case Plow Works, 600; J. T. Case Threshing Machine
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
Company, 2,000; John Dean Manufacturing Company, 10; Thomas Driver & Sons, 40; Domestic Manufacturing Company, 20; B. D. Eisendrath Tanning Company, 100; Fiebrich-Fox-Hilker Shoe Company, 200; Flegel Manufacturing & Plating Works, 15; Fos- ter & Williams Manufacturing Company, 50; Freeman & Son Manufacturing Company, 300; George B. Freeman Manufactur- ing Company, 20; Gold Medal Camp Furniture Company, 100; F. J. Green Engineering Works; Grey Manufacturing Company, soap, 10: F. W. Gunther Company, saner krant, 40; Hartman Trunk Company, 190; Hamilton -Beach Manufacturing Company. 100; Harvey Forging Company, 30; Higgins Spring & Axle Com- pany, 150; Hilker-Wiechers Manufacturing Company, 350; Holbrook-Armstrong Iron Company, 90; Horlick's Malted Milk Company, 500; Imperial Bit & Snap Company, 45; S. C. Johnson & Son, 165; JJohnson & Field Manufacturing Company, 30; J. H. & F. R. Kelley, 30; Kelley-Racine Lumber Company, 400; Kranz Broom Factory, 20; Lakeside Malleable Castings Company, 250; Lang Manufacturing Company, 20; N. R. Lindorff, art glass works, 20; J. Miller Company, shoe manufacturers, 275; Mitchell- Lewis Motor Car Company, 2,400; Mitchell-Lewis Company, wagon manufacturers, 600; MeCrum-Howell Company, 200; Progress Manufacturing Company, 15; Pierce Motor Company, 500; Racine Auto Top Company, 35: Racine Brass & Iron Com- pany, 90; Racine Economy Spring Company, 25; Racine Engine & Machinery Company, 50; Racine General Manufacturing Com- pany, 20; Racine Foundry Company, 50; Racine Heel Protector Company, 55; Racine Iron & Wire Works, 20; Racine Malleable & Wrought Iron Company, 275; Racine Manufacturing Company, hardware specialties, 500; Racine Paper Goods Company, 60; Racine Shoe Manufacturing Company, 135; Racine Steel Casting Company, 50; Racine Trunk Company, 50; Racine Woolen Mills, 100: Raeine-Sattley Company, 500; Secor, M. M., Trunk Company, 900: Dr. Shoop Laboratories, Inc., 75; Standard Electric Works. 100: Wisconsin Incubator Company, 100; Steel Shoe Company, 60; Weber-Baheman Company, 60; E. C. Tecktonins Manufactur- ing Company, 12.
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