This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Blome, Wannamaker,Winter Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/4EC.2ACE/891 Message Board Post: Next to the Barnes building on the south is one erected by J.F. Blome, Tomah pioneer merchant tailor. Mr. Blome is a native of Germany born in 1848 and there in his youth he learned his trade with the thoroughness and completeness always required in that country. His first experience in this country was in the great establishment of John Wannamaker in Philadephia. Coming to Tomah in 1875 without any resources he started in the tailoring business in the building now occupied by Winter's Harness Shop. Two years later, having prospered in his business, he bought the lot he now occupies and immediately erected a building there on. In additon to his merchant tailoring business he put in a small stock of gent's furnishings and afterward added clothing. His trade grew steadily, year by year and his store became the leading business establishments of Tomah. In the midst of his prosperity came the financial crash of 1886, which resulted in the closing of four of the largest business establishments of Tomah. Mr. Blome's fine business and the accumulation of ten years of work were involved in the wreck. Within a few months, however, he purchased his building and started anew, prospering until 1890 when he was again closed out on one of the old claims upon which he had been obligated with other parties. From that time he experienced various ups and downs until the fire destroyed his building in the fall of 1894. With misfortunes and discouragements such as few men have the nerve to withstand , Mr. Blome was still undaunted. He immediately laid plans for a new building ,which was begun in April and was the first completed in the block. Early in September Mr. Blome took possession and he feels just pride in having so handsome and substantial a building. We hope it marks the end of the misfortunes which have followed him the past few years. The building is 25 x70ft. two stories high, with rear addition 12 1/2 x25 feet which Mr. Blome occupies for his tailor shop. The walls are of solid pressed brick ,with hard white finish inside. The front is a plate glass, the iron columns and wood-work being beautifully finished in silver and gold colors. Floors are of a hard maple, double matched, and stairways are of oak. Everything about this building is first-class and up to date. No better location for a store is offered in the city today.(Source "The Tomah Journal) 1895