Sheboygan Press April 29, 1927 Plymouth 5 BECAME CITY IN 1877 The city form of government was effected on May 8, 1877, when the charter was adopted. The first mayor was Otto PUHLMANN, who was followed in regular order of succession by H. H. HUSON; Otto PUHLMAN (second term); J. W. DOW in 1882; Otto PUHLMANN (third term) in 1883; C. F. ALBRECHT in 1886; H. H. HUSON (second term) in 1888; H. C. BADE in 1889; Charles PFEIFER in 1890; G. S. MABEE in 1891; Charles PFEIFER (second term) in 1892; W. C. SAEMAN in 1893; Louis GRIESE in 1895; G. A. ALBRECHT in 1896; G. F. MABEE (second term) in 1898; A. H. SCHRAMM, R. R. SCHORER, Theodore ACKERMAN in 1904; C. W. STARRETT in 1906; (Mr. STARRETT died and at a special election held on November 10, 1914, C. W. JACKSON was elected to office) Louis GRIESE (second term) in 1916; J. C. WILLARD in 1918; W. C. RUNGE in 1922; and L. E. SCHWAAB in 1926. The clerks in regular order of succession were: L. T. BISHOP; D. M. JACKSON; L. K. HOWE; H. C. BADE; L. T. BISHOP (second term) in 1881; H. C. BADE (second term) in 1883; G. L. GILMAN in 1887; G. A. ALBRECHT in 1890; T. F. ACKERMAN in 1895; Herman LUEDKE in 1896; T. F. VOLK in 1899; C. W. JACKSON in 1908. Mr. JACKSON resigned in 1912 and Herman LUEDKE was appointed to fill the vacancy and has continued as city clerk since that time. The first council included - First Ward - B. L. NUTT and G. WEBER. Second Ward - August SCHIEBE and D. S. BAGLEY. Mr. NUTT resigned on July 3, 1877. Henry BOECHER was appointed to fill the vacancy and was elected alderman at a special election held in July of that year. The present council comprises the following aldermen: First Ward - C. F. LAHL and O. R. POKEL. Second Ward - W. F. PIEPKORN and Allen R. WADE. The present city hall and engine house was erected in 1893. Before that time council meetings were held at different places. MUNICIPAL WATER PLANT The city owns and operates the water plant, which was recommended by the council the year previous. Early in the spring of 1901 the pipes for the water system were laid and a well drilled to a depth of 467 feet. The power house was erected among the stately trees on the bank of the MULLET river at the west end of the city, on grounds formerly occupied by William SCHWARTZ's flour mill. After a satisfactory test, the city purchased the plant, a franchise having been granted by the city council in 1900, for the municipally-owned water plant costing about $70,000. Water is pumped from the well to a reservoir located on the hill west of the city and having a capacity of 12,000 barrels. There is a constant pressure of 86 pounds in the downtown section of the city, providing unexcelled fire protection. In front of the power house is a Municipal Skat fountain which originated with Charles PFEIFER when he was mayor of the city. After a very successful skat tournament which resulted in a net profit of over $1,000, Mayor PFEIFER suggested that the skat club donate one half of the money to be used for a fountain. The magnificent piece of sculpture was unveiled and dedicated by the Plymouth Skat Club on Sunday, August 18, 1907. Herr SKAT, noted sports writer for the Milwaukee Sentinel, delivered a stirring address upon this auspicious occasion. Mr. PFEIFER has always been a patriotic citizen of Plymouth and has done much to advance the interests of the community. During his administration as mayor, a great portion of the sidewalks was laid and streets were improved. It is claimed that Plymouth is the first city in Wisconsin to pave its streets with reinforced concrete. For many years Mr. PFEIFER owned and conducted a drug store in Plymouth, taking over the first drug store established in that place by a man named DREHER. While his son, Fred J., was attending the university at Madison, he sent many old relics, which had been in use in the drug store for half a century, to be placed in the historic drug store established at Madison by the State Historical society. BEAUTIFUL "CITY PARK" Plymouth maintains the "City Park," a beautiful recreational spot of twenty acres situated on Geneva street at the north side of the city, on Highway 57 leading to Elkhart Lake. The park is provided with both city water and spring water. The grounds are covered with a healthy growth of beautiful trees, mainly maple, and the others oak. Playgrounds are provided for the children, and a camp site for tourists. The camp site is equipped with cooking facilities, including the free use of stoves and wood, free telephones service to the city, and free charcoal for roasting bratwurst or other meats. The grounds and buildings are well illuminated with electric lights, altogether forming an inviting spot for the residents of the city and vicinity, as well as for tourists passing through that section. In contrast with the foregoing, it may interest many people to know that in 1859 there were frosts every month in the town of Plymouth, killing frosts occurring on July 4, and on August 28 and 29. In 1860, spring wheat and all seeding was finished by March 10. Many years ago an Evangelical Lutheran church stood on the site near the present high school. The Rev. Mr. OFF was the last pastor of this church before the congregation disbanded. The original house of worship was moved off the grounds to the north end of the city, where it was remodeled for dwelling purposes. Among the prominent business men of Plymouth whose names do not appear in the regular review of the city, may be mentioned. Ernst KAESTNER, pioneer shoe dealer, who started in business in the year 1850. He passed away on April 16, 1856, after which the boot and show business was carried on by his son, Louis. Another son, William C., died in October 1887. The two-story brick building erected by Mr. KAESTNER is still one of the substantial business blocks on East Mill street. Another man prominent in the upbuilding of the retail section of Plymouth was H. C. LAACK, who after his father's death continued the hardware business by adding a stock of dry goods and groceries, and for a number of years this store was one of the largest and best arranged in Sheboygan county. In 1889 he built the first unit of the brick building located at the southwest corner of East Mill and Stafford streets, and after his death the widow had a large addition built part of which became the Hotel LAACK. HUB CITY RESTAURANT One of the popular restaurants and boarding house in Plymouth is the Hub City Restaurant, located at the corner of North and East Mill streets, on the site of the former Quitquioc hotel. This place for a number of years has been owned and conducted by Gustave MOHS, son of Henry MOHS, Sr., a pioneer settler of the town of Plymouth. Excellent home-cooked meals by Mrs. MOHS, are served together with lunches at popular prices. Arno, a son assists in conducting the business. No other location within the city limits has a more interesting history than this corner. The records show that the first transfer of this property was made on May 28, 1846, at which time William HUEPPSCHEN paid the government $50 for 40 acres of land. In 1851 Martin M. FLINT acquired the title by paying $300., and it was he who built what was known as the Quitquioc House, which soon after he sold to Henry P. DAVIDSON who in turn transferred the property to Henry I. DAVIDSON. In October, 1854, Lucy BOWMAN became owner and held title until December 13, 1882, when she sold the property to Joseph L. SANTEE. SANTEE sold to George W. BRADFORD in October, 1887, and in January 1893, Henry C. LAACH (sic) purchased the property. Otto O. H. CARTHAUS then took possession of the hotel and during his occupancy fire destroyed the third floor of the building, which was used as a dance hall. On October 23, 1912 Philip J. OTT bought the hotel and property with the intention of moving in, but a sad tragedy soon after he purchased the hotel prevented it. Gustave MOHS bought the property on November 27, 1914, paying $12,300. In 1924 he erected the two-story brick building which he now occupies as a restaurant. It is interesting to note that a lot, 60 by 70 feet, a small part of the land which was originally bought for $50., was sold recently for the sum of $13,000, and that the remaining land with improvements is now worth approximately $25,000. Since the first deed was recorded, there have been 101 different papers recorded relating to this property. These papers include deeds, mortgages, wills and other papers appertaining to transfers. PLYMOUTH PHARMACY The Plymouth Pharmacy is successor to the first drug store established in the city of Plymouth. The business was started long before the Civil war by Dr. DREHER at the corner of Caroline and East Mill streets. Charles PFEIFER owned it for a number of years and sold it to a man named JENNINGS who in turn sold it to DAHLHEIDER. Later Robert FISCHER bought the business and moved the stock to the present building located at 522 East Mill street. George C. KNOBLAUCH, the present proprietor, purchased the store three years ago. In addition to the regular line of drugs, the Plymouth Pharmacy deals in toilet preparations and toilet articles, kodaks, novelties, cigars and tobacco. B. A. GAFFRON B. A. GAFFRON, in point of continuous years in business, is the oldest hardware dealer in Plymouth. He started in business about 1888, forming a partnership with William EBERHARDT, and opening a store in the building now occupied by the KEGLER Memorial Works. In 1890, he bought out his partner and continued the hardware business alone until about 1895 when he formed a partnership with William TROWBRIDGE and together they purchased the stock of the H. C. LAACK hardware store, which was located in the building now occupied by the Princess motion picture theatre. In 1898 F. KOHL was taken into partnership and the firm name was changed to that of GAFFRON, TROWBRIDGE & KOHL Co. At the time the firm added a line of farm machinery to the regular hardware line. Soon after the firm removed to the building in which BADE's drug store is now located. In 1903, Mr. GAFFRON and O. LEIFER formed a partnership and acquired the business which they carried on in a building located at the northeast corner of Division and East Mill streets. In 1920, this partnership was dissolved, Mr. GAFFRON taking over the hardware and Mr. LEIFER the tin shop. Mr. GAFFRON removed his stock in the building he now occupies at 402 East Mill street in 1925. Besides carrying a complete stock of general hardware, Mr. GAFFRON deals in stoves and ranges, paints and oils and a general line of builder's tools. A. C. BESSERDICH A. C. BESSERDICH, confectioner and dealer in novelties, chinaware, fruits, cigars and tobacco, at 217 East Main street, Plymouth, became identified with this business in 1906 when he took nover the store formerly occupied by Peter ARNHOLDT. Mr. BESSERDICH carries an unusually large and diversified stock of merchandise, considering the size of his store, and enjoys a liberal patronage by people living in the city of Plymouth andd vicinity. In his stock of novelties may be found a variety of useful and ornamental articles made of wood, china and metal. EMMET W. MILLER The Emmet W. MILLER company was established in Plymouth in 1921 and started business as agents of the Chevrolet automobile in the Odd Fellows block on East Mill street. When the Chevrolet agency was sold, the Emmet W. MILLER Co. became authorized agents in that territory for the Hudson, Essex and Chrysler automobiles, which they have handled for the past two years. The salesrooms and service station is located at the southwest corner of East Mill and Milwaukee streets, where in addition to the automobiles the company deals in batteries, auto parts and accessories and radios. The service department is in charge of competent mechanics and patrons are assured of satisfactory repairing. Prior to going into the automobile business, Mr. MILLER, for eight years had been in the employ of the STOLPER Bros. company and for two years with the Auto Supply company of Plymouth. He is a native of Plymouth, is well and favorably known in that locality. BADGER CEMENT TILE CO. One of the most important as well as one of the fast growing industries in Plymouth is that of the Badger Cement Tile company, which was organized and incorporated in 1920. The company occupies both buildings formerly used as the box factory on Western avenue, directly west of the C. M. & St. P. right-of-way. Starting business in a comparatively small way making drain tile, the Badger Cement Tile Co. has extended the scope of its lines to cast stone building trim, for which there is a rapidly growing demand throughout the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well. President - J. E. CURTISS Secretary-Treasurer - A. E. BROKER ALVIN F. ACKERMAN Alvin F. ACKERMAN has been identified with the drug business in Plymouth for 27 years, having bought a half interest at that time in the CORBETT Drug company. The drug store was originally established by Prof. BRIER, who was succeeded in business by Charles FABER. The latter moved into the LAACK building soon after it was completed. CORBETT & CORBETT later purchased the business, which they carried on for a few years when Clark JACKSON became financially interested in what was then known as the CORBETT Drug company. Twelve years ago Mr. ACKERMAN became sole owner of the drug store. Besides being a registered pharmacist, Mr. ACKERMAN is also a graduate registered optician in Wisconsin. In addition to his regular line of drugs, toilet articles and kindred lines, Mr. ACKERMAN has the exclusive agencies in that territory for Dr. ROBERTS remedies and the EASTMAN kodak. His son Carl, who served his apprenticeship under him, and who is now a registered pharmacist, is manager of one of the WAHLGREN chain of drug stores. PRINCESS AND MAJESTIC THEATERS That the residents of Plymouth and vicinity are provided with best showing of films produced, is due to the progressiveness and enterprise of E. PELLETTIERI, who, on November 1, 1926, took over the Princess and the Majestic motion picture houses in that city. Prior to coming to Plymouth, Mr. PELLETTIERI had long experience in the motion picture business, having conducted houses at Algoma and Oconto for a number of years. At his theatres, he runs the films produced by First National, Paramount and Metro-Goldwyn. MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO. One of the most substantial mutual fire insurance companies in Wisconsin is the Mutual Fire Insurance company of Plymouth, which was organized in 1894. The company confines its operation exclusively to the city of Plymouth, and is controlled and operated entirely by local people. The business is conducted at a minimum cost, the report for 1926, indicating that the annual expense, including fire losses paid and salaries, was only $3,377.75. The officers of the company are as follows: Chas. PFEIFER - president; R. A. BADE, vice-president; William THURMAN, secretary; M. M. HAND, treasurer. These and Messrs. A. F. SELM, W. L. KAESTNER, and O. A. SCHIEBE form the board of directors. E. F. EICHENBERGER The "Shoe Hospital" at Plymouth was started by E. F. EICHENBERGER, in 1916. Originally there were four brothers who started a shoe factory on Main street, Plymouth, in 1901. Five years later, E. F. and his brother, August, bought the interest which their two brothers, A. J. and E. J. had in the shoe factory, and carried on the business until 1916, when E. F. EICHENBERGER became sole owner. The place of business was moved to a building on the north side of East Mill street, where a repair shop was continued by E. F. up to the present time. Five years ago, he added a line of footwear for the entire family. One son, Gaylord, is associated with his father in the "Shoe Hospital" and Orel, another son, is now taking a course in chiropody with the intention of establishing himself in Plymouth after he completes this course. A. J. EICHENBERGER & SON A. J. EICHENBERGER, senior member of the above named firm of shoe dealers in Plymouth, came from a family of boot and shoe makers, his father, grandfather and great grandfather, and even his great grandmother having been in the same business in Switzerland. He was one of four brothers already mentioned as having started a shoe factory in Plymouth in 1901. After the four brothers dissolved partnership, A. J. started a cobbling shop in what was known as the post office building, located on East Mill street. He disposed of this shop in 1905 and spent about a year in Europe. After he returned in October of that year, he started another repair shop on East Mill street. One year later he moved to his present quarters at 115 East Mill street, where he added a shoe stock to his repairing business. In 1926, he took his son Niles into partnership and the firm name was changed to that of A. J. EICHENBERGER & SON. This firm claims to have the second largest shoe stock in Sheboygan county. MEYER'S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP The MEYER's Automotive Repair Shop at Plymouth, was started on January 7, this year, by Milton H. MEYER, in a building located on the east side of Caroline street between East Mill and Main streets, opposite the CURTISS hotel. Mr. MEYER, for more than eight years, has been employed as mechanic in motor service shops in this city. This experience qualifies him as a competent automobile repair man, and his services are sought by many owners of motor cars.