website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Kusel’s
website
D. & F. Kusel's of Watertown
207
E Main
108-112
W Main
Celebrating over 150 years
In 1849, Kusel Equipment Co. started in business
The
hardware business and the manufacturing business separated into two entities in
1938.
The
hardware store continued at 108 W. Main St,
while
the dairy equipment business moved to 100 W. Milwaukee St
1916 note: Built by Ferdinand Behlke, General Contractor
1849
When
Daniel Kusel, Sr. immigrated to the United States from Grabow, Germany in 1849,
one would wonder if he had any idea that the small tinsmith business he began
would continue to be a thriving corporation over 150 years later.
Daniel
Kusel, Sr. served his tinsmith apprenticeship in Germany, Denmark, and Russia
before establishing a business in Germany in 1836 as a "manufacturer of
tin and brass goods." Because of
the 1848 Revolution in Germany, in 1849, one year after Wisconsin was admitted
into the Union, Kusel came to the United States with his wife and four
children, bringing $3,000 in gold with him.
Kusel
reestablished himself in the tinware business upon his arrival in Watertown,
Wisconsin, later including the manufacture of copper and sheet-iron
products. Kusel also entered the
hardware business almost immediately.
At one
point in his first years in the city, Kusel considered moving to Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, but was persuaded to stay in Watertown by his friend, Carl Schurz. Kusel
was involved in community activities, as well as being instrumental in
establishing Northwestern College
(presently Luther Preparatory School) in Watertown.
In
1864 two of Daniel Kusel Sr.'s sons, Frederick
and Daniel H. renamed the company as "D & F Kusel", becoming
incorporated in 1897.
The
hardware business and the manufacturing business separated into two entities in
1938. The hardware store continued at
Kusel
Hardware was the oldest continuous operating hardware store in Wisconsin. This business was sold to Frank and Sue Witt
in 1972 and closed in May 1985.
On
Dairy
equipment has long been the backbone of Kusel. The 1960's marked the beginning
of diversification in product lines.
Diversification began with material handling equipment used to palletize
and depalletize cans, cases, bottles, and bags.
In
1984 Kusel added stainless steel floor drains to their product line. Because of
their sanitary design, these drains are used in the dairy, meat, wine,
pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food processing industries.
A 1994
addition to Kusel Equipment Co. has been food processing equipment, through the
acquisition of select assets of Starr, Inc. of Hustisford. The product line
includes waterless peelers/scrubbers, water vapor cookers, conveyors, and size
graders.
The
most recent addition has been the 2003 acquisition of select assets of Vorton, Inc. of Beloit, WI.
Vortron is a leading manufacturing of
smokehouses used in the meat industry.
The firm was established in a
small frame building 14x48 feet, on the
site of the former Bott building.
_________________________________________________________________
c.1850
Original
Kusel Hardware was located at 104 W. Main
08 18 LANTERNS FOR
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Account introduced against the
city General Fund: D. and F. Kusel for
lanterns, $7 WD
1865
08 31 F. F. SMITH’S PATENT
“CAST-CAST-STEEL” TURF AND STUBBLE PLOWS
It will last from three to six times longer than any other steel plow
made anywhere by anybody. This has often
been proved by actual use in “gritty” soils, occasionally to be found on the
margins of streams in the West, in which sheet-steel Plows have been habitually
“cut through” in plowing eighty acres or less, it having already plowed over
three hundred acres of the same soil without yet being half worn.
It
will “scour” in the most difficult soils, where all other plows have
failed. If there is a rod of ground
anywhere in which it will not scour, we have yet to find it.
It
draws lighter than any other plow while cutting the same width and depth.
It
plows at any depth, from three to twelve inches, works perfectly in either
stubble or turf, leaves a clean furrow, and turns under stubble and foul trash
completely.
For sale only by D. & F. Kusel, dealers in all kinds of hardware,
cutlery, stoves and agricultural implements, Watertown, Wis. WD
Cross Reference: Google
Books citation, on these plows
1866 D.
& F. Kusel on BOTH E Main and W Main
Someone
might raise a question about Kusel's being next to Schempf's on E Main and
think it should be that Kusel's was on the other side of the bridge, on West
Main, nowhere near to being next to Schempf's.
D. & F. Kusel was actually on
both E Main and W Main in the early days, as noted in the 1866-67 and 1872
Watertown City Directorys
Dan
and Fred Kusel were in business with Henry Winkenwerder (this spelling is
correct) on East Main before it became simply Winkenwerder's. The 97 E Main address is the street numbering
of those days. Today it is 207. And this same city directory lists Schempf's
at 101 E Main (today 209 and 211), adjacent to Schempf's.
All is
fascinating but the combined structural changes plus address changes plus
occupants over time can make it a challenge to keep track of.
1876
07 03 D. & F. Kusel are making rapid progress with their
new building. When finished it will be
one of the finest business blocks in town.
WR or WD
1886
View
of, along Main St, including, Mrs. Daniel Kusel
1887
1800’s, late
W. J. Lee
conducted a barber shop and bath rooms on the site occupied by Kusel &
Kusel, plumbers
c.1890
This saloon and billiard hall
stood next to (west side of) the Kusel Hardware Store.
1891
03 04 SILVER
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Mr. and
Mrs. August F. Kusel celebrated their silver wedding Monday evening, at their
home in the Firth ward, a large company of relatives and friends uniting with
the happy couple in paying honor to the event.
07 08 THEFT
AT KUSEL’S
The
safe and vault in the store of D. & F. Kusel was broken open Thursday night
and robbed of about $100, consisting of pennies, nickles
and other small change. Some $40 in
paper currency was overlooked by the burglars.
The store was entered from the basement and the lock sprung by drilling,
the work showing the deft hand of experts.
A
burglar-proof safe in the vault was not meddled with. Papers were scattered, envelopes broken open
and things in the vault left in a rather chaotic state.
Repairing
the locks of the vault will involve a loss of about $50.
There
is no clue to the robbers and although it must of necessity have taken some
time to do the work they accomplished, the watchman did not notice anything
unusual about the premises on the night of the robbery.
1892
11 18 MAN
ROBBED KUSEL’S
In
Milwaukee last week a man giving his name as Frank Reilly was sentenced to 10
years in the state prison for robbing a man in that city. While in the custody of the Milwaukee
officers he admitted that he robbed D.& F. Kusel’s store in this city a few
weeks ago. WG
1894
Columbia and Victor bicycles
1895
02 06 Hardware
stock of E. A. Heck sold to D & F Kusel WR
02 27 E.
C. SAVAGE
E. C.
Savage, late of Milwaukee, has located here established himself with D. &
F. Kusel and in the steam and hot-water, heating business, into which they will
go extensively. Mr. Savage is thoroughly
competent in this line, and no doubt the new departure will prove beneficial to
all concerned. WR
03 06 Mention
made that Fellermann & Fischer mercantile business, 106 W Main, made possible by Messrs.
Kusels spacious new building WR
Drawing, 108-110 W Main, on left, 1895
12 25 KUSEL’S
INSTALLS WATERWORKS AT JEFFERSON COURT HOUSE
The
system of waterworks at the court house, which was ordered by the county board
at its last session, and of which we made mention in a previous issue, has
finally been completed to the satisfaction of the building committee. By changing the pump, the Rider hot air
engine, which Messrs. D. & F. Kusel of Watertown furnished, now pumps from
700 to 900 galIons per hour, according to the speed,
into the 200 barrel tank located in the attic of the court house. Although this large quantity of water is
taken from the well, it still continues to flow at the surface, which is
certainly an indication that the county will have ample water for many years to
come. Messrs. D. & F. Kusel deserve
the highest praise for the perfect manner in which they have installed the
whole system at the court house and jail.
As a matter of fire protection alone to these important buiIdings, the installation of this system is invaluable
and its cheapness in cost and efficiency of service reflects high credit upon
our county board and upon the contractors, although the latter, owing to the
error in calculation at first made by the engine company, will probably come
out behind in their figures. Jefferson Banner. WR
1898
04 06 NORCROSS
BUTTER SEPARATOR
DON"T MISS FAIR DAY Tuesday,
April 12. One of the most interesting
features of the day will be an exhibition, at Kusel's Hardware Store, of the
Norcross Butter Separator, a scientific wonder invented in 1897. It is not a cream separator nor a churn, but
a simple machine which removes the pure butter oils from the sweet cream or
milk, or from sour cream. When sweet
milk or cream is operated the buttermilk left is not buttermilk at all, but
sweet cream or milk still, fit for all table, cooking and feeding purposes. Remember the time, 2 P.M. WR
1899
05 16 MILK
PURIFIER ON DISPLAY
F .J. Wenker completed one of his
inventions and has had it on exhibition at D. & F. Kusel's store. The machine is a milk purifier by which all
impurities, such as animal heat, etc., are taken away and only the pure and
valuable stuff remains. The machine is
certainly a good one and Mr. Wenker should make a success of it. WR
06 27 CELEBRATE
50TH ANNIVERSARY
It gives us pleasure to make note
of the fact Monday, June 26, 1899, marked the 50th anniversary of the entry
into business of the firm now styled as the D. & F. Kusel Company. Even this bare fact would be of importance if
no auspicious circumstances were linked with the event, but when it is also to
be recorded that each succeeding year has brought to the business additional
success and growth, until now the firm is now one of the best known and most
extensive in its line, in the entire state, it renders the event all the more
noteworthy and pleasing to patrons and friends.
Fifty years ago the business was established by Daniel Kuse[ the
venerable father of the two elder members of the present firm, D. H. and Fred Kusel.
on a small basis, but year by year it has increased and multiplied and today
easily ranks as the largest hardware concern in Wisconsin outside of
Milwaukee. WR
06 30 KUSEL FAMILY
CONGRATULATED ON 50th
In our last issue we referred to
the coming semi centennial celebration of the hardware business of the D. &
F. Kusel Co., of this city, which was celebrated on Monday last at their place
of business on West Main Street. Their
store windows were prettily decorated in honor of the event, the pictures of
the founder of the business, Daniel Kusel, Sr., father of D. & F. Kusel,
and of the two latter having conspicuous places among the decorations. All day long the members of this popular
mercantile house were subjects of congratulations, and their store was crowded
with a constant stream of visitors who called to extend their best wishes for
the future success and popularity of the company. The details of the organization of this
business down to the present time were published in our last issue, hence it is
unnecessary to repeat them. Our citizens
all take a just pride in the success of this old and reliable business house,
and hope that when the hundredth anniversary arrives, it will be found even
more prosperous and popular than it is at present. WG
c.1899
1900
06 05 AUTOMATIC
TIRE INFLATER
Bicycle
riders find the automatic tire inflater which the D. & F. Kusel Company
have placed in front of their store a very handy device. It requires a “penny in the slot” to make its
work, but it beats anything heretofore contrived for the rather laborious task
of "pumping up” tires. The machine
forces air into the tire by means of carbonic gas. WR
1908
07 10 SECURED
CONTRACT
D.
& H. Kusel secured
contract for placing the new roof on the Phoenix
engine house. WG
Harry
Leschinger learned plumbing trade from Kusel’s in
1908.
1909
02 06 CELEBRATE
60th ANNIVERSARY
The hardware firm of the D. and
F. Kusel Co. are making extensive preparations to celebrate next week the 60th
anniversary of their business career in this city. Sixty years ago next Monday the firm was established in a small frame
building 14x48 feet and, step by step, it grew to its present magnificent
proportions. WG
07 02 60 YEARS IN
BUSINESS
It is not often that we find a mercantile
firm celebrating its 60th anniversary of its business life, but such is the lot
of the D. & F. Kusel Co. of this city, hardware merchants doing business at
108, 110, 112 West Main Street, which started a week’s special sale last
Saturday evening in honor of the event.
On June 26, 1849, Daniel Kusel,
father of Daniel and Frederick Kusel,
present members of the firm, embarked in the business which has grown to such
large proportions. He was born in
Germany in 1811 and, tiring of the revolution of 1848 in Germany, he came to
American and located in this city and opened a small tin shop and dealt in
stoves in a small building on the present site of the firm’s business on June
26, 1849. From time to time he added
different lines of hardware and guided the destiny of the firm till it became
one of the largest and most successful hardware houses in Wisconsin, retiring
from active business in 1864, when his sons, Daniel and Frederick Kusel, were
taken into the business under the firm name of D. & F. Kusel Co.
The senior Mr. Kusel was a man of
industry and honesty and dealt generously with all his customers, hence his
success in life. His sons were endowed
with the same spirit and hand in hand they have worked together through life
and success has been theirs to a most eminent degree in both a business way and
their social standing in the community.
Their father passed to his reward
on February 22, 1905, lamented by our entire community as one of the best men
that ever lived here. During his long
business career in Watertown no one appealing for help was ever turned away
with a deaf ear and many a struggling farmer and business man was given
encouragement in a financial as well as an advisory manner that led them on to
success.
Kusel’s store was known far and
wide in early days and its popularity continues to the present day, till today
its wares are shipped all over the state.
It does a general hardware, plumbing and tin roofing business and deals
extensively in dairy supplies. Aside
from the honorable methods always prevailing in this business house, there was
always the most cordial greeting and courtesy extended to every customer, no
matter how trivial the purchase, and this extended from the head of the firm to
the lowest salaried helpmate about the place.
In 1897 D. & F. Kusel
incorporated under the firm name of The D. & F. Kusel Co., capitalized at
$50,000, the stock being all held by members of the family, the present
officers of the company being:
President and Treasurer: Daniel H. Kusel;
Vice-President: Frederick Kusel;
Secretary: Louis Kusel;
Theodore Kusel and Daniel Kusel
are also stockholders in the company.
Daniel H. Kusel is a native of
Doenitz, Mecklenburg, Germany, where he was born February 28, 1838, and came to
Watertown with his parents in 1849 and learned the tinner’s trade, which he
worked at till he became a member of the firm.
He is at present interested in several local enterprises besides his
hardware business and is a large stockholder and vice-president of the
Merchant’s National Bank. In 1862 he was
elected alderman of the 5th ward.
Fred.
Kusel was born at the same place in Germany in 1839 and came to America
with his parents and learned his father’s business. The breaking out of the Civil War found him
in Texas working at his trade and he returned home and enlisted in and
recruited with C. A. Menges Co. B, 20th Wisconsin Infantry, being commissioned
first lieutenant. He took part in many
important battles and was wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove. At Carrolton he was taken ill and sent home
on furlough. Later on he went to Madison
for medical examination and was told his recovery was doubtful. He resigned his commission in October,
1863. He has been honored with many
local offices of honor and trust—mayor, alderman and supervisor, and also state
senator, all of which offices he filled with credit to all concerned. He is a prominent member of the G.A.R. and is
never happier than when he is associating with his old comrades.
The present prosperous condition
of the firm, its extensive trade, and its uniform courtesy and honorable
business methods bids fair to look forward to a like celebration 60 years
hence, and there are no doubt residents of our city today who will live to join
in celebrating the event . . . WG
1910
02 18 Theodore Kusel and wife return to city to
reside WG
1911
A FAVORITE BASE BURNER FOR HOME HEATING 108-112 W Main
Watertown Weltburger, 09 30 and 11 11
1912
04 18 KUSEL
& KUSEL PLUMBING at 119 W Main
Kusel
& Kusel is the name of the new plumbing firm just opened for business at 119 West Main Street. It is composed of two of Watertown's most
popular men, Art Kusel, son of Fred. Kusel, and Oscar Kusel, son of August
Kusel. Both are experts in the plumbing
line and they carry a large stock of everything in the plumbing line. Any work entrusted to them, their patrons may
rest assured, will be well attended to.
WG
MAJESTIC STOVES AND COOKWARE
09 14 
1913
01 16 PLUMBING
NOTICE at 119 W Main
Arthur H. Kusel is
now engaged in the plumbing business at 119 West Main Street, as successor to
Kusel & Kusel, and has a first-class plumber to attend all work. Estimates furnished on all jobs. Work guaranteed. WG
1914
10 24 FARE-REFUNDING SALE, full
page Weltburger ad
1915 Death of
Arthur H. Kusel, son of Fred Kusel, brother of Theodore and Walter, sister
of Mrs. Paul Valerius, Chicago.
‘
c.1915
-- -- INTERIOR
VIEW, 108-112 West Main
-- -- MAJESTIC
RANGES ON DELIVERY WAGON
Watertown
or area community. Store fronts do not
seem to match with Watertown. Kusel’s
Hardware had built up a large stove business in Watertown that included the
Majestic brand
c.1920s
1921
Fourth of July
1936
07 04 FLOAT IN CENTENNIAL PARADE
1941
12 10 Found: A SANTA CLAUS HEAVIER THAN ALTON F. GRITZNER
It is Roy G. Sell who tips the scales at 330
lbs. Mr. Sell is appearing here at the
store of the D & F Kusel Co. He will
be there Saturday and every evening next week.
1949
03 10 The Kusel Dairy Equipment Co., 100 West
Milwaukee Street, which supplies a large share of the nation's cheese factories
and dairy plants with equipment, recently installed a new square shear which is
used to cut steel and which does it so accurately and well that it can be
gauged down to the smallest fraction of an inch. The company, which is an outgrowth of the D. & F. Kusel Co. here, which, by
the way, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer, is now completely
independent of the original company which maintains its hardware establishment
in West Main Street. The dairy equipment company was
separated and reorganized about 11 years ago. [1938 ]
WDT
03
28 Watertown
Daily Times
Kusel Dairy Equipment Is
Used Throughout Nation
Watertown Concern Produces Variety Of Metal Articles
The
Kusel Dairy Equipment Co.,
The
company which is an outgrowth of the D. & F. Kusel Co. here which by the
way , will celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer, is now completely
independent of the original company which maintains its hardware establishment
in West Main Street. The dairy equipment
company was separated and reorganized about 11 years ago.
Officers
of the company are Daniel (Dick) Kusel, president; Clark F. Derleth, vice
president; and Daniel L. Kusel, secretary-treasurer.
The
company manufactures a variety of dairy equipment such as vats, cheese presses,
agitators, pasteurizers and any number of minor items used in the dairy
industry.
State Best Customer
While
the company ships to and supplies plants in many parts of the country the bulk
of its products are used here in Wisconsin which is a leading dairy state. There is scarcely a section of the state
where the Kusel products have not been installed and in use. The name Kusel has become firmly established
in the industry and its products are known far and wide for their good quality
and the backing of the concern that manufactures them
Some
of its tin plate is imported from England, because England provides larger
sheets than are obtainable here. But on the
whole only American products are used.
At
present the company has some 25 men working in its shops turning out the
products. The latest equipment and
methods are used and every effort is made to improve production methods and
products wherever possible.
Output Increased
Installation
of the square shear is the latest example of that policy. It has increased the output of its particular
job and produces the most efficient and accurate results. It employs a beam of light in its operation
which establishes the utmost accuracy.
The
shear is constructed so that it offers the fullest possible safety to
operators. It is the first device of its
kind in the area
Officials
of the Kusel Dairy Equipment Company are always on the alert for new ideas and
methods to increase the quality and efficiency of their product. Many of the workers have been with the
company for many years. William Frish, a
native of Illinois but who has spent many years in Wisconsin is the shop
superintendent and the company has surrounded him with men qualified in their
field to turn out the best products that can be made and which are helping
carry the name of Watertown far and wide, wherever dairy and cheese factory
equipment is installed and used.
1954
-- WATERTOWN
CENTENNIAL PARADE
1957
1964 Daniel Jr., in company with his brother
Fred, purchased their father’s business in 1864.
01 20 THE “BIGGEST CHEESE”
Watertown is playing a
part in the production of the “biggest cheese” ever turned out in Wisconsin
which will constitute the Wisconsin exhibit at the New York World’s Fair which
opens on April 22. A special cheese vat,
produced in Watertown at the plant of the Kusel Dairy Equipment Co., forms part
of the production equipment which will be required to turn out the cheese. Work on the huge cheese weighing 17 tons, the
largest ever produced in the state, is due to begin tonight at the plant of
Steve’s Cheese Co. in Denmark, Wis., a community of some 1,000 persons, located
12 miles from Green Bay in Brown County.
WDT
07 12 IRENE BLAIR RETIREMENT
Miss Irene C. Blair,
308 Lafayette Street, was guest of honor last night at a dinner at the Legion
Green Bowl to mark her retirement as bookkeeper for the D. & F. Kusel
Co. The affair was attended by 19
members of the Kusel organization, including officers and employees of the
company. Miss Blair, who began working
at the Kusel Co. store in 1920, recently retired and the party in her honor was
arranged for last night. Officers of the
company and her fellow workers joined in paying tribute to her long years of
service to the company. WDT
1965
06 24 116th ANNIVERSARY SALE
The D. & F. Kusel
Co., 108 West Main Street, tomorrow will begin its 116th anniversary sale which
will continue through July 3. The sale
will be store-wide. The company operates Wisconsin’s oldest hardware store, now
owned and managed by the fourth generation of the Kusel family, a name
identified closely with the history of Watertown.
The Kusel company is
among the half dozen earliest and oldest business concerns in Watertown still
in operation. WDT
1967
12 19 NEW STORE FRONT
A beautiful and modern
new front now sets off the building of the D. & F. Kusel Company hardware
store. The work on the project was
recently completed with the final trim placed on the new front. New windows flush with the front of the
building have been placed in aluminum frames.
Above the windows is an attractive gold colored column of anodized
aluminum. This is set off with an eight foot canopy.
1970
Watertown High School Industrial Exhibit
event
_________________________________________________________________
1957
1958
06 17 109th anniversary observed WDT
1959
06 05 110th anniversary observed; plans for
major anniversary sale. WDT
1960
06 11 The D. & F. Kusel Co., Wisconsin’s oldest hardware store,
now in operation by the fourth generation of the Kusel Family, is observing its
111th year and will mark the event with a special storewide anniversary sale
starting tomorrow. The D. & F. Kusel
Co. is among the half dozen oldest business concerns in Watertown still in
operation. The Kusel Company and name
have been identified with the history and growth of Watertown as a
community. What is today the D. & F.
Kusel Co. was founded here in June 1849 by Daniel Kusel Sr., and is now
operated by the fourth generation of his family. It is a record which few business concerns
dare even hope to achieve, much less realize.
WDT
1963
01 21 Plans
for a shopping center in Watertown have developed to the point where it now appears
almost certain that the project will materialize. The deal for the purchase of
14 1/2 acres of land on South Church Street has been completed. The First Evangelical Church of Christ,
Evangelical and Reformed, which owns the site, has closed a deal with James L.
Frisch, Milwaukee shopping center developer.
The church purchased the property last August from the Kusel Dairy
Equipment Company, which had owned the land for a good many years. In addition to the 14 1/2 acres which will be
utilized for the proposed shopping center, the congregation also purchased
three other acres from the Kusel firm.
WDT
11 18 Edward
E. Schoechert, 806 Cole Street, has rounded out 50
years of service with the D. and F. Kusel Co.
To mark the occasion, he was honored at a dinner party tendered him by
the company. This was held at
Chauncey’s, Pipersville. Attending were
21 persons, his employers, fellow employees and their husbands and wives. Mr. Schoechert, who
is sales manager in charge of hardware and major appliances, joined the company
in 1913 and has been with them continuously except for a year when he served
with the Armed Forces in World War I. He
has been considered one of the best hardware men in the state. WDT
1964
07 03 CALLIOPE FEATURED IN PARADE
A
genuine old-time calliope will be in Watertown’s July Fourth celebration
parade. The appearance of the calliope
is being sponsored by the D. and F. Kusel Co., in connection with the company’s
115th anniversary as a Watertown business concern. It is the oldest hardware store in the
state. The calliope will be drawn by
four miniature ponies.
1967
09 19 118th
ANNIVERSARY
The D. & F. Kusel Co., Wisconsin’s oldest hardware
store, is observing its 118th birthday and has arranged a special store-wide
anniversary sale which is now on and which runs through July 1st. The Kusel company is among the half dozen
earliest and oldest business concerns in Watertown still in operation. The Kusel Company and name have been
identified with the history and growth of Watertown as a community. What is today the D. & F. Kusel Co. was
founded here in June, 1849 by Daniel Kusel Sr., and is now operated by the
fourth generation of his family. Today
the store is the oldest hardware concern in Wisconsin and one of the most
widely known. Its name has long been a
household word. WDT
1970
June NEW
BRIDAL REGISTRY SERVICE
1984
04 15 Valley Bank of
Watertown has purchased the Kusel [True Value] Hardware Store building,
located immediately west of the bank property on West Main Street. David Hansen, president of the bank, said the
purchase is subject to the lease agreement between Frank and Sue Witt and the
Kusel family, former owner of the building.
Hansen said the bank purchased the property for possible future
expansion. There are no immediate
expansion plans. WDT
1985
03 12 Kusel's True Value Hardware Store, 108
West Main Street, Watertown, will close in the coming months, Frank and Sue
Witt, owners of the business, announced today.
The business, one of the oldest in Watertown, was given authority by the
Watertown City Council Tuesday evening to hold a going out of business sale
starting next Monday and continuing until late May. Witt said the decision to close the store was
a difficult one but it will give him and his wife the time to place more
emphasis on their lock business. In
recent years the lock business has improved substantially, and the Witts plan
to continue that business in space in the Watertown Siding building four doors
to the west of Kusel's building. WDT
05 11 Valley
Bank of Watertown will construct a new banking facility on its West Main
Street property this summer, according to an announcement today by David M.
Hanson, president. The bank last year
acquired the Kusel Hardware Store property which is located immediately to the
west of the present bank building and the new facility will be located on the
Kusel property. When completed, the bank
will be to the west of a park-like area on which the current bank is
located. Frank and Sue Witt, owners of
the Kusel business, announced earlier this year that they would be closing the
business late this month. WDT
05 14 When Kusel's True Value Hardware Store
officially ceases operations at 2 p.m. May 25 it will mean more than the
closing of a simple hardware store, it will mark the end of Watertown's second
oldest business. Frank and Sue Witt,
owners of the 108 West Main Street store, announced in March they were going to
close the 135-year-old business. After
more than a dozen years in the business, the native Chicagoans decided they'd
rather operate a small locksmith store two doors to the west at 105 North Water
Street. It was not as if the Witts
wanted to close the store, Sue Witt said.
Instead, she said, it was a case where poor economic conditions forced
them to make the move. WDT
10 07 The
way has been cleared for the Valley Bank of Watertown to construct a new
building in Watertown. The bank has
received official notification from the Comptroller of Currency, central
district office, located in Chicago, that the bank's plans are not in violation
of banking regulations. With that issue
resolved, David M. Hanson, president of the bank, said the $1 million project
should get under way in the near future.
Hanson said, “Within the next week demolition of the Kusel building
should get under way. That work is
expected to take about six weeks.”
WDT
10 30 The
back of the Kusel Building on West Main Street is shrinking by the day. There is no interior, unless you count the
floorboard and some scattered piping.
Even most of the large windows have been taken away. Work is continuing on the demolition of the
former Kusel Hardware Store, 108 West Main Street. The razing is being performed by Bob Coughlin
Contractors for Valley Bank, which plans to expand its operations at 104 West
Main Street. Once the demolition is
completed, a new Valley Bank will be built in its place. Then the current bank building will be razed
for some further expansion work and the creation of a park-like area bordering
the riverfront. WDT
1999
10
02 WDT
The
ability and foresight to change with the times has enabled Kusel Equipment Co.
to prosper after 150 years in business.
As the
oldest business in Watertown, it continues to serve customers by responding to
their needs with a diversity of new products for various markets.
The
company will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 9, with an open
house, demonstrations and refreshments at its plant at 820 West St.
The
business was started in 1849 as a tinsmith shop and then added a hardware store
and the manufacture of equipment for the dairy industry. The company is owned
by Gary R. and Jan Smith of Watertown who have been associated with the
business for 26 years.
Gary
R. Smith, president of the firm, said Kusel currently has four major product
lines - dairy equipment, material handling equipment, food processing equipment
and floor drains.
Click to enlarge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production
and sales of equipment for cheese plants have been the stalwart of the company
since its early years, he explained.
Customers
are worldwide with 25 to 30 percent of products exported. In recent years,
projects have been undertaken in counties such as Siberia, Ukraine, Trinidad,
South Korea, Australia, Poland and many Latin American countries. In sales to
third world countries, Kusel has gone back into its archives and used designs
considered obsolete in this country for 40 years.
Kusel
manufactures equipment used in the production of traditional American cheeses
such as cheddar, Colby and Monterey Jack as well as cottage cheese, mozzarella,
brick, Muenster and countless varieties of ethnic and regional cheeses. Cheeses
are made from the milk of cows as well as other animals including goat,
buffalo, yak, llama and sheep.
As
cheese plants grew in size, Kusel began manufacturing larger equipment. Fifty
to 100 years ago, most of the milk for cheese plants was supplied by farmers
within a few miles radius. These factories processed 5,000 to 20,000 pounds of
milk per day. Today, there are plants producing cheese using 3 million pounds
of milk per day. This increase in production has necessitated a dramatic
increase in the size of equipment. Kusel now manufactures finishing vats
measuring up to 60 feet in length.
The
hardware store originally imported dairy equipment from Europe and then began using
tinsmithing expertise in the manufacture of its own
equipment. After World War II, the use of stainless steel became commonplace,
and the company's dairyware changed from tin to
stainless. At the height of the dairy industry, there were over 3,000 cheese
producing plants in Wisconsin. Now the number of cheese plants in the state has
dwindled to less than 300.
The
material handling line of Kusel was added nearly 40 years ago and includes
highly sophisticated electronically controlled equipment to palletize and
de-palletize cans, cases, bottles and bags. The line owes its beginning to a
strong demand in the early 1960s for mechanized equipment to assist local
canneries. When the number of local canning plants began to decline in the
1970s, the company broadened its base nationally and then internationally.
Kusel's most successful designs are customized single units to fulfill specific
and unusual customer requirements. Units palletize cases of oil in Thailand,
sugar in Trinidad, paper products in the upper peninsula of Michigan, computer
software in Washington, and glassware in New York.
Kusel's
entry into the food processing equipment market began by using its stainless
steel workmanship in the Wisconsin and regional canning companies in the 1960s
and 1970s. In December of 1994, Kusel purchased the assets of Starr Inc. of
Hustisford and combined the two operations in Watertown. The acquisition
solidified the company's position in the food processing area.
Primary
products of this division include items such as waterless peelers/scrubbers,
water vapor cookers, conveyors, and size graders. The company has the ability
to produce single pieces of equipment or complete production lines.
"The
worldwide need for this line of equipment is very evident and the company is
devoting significant effort into further developing this growth market,"
said Smith. Equipment is used for the manufacture of potato chips, french fried potatoes, baby carrots, onions, corn for
tortilla chips, and nuts.
The
idea for the manufacture of stainless steel floor drains evolved from an
employee's trip to South Africa in the mid 1980s.
"This product fine has continued to expand and we are the manufacturer of
choice for leading companies in the dairy, meat, wine, pharmaceutical,
cosmetic, and food processing industry. Kusel was a pioneer in using stainless
steel in the production of floor drains and other related products, and has
received great market recognition because of the sanitary qualities of its
design. "We are equipped to rapidly respond to a customer's need for a
single drain as well as large projects," noted Smith.
"The
success of Kusel for 150 years has been possible only because of the company's
ability to change with the times. When Daniel Kusel Sr. began the business in
1849, his unique skill of tinsmithing was very
marketable. As times changed, Kusel changed, emphasizing different products.
The company's continued success has been possible only by listening to customer
needs and developing appropriate product lines," said Smith.
Today
Kusel Equipment Co. employs approximately 50 people with the average tenure of
employment 14 years. Employment longevity ranges from less than one year to 59
years.
Ronald
Millin, director of manufacturing, began his career with the company in 1940
and today, 59 years later, is still a strong part of the management team.
"The
dedication of Kusel employees throughout the 150 years has been the back- bone
of success. Kusel employees take pride
in their workmanship, their job responsibilities, and their community,"
said Smith.
The company has come a long way since its beginning in downtown
Watertown where tinsmith Daniel Kusel started the business on West Main Street
on June 22, 1849. Kusel was a tinsmith
in Grabow, Germany, before bringing his trade to Watertown. He soon added the
manufacture of copper and sheet-iron products along with the hardware business.
As an offshoot of its long experience in fabricating sheet metal, the company
gradually began to produce equipment for the dairy industry.
The
business was incorporated as D. & F. Kusel in 1897 after Daniel's sons,
Daniel H. and Fred, took it over.
The
Kusel business was split in 1938 when the dairy equipment part of the business
company separated from the retail store.
The retail store was purchased by Frank and Sue Witt in 1972 and closed
in May 1985. The hardware store was the
oldest in continuous operation in the state of Wisconsin.
The
newly-created dairy business was called Kusel Dairy Equipment Co. and headed by
Daniel "Dick" O. Kusel. At
that time, the company was located at 100 W. Milwaukee St. Members of the Kusel family sold the business
in 1973.
Gary R.
Smith, formerly of Peoria, IL., and Robert J. Elfline
of Elmhurst, IL., purchased the assets of Kusel Dairy Equipment Co. on Oct. 31,
1973. To assist the new owners in moving the company forward, former president
Clark Derleth came out of retirement and resumed an active role in the company
until 1976.
After
being employed by the company as vice president for one year, Smith was named
president.
In
1975, the company was renamed Kusel Equipment Co. to receive broader
recognition in the marketplace. Gary and Jan Smith acquired 100 percent
ownership in 1977. The company was moved from 100 W. Milwaukee St. to 820 West
St. in 1978. David Smith, son of Jan and Gary, joined the business in 1998 as
engineering manager, and will be the second generation of Smiths to carry on
the family tradition into the new millennium.
NOTE ON MILWAUKEE ST BLDG—A
proposal by Lawrence Mistele to renovate the former Kusel Equipment Company
building at the corner of Milwaukee and South Water streets hit some snags this
morning, but officials are still planning to go ahead with the project. Mistele has modified his proposal to
construct approximately 21 apartment units in the building by seeking bonds
through the authority of the Watertown Housing Authority. Because those bonds are exempt from federal
and state interest, Mistele said the savings will mean a substantial reduction
in the interest rate he would
have to pay and as a result would make the project feasible. Watertown Daily Times, 01 28 1985
_________________________________
A perception that
Watertown is “smalltown U.S.A.” is hurting its chances of receiving a luxury
apartment complex, the developer of the project told the Daily Times Thursday.
“The big problem is that there's this stigma attached to Watertown. A view that it's smalltown U.S.A. and doesn't
have the capability to support the higher rent structure,” Larry Mistele of Spuncast said.
Mistele has proposed
converting the former Kusel Dairy Equipment building, 100 West Milwaukee
Street, into a 21-unit apartment complex.
He first announced his plans in February and at that time said he hoped
the renovation work would begin this summer.
But obtaining financing
has been a major problem, in particular finding a financial institution which
will guarantee $950,000 worth of housing authority bonds. Mistele obtained the
bonds from the Watertown Housing Authority as the project's primary source of
financing. Watertown Daily Times, 09 30 1985
Significant events in Kusel Equipment history
1849 -
Daniel Kusel Sr. immigrates to U.S. from Grabow, Germany, and establishes
tinware fabricating business in Watertown.
1863 - Frederick Kusel (son) is captain of
Watertown's Company E, 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.
1864 - Daniel Kusel Sr. helps establish Northwestern College, now known as
Luther Preparatory School.
1864 - Brothers Fred and Daniel H. Kusel rename the company D. & F. Kusel.
1897 - D. & F. Kusel incorporates.
1903 - D. & F. Kusel begins manufacturing equipment for the dairy industry
1938 - Hardware store and manufacturing business become separate entities.
Kusel Dairy Equipment incorporated.
1960 - Material handling product line is added.
1973 - Kusel family sells business to Robert J. Effline
and Gary R. Smith.
1975 - Name changed to Kusel Equipment Co.
1976 - Gary R. Smith becomes president of the business.
1977 - Gary R. Smith and Jan Smith acquire 100 percent ownership.
1978 - Kusel Equipment Co. moves to new location at 820 West St.
1984 - Kusel introduces stainless steel floor drains.
1994 - Kusel acquires Starr Inc., a food processing equipment manufacturer.
1998 - David J. Smith, son of Gary and Jan, joins company as engineering
manager.
________________________________________________________________
2003
KUSEL BUYS SMOKEHOUSE MANUFACTURER
Kusel
Equipment has acquired Vortron Inc. of Beloit. Vortron is a
long-standing manufacturer of commercial smokehouses for large and small-scale
meat processors. Vortron,
which has four employees, will remain based in Beloit.
Kusel is
a 154-year-old Watertown- based manufacturer of food and vegetable processing
equipment, cheese equipment and sanitary drainage systems.
2017
10 09 KUSEL
EMPLOYEES
Kusel
Equipment employs about 30 people in its Watertown facility. Kusel has been in business in Watertown since
1849, and manufactures cheese making equipment and floor drainage systems. This year, the wages for those employees will
be over $1.9 million. Sixty-eight
percent of Kusel employees are local to Watertown. That means Watertown is
where they earn their money, and Watertown and the surrounding area is also
where they spend most of their money. Glacial
Heritage Development Partnership and the Jefferson County Economic Development
Consortium
2018
06 18 KUSEL STEPS UP TO HELP AT HIGH SCHOOL
Kusel
steps up to help at Watertown High School
With
help from local industry, Watertown High School's manufacturing courses are
getting a makeover for the 2018-19 school year.
Over
the past 18 months, work has been completed to finalize curriculum, acquire
board approval, select equipment and secure funding to update next year's
classes. Courses next year will be welding, machine tool and metal fabrication.
Jesse
Domer, Watertown High School's manufacturing instructor, said, "Partners
like Kusel Equipment are making updates to our welding and machining courses
possible. These updates are providing better educational training for our
students at WHS."
The
program has been soliciting donors over the past nine months to raise the
$60,000 price tag to accomplish these changes. Kusel Equipment Co., a Watertown
business, recently donated $6,000, making it a "Welding Booth
Sponsor" for this initiative.
"Educational
opportunities can take shape in many different ways," Dave Smith, CEO of
Kusel Equipment Co., said. "Kusel is committed to helping those Watertown
High School students explore a future path either in a trade or a specific manufacturing
career that suits their interests."
As the
oldest company in Watertown, Kusel Equipment Co. has a deep and distinguished
history that has only continued to flourish since its inception in 1849.
With
beginnings as a tinsmith that grew into one of the leading cheese equipment
makers in North America, to starting the stainless steel drain industry in the
United States, Kusel Equipment Co. continues to deliver on its promise of
quality products coupled with superior customer service. Today, Kusel continues
its heritage of designing and manufacturing all of its products where the
company was founded -- Watertown.
Jeremy
Walker, vice president of manufacturing for Kusel Equipment Co., said, "We
are excited to be partnering with the Watertown Unified School District,
especially with our investment to expose students to a solid welding
experience. We've all learned that an advanced, traditional educational path
isn't for everyone. Giving students other options for their futures will
provide them with the tools to succeed." WDT
________________________________________________________________
Click
to enlarge
Exterior
c1910 Interior c1920s
________________________________________________________________
DANIEL
H. KUSEL JR. OBIT, 1838 – 1916 The
Death Roll
WG 04 20 1916
A Pioneer Business Man of Watertown
On Saturday morning, April 15, 1916, Daniel H. Kusel, president of the
D. & F. Kusel Co. and vice-president of the Merchants
National Bank, died at the home of his son, Louis Kusel, 216 North Church
Street of Bright’s disease, with which he had been confined to his bed for less
than a week.
Mr.
Kusel was a son of the late Daniel Kusel, who founded the Kusel hardware
business in Watertown on June 26, 1849, which he finally passed over to his
sons, Daniel H. and Fred Kusel. He was
born in Doenitz, Mecklenburg, Germany, on February 28, 1838, and came to
Watertown with his parents in 1849, and he learned the tinner trade in his
father’s shop.
In
company with his brother Fred he purchased his father’s business in 1864 and he
was personally connected with it up to the time of his death. Mr. Kusel was one of the founders of the
Merchants National Bank, and was its first cashier, and at the time of his
death was vice president of that bank.
He was connected at various times with many of the other business
concerns of this city, and always contributed librally
to everything that tended to advance the interests of Watertown.
He was
twice married, his first wife being Sophia Thiessenhusen,
to whom he was married in September, 1866, who died in 1873.
He
married Christina Huether-Oestreich, Nov. 29, 1874.
He was
the father of six children, five of whom survive;
Louis
Kusel, Daniel Kusel, Watertown,
Ernst
Kusel, British Columbia;
George
Kusel,
Mrs.
Louis Kramer, New York City.
One
stepson, Max G. Kusel, Watertown, also survives.
There
are nine grandchildren,
Edwin,
Louise, William, children of Louis Kusel;
Daniel,
Helen, Robert and a girl baby, children of Daniel Kusel;
Harold
Kramer, son of Mrs. Louis Kramer;
Erwin Kusel, son of Max G. Kusel.
The remains of Mr. Kusel were laid at rest in Oak Hill
cemetery Tuesday afternoon. Services were held at the home at 2 o’clock,
the Rey. Henry Link of St. Paul’s Episcopal church officiating. A quartette composed of Mr. and Mrs. William Sproesser, Mrs. Bertha Feld and Edward L. Schempf sang the
service. The pallbearers were directors of the Merchants National Bank, being
Messrs. John Habhegger, W. A. Beurhaus, William
Hartig, Ferd. Schmutzler, C. E. Frey, and Max A. Rohr.
In the
death of Mr. Kusel this city has lost one of its most highly esteemed
residents. He was identified at all
times with the enterprises that were put in force for the development of the
city, actively cooperating in concerted movements of
the best citizens for the sterling expansion of the city. Of a quiet unobtrusive manner, he was a man
of acknowledged foresight and force, experienced and eminently successful in
business affairs, conciliatory in temperament, in character a man of integrity,
strongly disposed toward justice and good will to his fellow man. He has gone to his final reward, but he will
live in the memory of his friends for many a day. His noble character, his influence for good
will survive him.
________________________________________________________________
Frederick Kusel, 1839-1916
August F. Kusel Obit, 1843-1934
August
F. Kusel, member of an old Watertown family and one of the few remaining civil
war veterans in this section, died January 29, 1934, at his home, 414 North
Water Street. Death claimed him at 7:30
o'clock and was due to infirmities of age.
Mr.
Kusel was the son of the late Daniel Kusel, founder of the present day D &
F Kusel Co. He was born in Domnitz, Mecklenberg, Germany on March 29, 1843 and came to America
in 1849. The family settled in Watertown and had been his home ever since with
the exception of a few years which he spent in Nebraska.
His
services in the civil war started on August 18, 1862 with his enlistment as a
sergeant in Co. E 20th Wisconsin regiment, volunteer
infantry, which was Watertown's own company.
He was wounded in the historic battle of Prairie Grove and was returned
to the north and spent three months in a Madison hospital. He was honorably discharged on April 25,
1863.
Worked for Father
Following
his discharge he returned to Watertown and went to work for his father in his
tin-shop in West Main Street where he continued work for a short period. Then he went west and established a general
store in Logan, Neb., where he served as postmaster for a number of years. In 1872 he returned to Watertown where he
resumed his work as a tin-smith until his retirement some years ago.
Mr.
Kusel's wife, formerly Margareta Heller, preceded him in death some years
ago. They were married in the west.
Four
children survive, Mrs. Edward Luther and William Kusel of Hooper, Neb., Mrs.
William Meschke of Rochester, Minn., and Mrs. Henry Hilbert who resides at the
Kusel home in this city. There are five
grandchildren.
Mr.
Kusel was the last surviving member of his family. He was a St. Mark's Lutheran
Church and was one of the few remaining members of the O.
D. Pease post, G. A. R. when it disbanded a few years ago. With his death,
there remain but two civil war veterans in Watertown, Sebastian Blonigan and
Joseph Haberkorn.
Recalled Old Comrade
A
short time before his death, Mr. Kusel recalled that as far as he knew only one
of his old civil war comrades who served in the same company with him was still
alive. He was August Schmutzler of Beaver Dam.
Mr.
Kusel was a picturesque man. He was keen and alert despite his great age and
enjoyed having visitors and callers. He enjoyed talking over old times and
until his eyes began to fail him he was an avid reader. In recent years he had
been confined to his home but always manifested a great interest in community
events.
The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon from their home where services will be
conducted at 1:30 o'clock followed by services in St. Mark's Lutheran church,
the Rev. Julius Klingmann officiating. Burial was in
the Lutheran cemetery.
The
body was taken to the Nowack funeral home and then returned to the home where
friends called to pay their respects up to the time of the service.
________________________________________________________________
Louis H. Kusel Obit, 1866-1947
Portrait
omitted
Louis
H. Kusel, president of the D. & F. Kusel Co., one of Watertown’s oldest and
best known business concerns, died
Mr.
Kusel had been at his daily work on Friday. Saturday he did not feel well and
his wife prevailed upon him to remain at home, which he did. His death came
suddenly and unexpectedly.
Born
in Watertown, Mr. Kusel was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kusel. He was
born Sept. 28, 1866. He attended the public schools here and also Northwestern
College where he enrolled in the business course. Later he attended a Milwaukee
business college and then, upon his return, went into the hardware store here
and became associated with the business bearing the family name. At the time of his death he was president of
the company.
Mr.
Kusel was married to Miss Margaret Hartig on June 19, 1901. She survives, as do
a daughter, Louise, at home, and two sons, Edwin and William, also of this
city. There is one granddaughter. Mr. Kusel was also survived by three
brothers, Daniel (Dick) Kusel, Watertown; Ernst
Kusel, Ashland, Ore, and George Kusel, New Rochelle, N. Y.
Mr.
Kusel was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Watertown Association
of Commerce.
One of
the city’s conservative business leaders, Mr. Kusel brought many of the old
business virtues into his daily dealings with the store's trade. He maintained personal contact with customers
and was always on hand to greet them whenever he was in the store. He spent most of his time there and gave
personal attention to directing the business.
He was a good business man and believed a store should stand back of its
goods and services.
Over
the years he was active in the life of the community and a leader in Watertown
business circles. He liked Watertown and its people and was always interested
in promoting the welfare of the city and its progressive expansion and
development.
As
president of the store, he was looking forward to the time when it would
celebrate its centennial, which would have been in about another two years, for
the Kusel company stems from one of the oldest business establishments in the
city.
There
were many who paid tribute to Mr. Kusel and his fair dealing as a business man
when news of his death spread throughout the city.
The
funeral was held from the Schmutzler Funeral Home, the Rev. William F.
Chamberlain, rector of St. Paul's Church, officiated. Interment was in Oak Hill
Cemetery.
Kusel Home
Land
grants were given in 1848 in Watertown with the provision that the new land
owner commit himself "to erect a good respectable house on the
property" within a year. The original home at 216 North Church Street,
owned by the Kusel family for 105 years, was built as a small home in 1849 and
purchased by Daniel Kusel in 1870 from a Robert Howell. Miss Louise Kusel,
present occupant, is the fourth generation Kusel to occupy the home.
Daniel
Kusel was a tinsmith, born in Mecklenberg, Germany,
in 1838. Shortly after his arrival he opened a stove and tinware business in
1849. In 1864 his sons, Daniel and Frank purchased the business and expanded it
into the Kusel Hardware.
The
original small house was greatly expanded by the Kusels
with three large rooms across the front, originally the parlor, the every day living room, and the room for guests. A great
deal of the woodwork has now been taken out of the home; a "widow's
walk" was added to the top of the house many years ago.
The
old roof line can be seen inside the attic area. Today the home is a large 13
room brick home with high ceilings throughout.
The
first Daniel Kusel was a founder of St. Mark's Church and a very active member
of the planning board that built Northwestern College. Frank Kusel, one of the sons, built his own
home at 302
North Church Street. He was mayor of
Watertown in 1872.
In
property adjacent to both the Kusel homes are the underground cellars that were
used to age cheese and beer in early Watertown.
Reminiscences:
Frank
and Sue Witt, the last owners, were good community minded people. The store was done in by pricing from big box
stores which they couldn’t compete with.
As a
kid I spent many days in the sporting good dept. in Kusel,s.
Just looking at the different things I could not afford to buy.. I also would
do the same at Saniter Sport store, South Third & Jones St.
Got my
roller skates here. I remember the day!!!
Santa
Claus & Lionel trains at Christmas
I
remember all the wood drawers full of every size and kind of nuts, bolts,
screws, nails etc
Santa
always sat in his chair in that back room, great memory!
Cross-References:
Beal &
Torrey building became site for Kusel Dairy Equipment
Louis Cordes, employee
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin