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Lindon House

Joseph Lindon

 

201 W Main

 

Known as the Mannegold or Old Lindon House property,

at the corner of West Main and Water streets,

became site for Carnegie library.

 

1858

12 02       AN INSTITUTIONSOF OUR CITY

One of the institutions of our city is the Beef and Pork Packing establishment of Joseph Lindon.  Whoever may furnish Bacon for the mind, he can supply bacon for the body to almost any extent, and that is the main thing when men are hungry and shivering.  Few places of the size and population of Watertown can boast of the extensive business institutions we have here—our grist mills, woolen factories, grain, produce and meat establishments—prominent among the latter of which is Lindon’s, on the “West side.”  During one week he bought over three hundred hogs, the average weight of which exceeded three hundred pounds each.  Mr. Lindon has already this season purchased pork alone to the amount of twelve thousand dollars.  This speaks well for the business of our city — present and prospective.  It also speaks well for the industry of the farmers and shows that they have not been idle.  The resources of the country around us are rapidly developing.  Time will surely make all things right    WD 

 

1859

01 27       Beef and Pork Packing establishment of Joseph Lindon   WD

 

02 05       Pork and Beef Packing Establishment of Joseph Lindon, West Avenue, Watertown, Wis. [today location of public library], has constantly in store and for sale, mess pork, mess beef [barreled cured beef], leaf lard in bbls. and half bbls. [leaf lard has little pork flavor, making it ideal for use in baked goods], bacon (green and smoked), smoked sugar cured hams, smoked sugar cured shoulders, etc., etc., etc., at wholesale and retail.  He also keeps a market where can be had at any time at the lowest cash prices the choicest pieces of all kinds of meats, as he takes particular pains to have the best variety constantly on hand.  Cash paid for all kinds of stock and produce.   WD

 

1861

02 01       $16,000 OF PORK

The Democrat says that Mr. Joseph Lindon has already expended over $16,000 this season in buying pork.  It would be a lucky thing for Watertown if she had more business men like Mr. Lindon.  He is one of our most enterprising citizens and in the course of a year has very extensive dealings in the produce trade as well as in that of beef and pork.   WR

 

12 12       THE PORK TRADE

Previous to the late thaw – which has given us almost spring weather in the middle of December, and banished all traces of winter – there was considerable activity in the pork trade in this city.  The streets were filled with loads of hogs, which was but the beginning of the business that is yet to be done here this season.  Both buyers and sellers were plenty and the competition brisk, the prices ranging from $3 to $3.50 per hundred.  Decidedly the best lot we saw was a load of twenty-three hogs brought from Hustisford by Ira Jones and purchased by George Peeples.  They averaged 400 pounds a piece in weight, were dressed with the greatest care and neatness, and were an example of what can be done in rightly preparing pork for market when proper pains are taken.  They brought the highest price that has yet been paid, and will be found worth all they cost for packing and making prime pork.  Farmers should be sure not only to have their hogs in good condition when killed, but should dress them in the neatest and best manner for the market.  A cleanly dressed hog will always have a great advantage over a slovenly half-dressed one, with bristles standing all over its body.   WD

 

12 26       LINDON’S PACKING ESTABLISHMENT [before there was a Johnsonville]

The extensive and well arranged pork packing establishment of Mr. Joseph Lindon, on First Street, is now in full operation for the winter.  Mr. Lindon is in the street daily, purchasing a large proportion of the pork brought here for sale, and putting it up in the best condition for the eastern markets.  A large part of his pork is packed in a particular way for the British naval service, where it finds a ready sale.  Other parts are cured for bacon and finds its way to England in that form.  This branch of business gives employment to fifteen or twenty men, each having a certain work to do, the whole being carried on systematically, and everything done with perfect exactness.  Pork raising is an important item in the products of Wisconsin.  This season the hog crop promises to be large and valuable, though the prices are not as high as they have been some previous years.  Pork is now bringing from $3.00 to $3.50 a hundred.   WD

 

1862

12 11       LINDON’S

One of the most extensive pork packing establishments in the state is carried on by Mr. Joseph Lindon of this city.  Most of his pork is cured for the English market and shipped directly to Liverpool in the shape of bacon.

 

We were surprised the other day to see the immense piles of the first class bacon heaped up about his rooms, notwithstanding the fact that large amounts are daily packed and shipped.  He has purchased heavily in our streets, paying the highest figures and brought car loads from Columbus and other places accessible by railroad.  Farmers living beyond Oconomowoc and Waterloo have brought their pork here for sale, and disposed of it to much better advantage than they could sell it elsewhere. 

 

Ever since cold weather set in the pork trade in our streets has been unusually active.  Some days our streets have been crowded with teams loaded with fattened hogs as solid and heavy as are raised anywhere, and among the buyers Mr. Lindon is among the most extensive.  When the season is over it would be quite interesting to know how many tons of hams and sides of bacon he has sent across the Atlantic, to help furnish food for the millions who depend on these articles for subsistence.  Among our exports, bacon is getting to be among the most valuable and important, as the commercial statistics published at Washington show.   WD

 

12 25       CHEAP LIVING

We call attention to Mr. Joseph Lindon’s advertisement in this paper.  He is now cutting up and packing immense quantities of pork and beef, and of course has a large quantity of what are called fragments left, such as tenderloin, spare ribs, feet and heads, which he sells at low prices.  This presents an opportunity to all, especially to those who do not always find it convenient to daily procure fresh meat at the markets, to obtain supplies of this variety of food at very low prices, and we advise all to avail themselves of it.  In every community more or less of this class is to be found, and while such an establishment exists, none need go hungry or be in want of something good to eat.  In most other countries such a chance as this would be regarded as very fortunate at this season of the year.   WD

 

1863

03 12       HOG CROP VALUED

Port and Beef Packing.  During the winter just closed probably more pork and beef has been packed in this city than ever before, to say nothing of the increased quantities that have been bought here and sent away fresh.  Mr. Joseph Lindon alone has purchased and made into bacon 5,000 hogs, the average weight of which was 237 pounds a piece, each hog yielding an average of 25 pounds of lard.  He has also slaughtered 500 head of cattle and salted them down for beef.  These provisions have been cured for both and American and English market – the larger portion of the pork having been shipped to Liverpool in the shape of side bacon.  These statistics show the transaction of an extensive business here in this line and we have no doubt that more will be raised, sold and sent from here another [during the next] season.  The hog crop is now one of our most valuable and profitable products of export and is destined to increase in extent every year.  WD

 

1864

02 11       WATERTOWN PORK TRADE

The pork trade for the present season being nearly over, it may be a matter of general interest to know something of its extent.  At this date, Mr. Joseph Lindon has purchased in this city 2500 hogs, the average weight of which was 230 pounds each, making a total of 575,000 pounds, at an average of 6 cents per pound, the whole amount paid out being $34,500.00.

 

Much of this pork was of the best quality, though not quite as heavy as that of last year, owing to the earlier slaughter and the scarcity and cost of feed, caused by the partial failure of the corn crop.  Some of it has been cut into bacon for foreign countries and shipped abroad, and some of it packed for home consumption, all carefully put up in the best possible condition. 

 

The hams, shoulders and chops have been cured and smoked and those who want either of these articles can procure them at Mr. Lindon’s packing house, either by the quantity or singly, and no better can be found in any market. 

 

This is only the statement of the operations of one buyer in this city, the most extensive to be sure, but does not fully represent the whole amount of the transactions in this line carried on here, by any means. 

 

Mr. Lindon’s beef business has also been large, but we have not the facts to give it in detail.  We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. G. H. Potter who has acted as Mr. Lindon’s clerk.  It will be seen at once that the “hog crop” is an important one in our local products and this year has brought a higher average price than it has reached heretofore.  It probably will continue to increase in value and magnitude as the farmers find it profitable.   WD

 

03 31       We learn that Mr. Joseph Lindon has purchased the property on the west side of the river known as the American House, formerly owned by Mr. Peter Rogan and by him used as a tavern some years since.  It is the intention of Mr. Lindon to repair and overhaul the old building, raise it up several feet, and fit it up for a first class hotel and occupy if for that purpose.  It is conveniently situated on West Avenue [West Main St.], near the central and business part of the city and no doubt, under Mr. Lindon’s management, become paying property.   WD

 

04 28       Mr. Joseph Lindon, having purchased the property on the west side of the river long known as the American House, is now engaged in repairing and improving that whole concern and its premises.  The old building is to be entirely overhauled repaired, raised fourteen feet, fitted up and renewed with extensive additions, so as to make it a large, well arranged and convenient hotel.  It is to be known as the Lindon House.  If Mr. C. Crabbeneau’s [sp? Charboneau?] excellent design is fully carried out, it will be among the largest public houses in the city and be a credit to the place, as well as to the enterprise and liberality of its present proprietor.  Our hotel accommodations here have always been good, though not so showy in appearance as in other cities, but hereafter we shall have public houses whose dimensions will be an indications of their means to accommodate travelers with all the facilities of first class establishments.   WD

 

07 28       LINDEN HOUSE REMODELED

Mayor Lindon is carrying forward the work on his new hotel, on the west side of the river.  He has raised the building several feet, put on a large addition, remodeled and rearranged the interior, and will give a new and improved appearance to the entire establishment.  When completed and furnished, it will be among the largest and best hotels in the city.  WD

 

10 20       LINDEN HOUSE NEARLY FINISHED

The Linden House, on the west side of the river, is nearly finished and in a few days will be ready for occupation.  Mayor Lindon has done a fine thing for this city in supplying it with such a public house as he is now engaged in fitting up.  It is large, well arranged, conveniently located, and presents a fine appearance.  We understand it will be elegantly furnished and everything done to make it a first class hotel in all respects.  We hope the public will appreciate his enterprise and reward him with liberal patronage.  WD

 

11 17       LINDON’S PACKING HOUSE

The packing establishment belonging to Mr. Joseph Lindon and located on East Water Street is now in full operation.  Pork and beef is here put up in heavy quantities and in every style and variety.  Prime, Mess, Heavy Mess and Cumberlands – hams of all descriptions, long English, round, etc.  Extra leaf lard and tallow of the choicest kinds are to be found at this place. The packing is under the direct supervision of Mr. John O’Conner, formerly with Patterson, Knapp & Co., of New York City, and is attended to with that neatness, thoroughness and dispatch for which Mr. Connor is so justly noted.  Some twenty hands or upwards are employed about the concern, a large business is done, and an immense amount of money put in circulation thereby.  We but reiterate an old story when we say Mayor Lindon has a world-wide reputation as one of the best and most successful packers of the West.  His establishment is one of the sources by which many of our laboring class obtain their livelihood, the business of our city increased, and our prosperity sustained.  WD

 

Cross Reference:

The pork trade is very active now.  Large numbers of slaughtered hogs are daily offered in our streets for sale and are now bringing $12 and $13.50 per hundred, according to quality.  The buyers are plenty and the competition sharp, which makes the price firm and high.   Watertown Democrat, 12 15 1864

 

12 01       LINDON TAKES POSSESSION of New Hotel

Mayor Lindon is now taking possession of his new and commodious hotel on the west side of the river and will soon have all in readiness for the reception of boarders, the accommodation of travelers, and the transaction of business generally.  This new public house is large, convenient, well arranged, amply furnished, and will be kept in Mr. Lindon’s best style.  He is an old landlord, widely known for his generous qualities and desire to do everything in his power to make all around him pleasant and comfortable.  May he be abundantly successful in this new enterprise and his extensive and elegant establishment prove profitable and popular.  The west side of the river has now as fine a public hotel as our city affords.   WD

 

1865

01 12       OPENING OF LINDON HOUSE

The reception party given last Friday evening by Mayor Lindon on the occasion of formally opening his new hotel, the Lindon House, was a brilliant success, being attended by a large number both at home and from abroad.  Nothing could be more pleasant and generous than the arrangements the Mayor made for the reception and entertainment of his numerous guests, who had nothing to do but to enjoy themselves in any way they preferred.  This must be regarded as the finest affair of the kind that has been witnessed in this city and all went away delighted with the courtesy and attention of the landlord of the new and popular hotel on the west side of the river.  Long may it flourish.    WD

 

07 20       “ADAM” GREETED US A SMILING WELCOME

We were shown to the Lindon House, where the broad and good humored face of “Adam” greeted us a smiling welcome.  The citizens of Watertown boast of having three as good hotels as can be found in the state.  I did not stay long enough to try them all, but if the other two are as good as the one I did try, the boast is well founded.  This house has been recently elevated, enlarged, improved and refurnished, and the tired traveler who secures an asylum within its walls finds comfort and rest in its ample rooms, plenty and excellence upon its well-spread tables.  Mine host, Lindon, landlord and proprietor, is cheerfully attentive to the wishes of his guests, and the radiant cheerfulness that uniformly beams from the countenance of “Adam,” the clerk, tempts one to think that he must have received both his name and disposition from the first Adam, before he partook of the fatal apple.

 

05 18       PORTICO ADDED

During the past few days Mr. J. Lindon has been engaged in putting the finishing improvements on his new hotel on the west side of the river.  He has added a portico to the front of his building, which adds much to its fine appearance.  Watertown has now the best facilities for extending to travelers every accommodation that can be desired.  Our hotels are not surpassed by those of any other interior city in the state.   WD

 

10 05       AGRICULTURAL BALL

On Friday evening, the 6th, after the close of the fair, an agricultural ball will be given by J. Lindon at the Lindon House.  The landlord of that popular hotel is making extensive preparations to entertain his guests on that occasion in a manner that will be pleasing and gratifying to all.   WD

 

1873

  

 

09 04       JOSEPH LINDON SUCCEEDED by A. C. Beaurup

Sometime this week we understand, Mr. Joseph Lindon will withdraw from the management of the Lindon House, and be succeeded by Mr. A. C. Beaurup who was formerly its landlord, and won an enviable reputation for courtesy and liberality, and the success with which he promoted the convenience and comfort of his guests.  With his enterprise and civility, he will maintain the popularity and character of this hotel, and render, it as heretofore, a pleasant and favorite place of resort with the traveling public.    WD

 

1875

 

 

A picture containing text, building, outdoor, old

Description automatically generated      Later became the Tremont House.

The Lindon was built by Patrick Rogan in 1845-46 and opened by W. S. Turner in May of 1846.  Peter Rogan became the subsequent proprietor.  He leased it to Potter and Ayres but within a short time took charge of it himself.  Theodore Prentiss purchased it from Rogan and in 1864 he sold it to Joseph Lindon.

 

Lindon made additions in the rear of the building and christened the structure the Lindon House.

 

Other early hotels were the Planter’s built in 1846 by A. F. Cady and Gov. Farwell at the corner of N. Second and Main; the American House built in 1849 by Michael Owens on S. Water; the Exchange built in 1846 by a man named Savage; the Schweizer House built in 1846 by a man named Bruesch.

 

1876

02 02       At his packing house in this city, Mr. Joseph Lindon has been preparing a choice and delicate article for the table.  It consists of the side of the hog, with just the right proportion of lean and fat, salted and smoked enough to make it sweet and palatable.  The way to cook it is to broil it in thin slices, and when this is done to perfection it certainly furnishes a rare and favored dish.   WR

 

c.1878

12 09       BUILDINGS OCCUPIED BY JOSEPH LINDON

. . . The writer remembers forty years ago or more [c.1878] when James D. Casey was the whole cheese in the shop at the corner of Water and Emmet streets.  Previous to his entry into the blacksmith business at that time the shop and buildings to the north of it were occupied by Joseph Lindon for pork packing.  Billy Wilson, a butcher and a member of the 29th Wisconsin regiment in the Civil War, was the boss packer.  Those were the times you could get a barrel full of pigs feet—that meant up to the shoulder—for a cent a piece.  Eggs were 6 cents a dozen and beefsteak 6 cents a pound.  Calf liver was given away.

 

1889

12 06       OLD LINDON HOUSE BARN DESTROYED TREMONT HOUSE

       [NOT SAME AS TREMONT HOUSE FIRE, WHICH OCCURRED ON 09 11 1895]

The Old Lindon House Barn with all its contents totally consumed; James Casey’s Warehouse burned to the ground; Conley’s Saloon slightly damaged and several other places badly scorched.

 

Last Sunday morning at about 2 o’clock one of the most disastrous fires that has ever occurred In Watertown broke out in the old Lindon House barn on the West Side, and before the firemen could get the fire under control some $15,000 worth of property was consumed.

 

The old barn fired up like a powder mill and in a few minutes after the blaze was first discovered over half a dozen places took fire therefrom.

 

James D. Casey’s warehouse and contents were totally consumed; Tremont House badly damaged; Conley's Saloon slightly burned, and all the sheds in that vicinity were reduced to ashes.

 

At one time it looked as though the whole business portion of the west side might succumb to the flames, but by the heroic and excellent work of the firemen the flames were confined to the immediate vicinity where they were first kindled.  The firemen in all the companies did good work, especially when it is taken into consideration that two blocks of frontage had to be protected by them.  It was with difficulty that the American House and barns were saved, also Casey's blacksmith shop, Conley's saloon and Seager’s barbershop.

 

For the fine work of the firemen, they are deserving of great praise from our citizens. . . .     WG

 

1890

12 12       LARGE HOG DELIVERED

One of the largest hogs delivered here in some time was sold to Jos. Lindon last Wednesday by Wm. Triplet of Emmet, weighing 775 pounds.    WG

 

12 17       LARGE HOG DELIVERED

William Triplett, of Emmet, delivered a hog at Joseph Lindon market last week, which weighed 775 pounds, one of the largest raised about here.  It was a Berkshire and Poland—China mixture, 21 months old.    WR

 

1895       LINDON'S MEAT-MARKET

03 06       Thieves effected entrance to the smoke house in the rear of Lindon's meat-market Monday night and got away with about seventy-five pounds of hams, which were being smoked for customers.  WR    [Joseph Lindon Meat Mkt, 208 W Main, res. same, 1895]

 

1900       HOTEL IN MILWAUKEE

08 03       Jos. Lindon is now conducting a hotel at 970 North Water Street, Milwaukee, and reports that he is doing a large business.  Though about 87 years of age, Mr. Lindon is still full of vigor and energy, and says that he is ill at ease unless engaged in some business.  He is certainly a remarkable man for his years.   WG

 

1908       DEATH OF JOSEPH LINDON (1814-1908)

05 08       Death on Saturday night, May 2, 1908, claimed one of Watertown’s oldest and best known residents, Joseph Lindon, who died at about 9 o clock that night, at the home of Miss Maggie Brennan, 409 North Church Street, where he resided for a number of years past.  The cause of his death was general debility.  About a week before he died he expressed a wish to see a Catholic priest, was baptized in that faith by Rev. Father O Leary, and made careful preparation for death. 

 

Mr. Lindon was one of the best-known residents of this section of Wisconsin.  He was born in England, October 3, 1814, hence was in his 94th year when he died. 

 

In 1841 he came to America and located in Vermillian Co., Ill., engaging in farming and cattle buying.  In 1844 he removed to Milwaukee and for a time conducted a meat market in East Water Street.  In 1849 he came to Watertown and made it his home till his death.  Shortly after arriving here he purchased of Thos. Norris and J.C. Lewis the Watertown House, which stood on the present site of the New Commercial Hotel.  He retired from the management of that hotel in 1864 and bought the hotel built by the late Patrick Rogan in West Main Street on the present site of the public library. 

 

He enlarged and conducted the house for many years as the Lindon House, and under his management it was known as one of the most popular hotels in Wisconsin.  He kept the hotel till 1881 when he disposed of it and engaged in the meat market business in the Dennis block in West Main Street, retiring from business in 1897. 

 

While proprietor of the Lindon House he was also engaged in the cattle and packing house business.  For a time he conducted a packing house in the Davis building in First Street, and later in the building in Water Street now occupied by James D. Casey as a blacksmith and wagon shop.  He also operated a fine farm in the town of Emmet, and was an extensive hop grower. 

 

In all his dealings with the public he was strictly honest, and he had the reputation of paying the highest market price to the farmers for their stock, and he was exceedingly popular in the rural districts.  He always took considerable interest in public affairs, and in the advancement of our city.  

 

He was mayor of the city two terms-1863 and 1864; was alderman of the Third ward in 1867 and 1878, and in 1880 was an independent candidate for sheriff, being defeated by John R. Messerschmidt, of Palmyra, the democratic candidate.  It may truly be said of Mr. Lindon that he was one of Watertown s early benefactors, for to his energy and enterprise Watertown owes much for which he did in the early days in attracting attention to our city and in the way of giving employment to our people. 

 

One daughter survives him, Mrs. Mary Bearup, of Chicago, and one stepdaughter, Mrs. Clark Rainus of Janesville.  Robert Lindon of Grundy Center, Iowa and Gregory Lindon of Clear Lake, Iowa former residents of Watertown, and nephews of the deceased, also survive him.  Tuesday morning Mr. Lindon s funeral was held from St. Bernard s Church and his remains were interred in St. Bernard s cemetery.  In honor of his memory the flag floated at half-mast on the city hall from Sunday till after his funeral on Tuesday.  Gregory Lindon, of Clear Lake, Iowa, Mrs. Bearup of Chicago, and Mrs. Rainus, of Janesville, were in attendance at his funeral.  Rev. Father O Leary, president of the Sacred Heart College, read the funeral Mass, and in a brief sermon paid a well-merited and eloquent tribute to the memory of the departed.    WD   

 

1911

10 05       DEATH OF ANDREW BEARUP

Andrew C. Bearup of Evanston died on September 29, 1911.  His remains were interred at Janesville last Sunday.  Deceased was a former resident of Watertown, having at one time been proprietor of the old Lindon House.  He was a son-in-law of the late Joseph Lindon, and will be kindly remembered by many of The Gazette patrons.   WG

 

 

Cross References:

File on Tremont House

Habhegger Slaughter House & Cold Storage

 

 

 

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