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The Lemke Harness Shop in Bonduel Wisconsin
Notes
The Lemke Harness Shop in Bonduel, Wisconsin
In 1898 and at the age of 25, Fred C. Lemke entered the harness making business in Bonduel and followed it until his death. His business was located on Cecil Street in the building which also has been occupied by the Village Bakery.
An advertisement in the Bonduel Times in 1912 reads as follows:
“Lemke the Harnessmaker has, besides his line of heavy and light harnesses, etc. also a high supply of curry combs and brushes, bridles of all kinds of excellent make, and halters, about which the same claim can be made, collars, ditto, sweat pads, ditto,– these things along with the high grade harness we must also mention again make our shop the Mecca of horsemen. If you have not already tested our goods, we would be glad to have you do so. Fred Lemke, Bonduel”
By 1927 his advertisements indicated that he also carried a line of men’s shoes, trunks, suitcases, leather coats, etc.
BIOGRAPHY
Fred Lemke was born August 12, 1873 in the township of Waukechon, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lemke Sr. At the age of 15 years, he went to Hillsboro, Wisconsin to learn the trade of harness making with his uncle, Fred. G. Lemke. At the age of 25 years, he came back to Bonduel and started his own harness making business. He conducted this business until his death in 1953.