The Watsontown Boot and Shoe Company.
" The factory of this company was originally established by Joseph Hollopeter, William Wagner, Samuel Caldwell, Frederick Heilman, D. C. Hogne, Samuel Miller, George Burns, and Silas Kirk in connection with the Watsontown Steam Tannery. The business of the tannery and shoe factory was jointly conducted by the same firm until 1872, when the present factory building, a three-story brick structure on the east side of Main street between Second and Third, was erected. After experiencing several changes of ownership it became the property of Ario Pardee, the present owner, who was also at one time individual pro- prietor of the factory. The Watsontown Boot and Shoe Company was formed in 1885, and is composed of H. F. Algert and Edward Waldschmidt. Eighty operatives are employed." - Bells History of Northumberland County, 1891
The first shoe factory building in Watsontown was erected about 1870, on the site later known as the Tannery Grounds, in the northern part of town. It was "styled the Watsontown Boot and Shoe Factory", and those involved with the forming of the company included: Joseph Hollopeter, William Bryson, George Burns, S.M. Miller and Samuel Caldwell.
December 26 1873
In just 3 years time, a larger facility was needed. A new building was constructed in 1873, at 218 Main street, an area that today is the parking lot beside the former CVS building.
The Watsontown Boot and Shoe Company was at one time, one of the largest and best equipped shoe factories in the state.
A concise history of the company, a price list, bill heads and envelopes were all placed in a strongbox, which was placed in the cornerstone of the 8th Street School in Watsontown. The box was opened in 1959.
On the 1883 Fowler Map Of Watsontown
#18 is the Watsontown Boot and Shoe
(Top, Middle)
See more of the map here:
1903 advertisement
The business passed through various hands until 1886, when Henry F. Algert purchased a large interest. Ten years later, in 1896, he became the sole owner. Algert made a specialty of lumberman's shoes, in addition to boots.
In 1879, the post office was moved from old Minerva Hall to the Shoe Factory Building.
On the Sanborn Fire Map
The rooms on the second floor, over the post office, were occupied by the Record and Star printing office, for about 14 years time.
June 1904
Principal product was boots. Algert made a specialty of Lumberman's shoes.
Jere Myerly tested first boots, worked as stitcher. Estella Westley bookkeeper, Simon Myerly Shipper for 20 years, Lawrence Lewis manager, Carl Heyt (native of Germany) sole cutting and heel making dept.From the 1907 Anniversary Edition Of The Record And Star
1907
Watsontown Boot And Shoe Decorated For Old Home Week, 1915
Although this photo is not labeled nor dated, it appears to be taken during the 1915 Old Home Week Celebration. If you look at the photo above this one, it appears this photo is posed on the left side of the building.
"Again we are compelled to draw from the biography of Joseph Hollopeter, who in 1868 with William M. Wagner built the Watsontown Tannery in the northern part of town on the land where the Silk Mill Tannery now stands. So extensive was their business, consisting of the tanning almost 1000 hides per month, that in 1869 the same persons formed a company and built a large frame building near the Tannery for the manufacture of boots and shoes., and installed Col. O.S. Lawrence as its Superintendent. At first he principal output were boots and lumberman's shoes. The business grew and in 1873 the present shoe factory building on Main St was erected. Its ownership passed through various hands until 1898 when H.F. Algert became the sole owner, after which a finer grade of shoes were made and a trade developed that reached into every state in the union. Upon the death of Mr Algert, in 1908, according to the provisions of his will, the ownership and management was largely turned over to several of his trusted employees, who since that time have been successfully conducting it, under the name- of L.L. Lewis and Charles F. Heyl, who have been worthy successors to their benefactor." - From Watsontown Historically, by Fred Knight, 1915
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The E.R. Taggert Boot & Shoe Store was located beside the Watson Theater. E.R. Taggert also had a clothing store across from the Boot & Shoe Building, in the Marsh Block, for a time.
The large Brick Building on the left is the Watsontown Boot & Shoe Building
In April of 1927, there was a "fuss" about plans to move the Boot and Shoe Company to Selinsgrove.
And then in July, the building was destroyed by fire.
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The entire building was gutted by the fire on July 28th 1927.
Postmaster D.L. Bly and his assistants worked frantically to carry the mail and valuables from the building.
The buildings on each side were damaged by smoke and water, but not by fire.
Several firemen from Milton were injured while fighting the blaze.
By the end of August 1927, plans were underway to rebuild. The Watsontown Boot and Shoe Company, however, never re-opened.
The Wilson Novelty Works, the operation responsible for the Wilson Walkies. occupied the building around the mid 1930s.
Nolls Restaurant, in the Boot & Shoe Building, 218 Main St
Later the office section of the shoe building was converted into a restaurant, and the rest of the building was made into apartments.
November 1 1971, The Daily Item reported that the building was currently being razed. It had been purchased by the Watsontown National Bank, and the lot would become a parking lot.
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READ MORE
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Bell's History Of Northumberland County
September 1908
1908 - Will of Henry Algert
Property on the north side of 4th street
May, 1927
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1927
July 1934
Nov. 1 1971
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