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This is a contributing entry for A Tour Of Historic Cedarburg and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.

The next building down is also another example of an historic storefront here in Cedarburg. This one is special when it comes to an historic storefront, mainly because of the clock that stands in front of the store. But you'll notice that looking at the structure of the building is very interesting.


Window, Photograph, Building, Vehicle

Sky, Azure, Fixture, Rectangle

Sky, Window, Car, Vehicle

Established in 1913, John Armbruster first created his business which started initially in 1884. But then, in the early 1900s, Armbruster decided to move the business to a new building which was done being constructed and therefore established it in 1908. It was one of the several mercantile and commercial buildings in Cedarburg owned and superintended by the originating family. William Hilgen, the son of Frederick Hilgen, one of Cedarburg's founding fathers, was a local architect in the area. Decided to design the initial form of the building. The building was constructed of terra cotta and cast iron adornments. The interior to the south of the building still has its original face intact. When you look at the ceiling, notice it is painted and has a tin hinge added in 1921. On the sidewalk to the building, an original clock was toppled in 1922 by a company of horses fleeing due to them pulling a wagon. After it was knocked down, it was replaced by a unique cast iron clock made by the Street Clock Company of Monessen, Pennsylvania. 

Cedarburg History: Legend And Lore. Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Library Of Congress, 1976.

A Walk Through Yesterday: In Cedarburg Wisconsin. 2005.

Zimmermann, H. Russell. The Heritage Guidebook: Landmarks And Historical Sites In Southeastern Wisconsin. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Heritage Banks, 1976. 195.

Zimmermann, H. Russell. The Heritage Guidebook: Landmarks And Historical Sites In Southeastern Wisconsin/Highlights Of Historic Cedarburg. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Heritage Banks, 1976.

Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, John Armbruster Jewelry Store, Cedarburg, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, 13396. Accessed April 15th 2022. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI13396.