Waukesha Canning Company

The Waukesha Canning Company was one of several canning plants owned and managed by Frank T. Stare, and at its height produced over 10,000 cans daily. It marked the development of processed vegetable production in Wisconsin, and reflected the growing industrialization of the area. Although the canning company fell into receivership in 1910, it had a profound impact on Waukesha industry and development.

Born in Illinois in 1871, Frank T. Stare went to school at the University of Illinois before leaving school to work in the canning business with his father. Eventually he opened his own canning plant in Mukwonago for a year, and then in Kewaunee for another year, before finally moving the canning operation to Waukesha. He remained as superintendent there until 1903, when he became president of the company.

The Waukesha Canning Company processed thousands of can of peas daily a staple crop by the early 1900's. Other canned products included beans, corn, tomatoes, and pumpkins. The company employed approximately 100 individuals year round, but that number could swell to 600 during the buys season. In 1902, the plant needed additional workers, and recruited 85 African American laborers from Chicago to help in the factory and in the pea fields. However, only a month after they arrived, the company dismissed them, after George Parker- one of the laborers -was arrested in Waukesha on allegations of assault. The charges were dismissed a week later whe n the woman who alleged the assault could not identify him in court. Although an unfortunate example, this movement of workers demonstrates the fluidity of labor in the early 20th century.

The Waukesha Canning Company proved successful, and Stare worked on expanding his operation to different cities. By 1907 he owned operations in Barron, Rice Lake, Sturgeon Bay, and Frankfort (Indiana). All of these locations primarily processed peas, and soon the Waukesha Canning Company was known as the number one producer of canned peas in the country. Peas were a relatively new crop for Wisconsin, but they found a captive consumer base, and soon existed as the second most important cash crop in the nation. The Waukesha Canning Company peas had the advertised added benefit of being made with Springs water, adding to their popularity and perceived quality.

Unfortunately for Stare, by 1910 the company failed and fell into receivership on May 19, 1910. The company could not even purchase the cans needed to produce its processed peas, and by 1911 it was determined that the factory would not survive, as the creditors would not allow the plant to operate. In the summer of 1911 the factory stood idle, and in 1912 the Wilbur Lumber Company purchased a large part of the Waukesha Canning Company's land, including the massive silo designed to store the peas. Although the Waukesha Canning Company ultimately closed its doors, Wisconsin's production of processed vegetables continues stronger than ever and Wisconsin has led the nation in the production of processed vegetables since the early 20th century.

"Canning Plant Idle." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) April 27th, 1911. 1.

Commercial Vegetable Processing, Wisconsin Historical Society. Accessed August 12th, 2022. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1780.

"Davies Realty Purchases Five Acres of Wilbur Lumber Property on Fox River." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) December 10th, 1954. 1.

Haight, Theron Wilbur. Memoirs of Waukesha County. Madison, Wisconsin. Western Historical Association, 1907.

"Import Negro Labor." Wabeno Northern Wisconsin Advertiser (Wabeno) June 26th, 1902.17.

The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) July 10th, 1902.

"Want to Buy Cans." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) June 30th, 1910. 1.