Established in 1910, the R. L. Kenyon company produced portable housing and woven furniture. During World War I the company also produced cots for soldiers. In 1932 the company, then named the Luxfibre company, went out of business and was liquidated. Although short lived, the Kenyon company ultimately had a profound impact on those who lived in their portable houses, as well as providing an example of a company that maintained high standards and quality.
Founded sometime between 1890 and 1895, the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company reflects the growing importance of dairy in Wisconsin, and provides an example of the new technology available to producers. The Wisconsin Butter and Cheese company went out of business around 1920, after being adopted by the Harris Dairy Product Company. Despite this, it remains a lasting legacy to the importance of dairy production in Waukesha and in Wisconsin in general.
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.
The Waukesha Gas and Electric company was originally organized in 1886 as a gas company. Soon, however, electricity won out and the company pivoted to serve the new demand. The company changed hands several times, ultimately being absorbed into what would become We Energies. Overall, the Waukesha Gas and Electric Company represents a turning point in both Wisconsin and American history.
George H. Wilbur established The Wilbur Lumber Company in 1895, and ran it until his death in 1922. At one time the company supplied 500 dealers, and was a major feature of the industrialized Fox River corridor. In the 1950's some of the buildings on the site were knocked down to make way for other structures, and in 1970 the company officially went out of business. The Wilbur Lumber Company lives on in the memories and recollections of Waukesha residents.
At one time Waukesha housed five different flour and feed mills. These included the Waukesha Grain and Produce Company, as well as the Hoag & Rankin Grain Company. Although wheat was originally the grain of choice in Southern Wisconsin, it soon changed to feed grains as the dairy industry began to boom. The Waukesha Grain Company specialized in this ground feed, and advertised mainly to local farmers.
The Saratoga Mill is considered one of the first industries in Waukesha, established in 1839 by John Gale Jr. and later associated with William A. Barstow. The mill no longer stands, it was demolished in 1925. None the less The Saratoga Mill ushered in a period of rapid growth in the area, and provides a glimpse into the importance of industry in Waukesha's history.
A 15 ft. tall sundial, made of concrete, limestone and metal, dominates this small site on the western end of Waukesha's Main Street. Created and installed by Ken Saiki Design in 1998, the functioning sundial overlooks the Fox River. In addition to honoring Waukesha's veterans, the park marks the western end of the city's riverwalk, a mulit-use leisure trail that connects several recreation areas in downtown Waukesha.
Livingston A Thompson established Thompson's Malted Food Company in Waukesha in 1910. The company produced malted food and candy, including a product called Hemo, made of milk, cocoa, and beef blood. These products were advertised as health foods, although also made into candy and chocolate.Thompson's Malted Milk Company ultimately went out of business, but remains a fondly remembered staple of Waukesha.
Established in 1913, Spring City Foundry operated unti l 1982. Spring City Foundry produced gray-iron, primarily creating parts for the nearby Waukesha Motor Company. In 1927 William J. Grede purchased the foundry from its then president, Henry E. Blair. Grede instituted benefits for his employees, and many of them stayed long enough to be part of the Quarter Century Club.
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The Fox River has been a major economic corridor for the City of Waukesha since it's founding. At the turn of the 20th century, it was home to several industrial sites that helped reshape the labor force and economic character of the city.
