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Marker No. 20

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J. Schmeidler Building

121 North Franklin Street

Henry Kraus Building II was built in 1902. In 1900 it was Katie and Mary Pelt’s Millinery Shop. In the 1940s it was Wilke Brother’s Crockery, and in the 1950s Klein’s Inc., selling men’s and women’s apparel.

119 North Franklin Street

Henry Kraus Building I was built in 1891. In 1900, it was the N. S. Bode Saloon. In 1927 it was the site of Wilke’s Grocery Store, which later became Bob’s National Brands in 1947, operating for thirteen years. It later became Bernie’s Meat Market which continues to present day with a third owner at that location.  

115 North Franklin Street

This location was the site of both 113 N. Franklin Street and 115 N. Franklin Street. Both buildings were removed in 1963 to make room for the current building. At 113 N. Franklin Street the original Harry’s Restaurant was located on the street level with the telephone company above on the second floor. At 115 N Franklin Street a meat market was on the street level with an apartment above. 

107 - 109 North Franklin Street & 105 North Franklin Street

The Schmeidler Building at 107 N. Franklin, built in 1858, served as a shoe and boot store. Some will remember The Smart Shop located here for a time. Prior to The Smart Shop it was Kaiser’s Apparel.

 

The A. Barth Building at 105 N. Franklin, was built in 1891, serving as a dry goods and grocery in 1892. It later served as a number of different pharmacies, as well as a real estate business and a gift shop. 

ABOUT US

The Port Washington Historical Society was founded in 1991. Over the years the organization has demonstrated its strong volunteer commitment as a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation, advancement and dissemination of the history of the Port Washington area.

ADDRESS

Port Washington Historical Society

P.O. Box 491
Port Washington, WI 53074

Phone: 262-268-9150

porthistinfo@gmail.com

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