KRETSCHMER-TREDWAY COMPANY

Letterhead. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Name plate. Photo courtesy: Cathy's Treasures, 156 Main, Dubuque

Blotter advertising "Sandy" whose sandpaper pants were featured.

Photo courtesy: Jim Massey

KRETSCHMER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

Pocket mirror.

Kretschmer-Tredway was started in Dubuque in February of 1907 by brothers, Herbert and Frederick N. KRETSCHMER. In 1907, they joined Andrew Morrison in forming MORRISON & KRETSCHMER MANUFACTURING CO. When Morrison left, it became Kretschmer Manufacturing Company. Later when the brothers bought out Tredway and Sons (established in 1858), the name was changed to Kretschmer-Tredway Company.

In 1911 the company advertised that it manufactured plumbing and heating supplies and had a specialty in bath trap and double flush water closets. Forty workmen were employed. Until 1936, Frederick Kretschmer guided the company as its president.

From 1936 to 1944, Mrs. L. A. Kretschmer acted as President, being one of the few ladies to hold such a position during that era.

The 1970 Dubuque City Directory listed the company at 220 E. 9th St.

In 1998, Kretschmer-Tredway was purchased. Now known as FIRST SUPPLY DUBUQUE, it became the first Iowa facility for the corporation. The successful facility continued to grow and in March 2007 relocated to its current location on Chavenelle Drive.

See close-up

Double bit axe, the "Lincoln Axe," carrying the company's name.

Kretschmer Manufacturing. Library of Congress

Wooden box used to ship the Lincoln Axe

Letterhead: Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Source: "Chronology" Telegraph Herald, 1979 p. 15D