Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
JOHN ELLWANGER COMPANY
JOHN ELLWANGER COMPANY. The John Ellwanger Company, the firm succeeding BRADY, ELLWANGER & CO. was incorporated in 1899 with the filing of papers done on May 27th. The incorporators were John Peter ELLWANGER, Francis JAEGER, and W. E. Ellwanger. Business was scheduled to begin June 10th. (1) By that time, representatives of the company were reaching Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and South Dakota. The firm handled whiskies, brandies, wines, and liquors both imported and domestic. (2)
In 1911 the company advertised its newly equipped bottling department. Located at 398 Main Street at the corner of Fourth Street, the company sold only to the trade with nothing being offered the individual customer. The annual sales included 3,500 barrels of whiskey; 2,000 barrels of wine, and 200 barrels of brandy. The company also sold over 5,000 boxes of empty flasks for local bottling. (3)
Ellwanger continued to operate his business until January 1, 1916 and the start of statewide PROHIBITION.
The 1899-1900 through 1911-12 Dubuque City Directory listed 398 Main.
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Source:
1. "Articles Filed," The Dubuque Herald, May 28, 1899, p. 8
2. Burggraff, Mike. 2010 Update to the Antique Bottles of Iowa. Fairfield, Iowa: Frontline Printing & Design
3. Ibid.
