Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
NORTHWESTERN VINEGAR WORKS
NORTHWESTERN VINEGAR WORKS. An important industry in early Dubuque. In the 1800s, Dubuque residents were able to purchase vinegar in barrels, cans, and waterproof sacks. One of the major suppliers was the Northwestern Vinegar Works. The company was operated as a partnership between James CUSHING and Thomas Warnock beginning in 1874. Their chief chemist, Joseph Kaufmann, had an exclusive formula for the manufacture of vinegar. Northwestern Vinegar Works became one of the largest businesses of that kind west of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. (1)
Originally located at 347 Iowa Street according to the 1868-69 through 1875-1876 Dubuque City Directory, the Northwestern Vinegar Works moved to a new plant in 1874. Located at the intersection of Eagle Point and Valeria according to the 1890-91 Dubuque City Directory, the four-story building could produce with the use of the latest machinery 100,000 barrels annually. (2)
Vinegar in the 1800s had a variety of uses. In the developing West, it was often used in the production of various alcoholic beverages. Joseph Kaufmann, the chief chemist at the plant, developed an exclusive formula for a vinegar considered the finest for use on salads or in making whiskey. The company motto was "Whatever you use it for, it's the best." (3)
In 1891 the company became JAMES CUSHING AND SON VINEGAR COMPANY. (4)
The CUSHING-MCFADDEN VINEGAR COMPANY was incorporated in December 1902. Soon after that, Cushing retired and moved to California. (5)
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Source:
1. Kruse, Len. "Early Dubuque Vinegar Companies," My Old Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa: Center for Dubuque History, 2000, p. 248
2. Ibid., p. 249
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.