FRITH'S UNION SLAUGHTER HOUSE

Photo courtesy: Jim Massey

FRITH'S UNION SLAUGHTER HOUSE. In 1885 Dr. M. H. Wales, the city physician, and members of the health committee investigated the "nuisance" involving the Union Slaughter House and ordered it corrected. (1)

In 1891 pork packing was added to the operations at the slaughter house operated by the Dubuque Butchers' Association. The company had a daily capacity of five hundred hogs or 250 cattle with a total of fifteen employees. Cold storage was supplied by 1,500 pounds of ice. (2)

The announcement was made in April 1915 that the Union Slaughter House was being renovated to bring it up to government standards. As reported, cement was used to replace wood in every place possible to aid in sanitation. A refrigeration plant was installed eliminating the dependence on ice. The cold storage room would be used to store eggs, butter and milk in addition to meat. The total cost of the upgrading was estimated at $25,000. The facility had the capacity of processing one hundred hogs or twenty-cattle daily. (3)

Located at 18th and Sycamore STREETS in 1922, the company was operated by Eugene E. FRITH whose father founded the company. Nine employees provided beef, veal, mutton, and pork to local and regional markets.

In February 1937 the company was incorporated as E. E. FRITH COMPANY INC.

Eugene T. FRITH served as the company president.

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Source:

1. "City Council," Dubuque Herald, October 6, 1885, p. 4

2. "A New Packing House," Dubuque Herald, February 22, 1891, p. 8

3. "Union Slaughter House Remodeled," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 11, 1915, p. 30

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The 1915 Dubuque City Directory listed 18th and Sycamore as the address.

The 1918 and 1923 Dubuque City Directory listed 1755 Sycamore.

The 1934 Dubuque City Directory listed the corner of 18th and Sycamore.