THE WAUPACA COUNTY POST

November 27, 1947

 

EARLY DAY BUSINESS FIRMS LISTED

ON OLD BUT BEAUTIFUL NAPKIN

 

Mrs. Stetson Preserves Souvenir of Sociable Held 63 Years Ago

 

 

            “It Pays To Advertise” wasn’t such a popular slogan back in the “80’s,” but Waupaca merchants believed in it!  Evidence of this fact has come to light from a souvenir of a “Japanese Festival,” for the benefit of the Methodist Church, Waupaca, held June 26, 1884.  The souvenir is a napkin, 17 x 19 inches, made of beautiful soft Japanese linen paper.  The names of Waupaca merchants printed in the center of the napkin, are enclosed in a wide red-striped border, and considering that the napkin is now more than 63 years old, the printing is still remarkably clear and legible.

            Because many of you will recall doing your weekly shopping at the various business establishments mentioned, we are sure you will enjoy reading a list of them, compiled from the napkin:

            Devoin House; E. L. & Paul Browne, Atty. at Law; Peter House, Carriage and Wagon Maker; J. M. Colure, 5 and 10 cent counter goods, Yankee notions; E. P. Conklin, Boots and Shoes; H. W. Williams and Co., Hardware and Stoves; Fred Lea, Dealer in clothing; Chas. R. Hoffmann, Optician; H. and H. C. Beadleston, Drugs, Groceries; John Yorkson, Groceries; H. J. Stetson; Orin Hall, Watcbes and Jewelry; W. G. Packard, Dealer in Pumps;

            Geo. E. Ballard, Photographer; A. O. Dutton, Bakery, confectionery; S. A. Oaks, General Merchandise; J. P. and A. G. Nelson, Planing Mill; Miss Ella Pitcher, Millinery and fancy goods; W. Chady, Stationery, Musical Instruments, Yankee notions, Union Meat Market, Wells and Looker; Richard Lea, General Merchandise; E. Bailey Druggist; C. K. Raber, dentist; Winfield Scott, Abstracts and Insurance; Fred Guldager, Crystal River Roller Mills; R. Pitcher and Co., Groceries and Dry Goods; Matt Jensen, Fresh, Salt and Smoked Meats; F. E. Lund, Heavy and Light Harness; Mrs. J. White and Lydia Chamberlain, Dressmaking; V. E. Dake, Watchmaker, Optician; Miss Frances Rosche, Music Teacher; Greenwood Hotel, Chain o’ Lakes; John F. Duffy, District Atty.; A. Barnes, Shaving, Haircutting; Mrs. O. P. Case, Millinery; City Photographer’s Gallery, of E. H. Palmer; Christian Larsen, Merchant Tailor; Baldwin and Bailey, Dealers in Flour, Feed and Grain; Knight and Nelson, Mfrs. of Wagons and Carriages; Jens Hansen, mfgr. of Wagons, carriages and plows; J. W. Evans, Woolen Mills; Irving P. Lord, Atty. at Law; D. Parish and Son, Boots, Shoes and Leather; H. Nordvi, Dry Goods and Groceries; Dagmar M. Brown, Surgeon and Homeopathist; Waupaca Bank of E. Coolidge and Co.; Clarence Davis, Painter; Hambleton and Shearer, Dealers in Sash, Doors, Planing; Vosburg House; S. S. Chandler, Pure Milk; John Rosche, Steel and Cast Iron Plows; Mrs. E. B. Thompson, Books and Stationery;

            C. Johnson, Tannery; The Waupaca Hotel, Curran Bros.; D. L. Manchester, M.D.; Lamb and Holly, Undertakers, Furniture Dealers; G. A. Lytle, Livery and Sale Stable; Mrs. L. B. Brainerd, Dairy Farm; Jeffers and Penney, Potatoes, Eggs, Butter and Produce; N. L. White, Insurance agent; Chas. Churchill, abstract office; and W. J. Chamberlain, Pension, Bounty and Real Estate agent.

            It is through the courtesy of Mrs. Glennie Stetson, Waupaca pioneer lady, that we are able to bring the above story of a social event of long ago. Mrs. Stetson has preserved the napkin through the years and with care it should be available for comment by coming generations for the next century.