Title: William Steinmeyer Company Records
Inclusive Dates: 1860-1944

Creator:

• William Steinmeyer Company

Call Number: Local History Manuscript Collection 388

Quantity: 0.5 cubic ft. (1 box)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

William Steinmeyer was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin Civil War veteran, who after returning from military service bought into the John C. Bauer Grocery Store. In 1877 Steinmeyer bought out the remaining interests in Bauer and moved to a new two story building, creating Steinmeyer’s Retail and Wholesale Grocery. After his death the company transferred to his widow Margaret, his son-in-law Emil H. Ott and his brother Charles Ott.

Note:

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Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0388

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William Steinmeyer served with the 26th Wisconsin Volunteers during the Civil War. After being wounded, the military tried to send him home but he refused, re-enlisted and was promoted to Captain. In 1864, after being wounded a second time he came home, bought into the John C. Bauer grocery store on the condition that he would have a free hand in the day to day management of the store. He operated the store on a cash only basis, no credit. This allowed Steinmeyer to reduce his costs and transfer the savings to the customers. He soon began a delivery business initially using wheelbarrows for delivery and then using horses with wagons or sleighs during the winters, and eventually trucks.

In 1877 Steinmeyer bought out the remaining interests in Bauer and moved to a new two story building, creating Steinmeyer’s Retail and Wholesale Grocery. Plans were made to build a new larger store which opened in 1893. William Steinmeyer passed away in 1892 and the presidency of the company transferred to his widow Margaret. The day to day operations were taken over by his son-in-law Emil H. Ott and his brother Charles Ott. The business continued to operate on the cash only premise and by 1898 an addition was built on the new store.

The grocery store did not deal in perishable items but sold bulk staples, such as flour, sugar, coffee and canned goods. They also sold alcohol, both wine and liquor, as well as tobacco and cigars. In 1921, Steinmeyer’s did $10,000 per day in business and was called the “nation’s largest retail grocery store under one roof”. It continued well into the 1940’s, adding a grill that served a breakfast and lunch menu and expanding to include some fresh meat.

The materials in this collection relate to the Steinmeyer retail grocery store and include canned goods labels, certificates, newspaper clippings, correspondence, price lists, wholesale price list catalogs, photographs and miscellaneous ephemera.

The subjects are arranged alphabetically and then chronologically within each folder.

William Steinmeyer Company Records, 1860-1944, Collection 388. Local History Manuscript Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all in accordance with state law. The public may view Local History Manuscript Collections by appointment at the Central Library. To request an in-person appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.

Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

Acquisition Information

There is no acquisition information currently available. Materials were accessioned as Local History Manuscripts Collection.

Processing Information

Arranged and described by Karen Hecker, Intern, 2007. Processed by Casey Lapworth, 2019.

Box   1 Folder   1	Canned Goods Labels – Fruits and Syrup, undated
Box   1 Folder   2	Canned Goods Labels – Vegetables, undated
Box   1 Folder   3	Certificates, 1918
Box   1 Folder   4	Correspondence, 1894-1944
Box   1 Folder   5	Invoice/Delivery Notices, 1887-1942
Box   1 Folder   6	Miscellaneous, 1860-1936
Box   1 Folder   7-8	Newspaper Clippings, 1897-1944
Box   1 Folder   9	Notices/Announcements, 1905-1937
Box   1 Folder   10	Official Opening and Dedication of the State Street New Bascule Bridge, 1924
Box   1 Folder   11	Packaging – Coffee, undated
Box   1 Folder   12	Photographs, 1903-1943, undated
Box   1 Folder   13-15	Price Lists, 1900-1941
Box   1 Folder   16	Wholesale Cash Price Lists, 1893-1894