Wisconsin Genealogy

Racine Iron & Wire Works

With a trade that extends to all parts of the United States, the industry conducted under the name of the Racine Iron & Wire Works is manufacturing household supplies, chemical fire extinguishers, and wire and iron railings and fences. Wherever man has felt a need, ingenuity has sprung into the breach and genius has brought forth something that has met the need. Thus in our constantly developing and complex civilization the manufacturing interests have multiplied and here and there have sprung up cities that. are largely given over to supplying the world’s demand for labor saving devices. Such a concern … Read more

Racine Hosiery Company

The Racine Hosiery Company has become one of Racine’s fastest-growing manufacturing concerns, led by experienced officers with decades in the knitting trade. Founded in 1912 with just three machines, the plant has expanded to 29 machines and 35 employees, producing 820,000 pairs of silk and artificial silk stockings annually for markets nationwide.

Racine Electric Company

The Racine Electric Company, founded in 1912, has grown from a small Douglas Avenue shop into a thriving manufacturer of electric motor specialties, vacuum cleaners, motors, fans, drink mixers, and more. With patents held on many products by John Ruggaber, the company now employs 36 workers and plans a new three-story brick factory on the North Side.

Racine City Bank

Founded in 1907 and opened in January 1908, Racine City Bank has grown into one of southern Wisconsin’s most trusted financial institutions. With stable leadership, a $50,000 capitalization, and deposits now exceeding $500,000, the bank’s success reflects careful management, reliable officers, and a business policy focused on protecting depositors’ interests.

Racine Carriage Company

The Racine Carriage Company, organized in 1914, took over the vehicle businesses of Racine-Sattley and Richardson-Kennedy and continues the legacy of the old Racine Wagon Carriage Company. Led by experienced trade veterans William H. Richardson, Joseph O. Kennedy, and J. C. Lund, the firm operates a modernized factory and repair department serving Racine’s growing manufacturing economy.

Racine Auto Tire Company

Racine Auto Tire Company, founded in 1910 and incorporated in 1914, has grown from three employees making three tires a day to a 125-man operation producing 225 Racine Horseshoe tires daily. Based in Racine, Wisconsin, it sells throughout the Midwest and Pacific coast, operates branch houses in major cities, and plans a new factory.

Perfex Radiator Company

The Perfex Radiator Company, based in Racine, traces its origins to Chicago in 1910 and moved to Racine in 1912. Now building a new plant near the St. Paul railway tracks, the company manufactures patented radiators for engines, tractors, trucks and automobiles. With the expansion, output will reach 400 radiators a day and employ more than 200 workers.

Peerless Machine Company

A. and C. Rasmussen, Racine County brothers and lifelong mechanics, helped build the Peerless Machine Company, incorporated in 1916 to manufacture high-speed power hacksaws. Formerly associated with the Racine Gas Engine and Racine Tool companies, they have secured patents, expanded sales to several countries, and are planning further growth as demand for their machines increases.

Mueller-Kuehn Company

The Mueller-Kuehn Company, organized in 1907, operates one of Racine’s leading wholesale grocery businesses, tracing its roots to Herman F. Mueller’s retail store founded in 1876. Now serving a broad trade territory from Racine and Kenosha, the company has expanded steadily and is erecting a new fireproof building. Annual sales are about $600,000.

Mohr-Jones Hardware Company

The Mohr-Jones Hardware Company of Racine traces its origins to a hardware business founded in the 1870s and reorganized in 1899. Now led by John W. Jones, the company operates a store on Sixth Street and a large sheet metal factory and warehouse, serving both wholesale and retail customers as one of Racine’s leading firms.