SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

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 From the Portrait and Biographical Record of Sheboygan County, Wis., 1898:

The Gutsch Brewing Company, Page 276

 

THE GUTSCH BREWING COMPANY is composed of Adolph Gutsch, the eldest son of the founder of the business, and Charles B Henchel and his sons, O. B. and A. B. Henchel.  The business is one of the oldest in Sheboygan, having been established by Leopold and Francis Gutsch, twin brothers.  The original building, which was on the northwest corner of New York and Water Streets, was a frame structure, 40 x 60 feet, and two stories in height.  The business was first conducted under the name of Gutsch Bros., which firm name continued until 1878, when Francis sold his interest to his brother Leopold.  In 1885, Adolph F. Gutsch bought out his father, and in 1888 the present company was formed, the present location of the brewery being on the northwest corner of North Water Street and New York Avenue.  The buildings are composed mostly of brick.  The main building is 60 x 80 feet; the house storage is 56 x 60 feet and four stories in height; the supply ice-house, 50 x 56 feet, and a second supply ice-house 46 x 70 feet; and the bottling house is 36 x 48 feet and two stories high.  The full capacity is 60,000 barrels per year, and the output for 1893 will exceed 25,000 barrels.

    Leopold Gutsch, who with his brother, Francis Gutsch, established this business in 1847, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1819.  He came to Sheboygan almost directly from his native land, being accompanied by his brother.  In 1849 he was married in Sheboygan to Barbara Brechtel, who was born in the same city as her husband.  They were married immediately after her arrival, in accordance with a pre-arranged plan.  On November 15, 1888, the wife and mother passed away.  Since the death of his wife, Mr. Gutsch has lived with his youngest son, Hans F. Gutsch.  Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Gutsch were the parents of a numerous family, eleven children having been born to them.  Four sons died in infancy; three sons and four daughters are living.  Adolph F., who is the eldest surviving son, was born in Sheboygan, September 17, 1858.  He learned the brewing business with his father and became sole proprietor in 1885, as above stated.

    Adolph F. Gutsch was married to Miss Charlotte Henchel, a daughter of Charles B. Henchel, who is associated with him in business.  Mrs. Gutsch is a native of the Evergreen City.  Their family comprises four children, one son and three daughters, namely:  Alfred, Aurelia, Esther and Alma.