New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Eiband and Fischer General Mercantile
Photographed By Brian Anderson, February 16, 2019
1. Eiband and Fischer General Mercantile Marker
Inscription.
Eiband and Fischer General Mercantile. . In 1846, one year after New Braunfels was founded, a mercantile company owned by James Ferguson and Henry Hessler opened on the corner of Castell and San Antonio streets. By 1858, both men had died and Ernst Scherff, an employee, purchased the business from Ferguson's widow. The name changed to Ernst Scherff Mercantile. Six years later, Scherff moved the business to the center of town on the corner of Main Plaza and Seguin Street. Scherff, as sole owner, grew his business into one of the most successful in the region. In 1887, Scherff leased the business to his nephew, George Knoke from Germany, and George Eiband, an employee. The business became known as Knoke and Eiband., In the late 1890s, Ernst (E.A.) Eiband (George's brother) and Emil Fischer, both employees, leased the business. In 1910, a weeklong grand opening celebration for the enlarged Eiband and Fischer, Inc. took place and was attended by crowds from surrounding areas. The mercantile continued successfully selling groceries, piece goods, clothing, china, crystal, farm machinery, feed and seed to local citizens, farmers and ranchers. Like their predecessors, they also served as cotton buyers and short-term bankers. The property was bought by Eiband and Fischer in 1929. On March 2, 1947, the store was consumed by fire. The annex across the courtyard was untouched and served as the store for twelve years after the fire. The burned out shell of the basement served as the home of Wurstfest from 1963-1966. Since 1975, the New Braunfels Utilities has used the annex building for offices. This site reminds us of the successful businesses that once thrived and laid the foundation for today's downtown New Braunfels. . This historical marker was erected in 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. It is in New Braunfels in Comal County Texas
In 1846, one year after New Braunfels was founded, a mercantile company owned by James Ferguson and Henry Hessler opened on the corner of Castell and San Antonio streets. By 1858, both men had died and Ernst Scherff, an employee, purchased the business from Ferguson's widow. The name changed to Ernst Scherff Mercantile. Six years later, Scherff moved the business to the center of town on the corner of Main Plaza and Seguin Street. Scherff, as sole owner, grew his business into one of the most successful in the region. In 1887, Scherff leased the business to his nephew, George Knoke from Germany, and George Eiband, an employee. The business became known as Knoke & Eiband.
In the late 1890s, Ernst (E.A.) Eiband (George's brother) and Emil Fischer, both employees, leased the business. In 1910, a weeklong grand opening celebration for the enlarged Eiband & Fischer, Inc. took place and was attended by crowds from surrounding areas. The mercantile continued successfully selling groceries, piece goods, clothing,
china, crystal, farm machinery, feed and seed to local citizens, farmers and ranchers. Like their predecessors, they also served
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as cotton buyers and short-term bankers. The
property was bought by Eiband & Fischer in 1929. On March 2, 1947, the store was consumed by fire. The annex across the courtyard was untouched and served as the store for twelve years after the fire. The burned out shell of the basement served as the home of Wurstfest from 1963-1966. Since 1975, the New Braunfels Utilities has used the annex building for offices. This site reminds us of the successful businesses that once thrived and laid the foundation for today's downtown New Braunfels.
Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17083.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 29° 42.183′ N, 98° 7.439′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is at the intersection of East San Antonio Street and Main Plaza, on the right when traveling north on East San Antonio Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 263 Main Plaza, New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Comal County, C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Klein Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Comal County World War I Monument (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed By Brian Anderson, February 16, 2019
2. Eiband and Fischer General Mercantile Building Annex
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.
In 1846, one year after New Braunfels was founded, a mercantile company owned by James Ferguson and Henry Hessler opened on the corner of Castell and San Antonio streets. By 1858, both men had died and Ernst Scherff, an employee, purchased the business from Ferguson's widow. The name changed to Ernst Scherff Mercantile. Six years later, Scherff moved the business to the center of town on the corner of Main Plaza and Seguin Street. Scherff, as sole owner, grew his business into one of the most successful in the region. In 1887, Scherff leased the business to his nephew, George Knoke from Germany, and George Eiband, an employee. The business became known as Knoke & Eiband.
