Port Washington in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Wisconsin Chair Company Fire
Photographed By Paul F, July 15, 2009
1. The Wisconsin Chair Company Fire Marker
Inscription.
The Wisconsin Chair Company Fire. . One of the largest manufacturers of chairs in the United States, the Wisconsin Chair Company of Port Washington was founded by Fred A. Dennett and John M. Bostwick in 1888. After acquiring the important “MacLean Swing Rocker” patent in 1891, the Chair Company grew rapidly and became Port Washington’s biggest employer. The factory complex included two square blocks of Port Washington’s lakefront. Unfortunately, this success was interrupted when a catastrophic fire broke out in the factory’s veneering department on the night of February 19, 1899. The fire spread quickly despite the attempts of the Port Washington Fire Department. Although firefighters from Milwaukee and Sheboygan were called to assist, the Chair Company and six square blocks of homes and businesses were completely destroyed before the fire was under control. One firefighter lost his life, 28 families were left homeless and 800 people were without jobs. The damage was estimated to be $400,000, but because of community’s herculean efforts, the Wisconsin Chair Company was able to rebuild and remained a premiere industry until 1954.
One of the largest manufacturers of chairs in the United States, the Wisconsin Chair Company of Port Washington was founded by Fred A. Dennett and John M. Bostwick in 1888. After acquiring the important “MacLean Swing Rocker” patent in 1891, the Chair Company grew rapidly and became Port Washington’s biggest employer. The factory complex included two square blocks of Port Washington’s lakefront. Unfortunately, this success was interrupted when a catastrophic fire broke out in the factory’s veneering department on the night of February 19, 1899. The fire spread quickly despite the attempts of the Port Washington Fire Department. Although firefighters from Milwaukee and Sheboygan were called to assist, the Chair Company and six square blocks of homes and businesses were completely destroyed before the fire was under control. One firefighter lost his life, 28 families were left homeless and 800 people were without jobs. The damage was estimated to be $400,000, but because of community’s herculean efforts, the Wisconsin Chair Company was able to rebuild and remained a premiere industry until 1954.
Erected 1999 by State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 414.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce
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. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 19, 1899.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 43° 23.314′ N, 87° 52.084′ W. Marker was in Port Washington, Wisconsin, in Ozaukee County. Marker was on E Main St, 0.1 miles N. Franklin St. when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 200 E Main St, Port Washington WI 53074, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 8, 2011
3. The Wisconsin Chair Company Fire Marker
at the Port Washington harbor
Photographed By Devon Polzar, July 1, 2022
4. Missing Marker
The area that the marker was located in underwent reconstruction in 2021 and as of late summer 2022 the marker has not been put back up.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,368 times since then and 128 times this year. Last updated on December 18, 2023, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photos:1. submitted on June 2, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 18, 2012, by Melinda Roberts of De Pere, United States. 3. submitted on September 12, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on January 16, 2023, by Devon Polzar of Port Washington, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.