A.Bauer & Sons Harness & Saddlery
Located: 321 N 6th St, Fredonia, KS
1891 – 1941
The Albert Carl Bauer family originated in Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 1881, in search of a better life in an environment of opportunity and goodwill. At the time, their son, Charles, was 14 and facing military conscription. Wilhelmina Bauer was keen to keep her son out of Kaiser’s Armies, and she provided the impetus for the move to America and on to Kansas. Their original plan was to establish a home in Wisconsin, but at the request of Bertrand Loether of Fredonia who was visiting his native Germany, they decided to settle in Kansas. They located first on a farm in Wilson County and then spent one year in Elk County.
Albert Bauer had learned the harness and saddlery business in the old country and it wasn’t long before he was anxious to leave the farm and establish a similar institution in Fredonia. The first location in 1891 was at the rear of the Citizens State Bank. One year later Mr. Bauer purchased the structure at 321 N 6th St. and started a harness shop that later was to be known throughout the state for its workmanship.
Albert Carl Bauer had 4 children – 3 sons and 1 daughter. Charles A. Bauer was the oldest and died in 1945 at the age of 77, Gustav lived to be 25 years old, dying in 1900, and Herman was the youngest son, dying in 1883 at age 6. Daughter Hulda died in 1911 at age 33. There are several photos that include both Charles and Gustav with their father in front of the Harness & Saddlery business, so we know those were taken prior to 1900. An early advertising promotional item names the business as “A. Bauer & Sons”, with the location as “opposite the Opera Block”. A later promotional item states the business name as “A. Bauer & Son”. This reflects the likelihood that Albert altered the business name after his son Gustav passed away.
Albert had learned his trade the hard way in Germany, and was taught to do everything perfect, to neglect not a single stitch, to use the best materials, and to rest more content on good workmanship than on profit. Albert passed these standards along to his sons, and in all the years of the business they remained true to his teachings. His product reached out farther and farther onto the farms of the area, until the words “Bauer made” were all that were necessary as a guarantee of quality.
Charles Bauer, continued to serve the public in the harness and saddle business after the death of his father in 1919. He used only the best of materials and the most painstaking workmanship in the repair work. In later years, he added a leather goods line that was recognized for its quality.
The shop was always well equipped to do all kinds of general repair work, but during 1913, Charles added the new Campbell machine that was such an improvement over the old stitching horse. Only master mechanics could handle the new machine and Charles was proud of the superior character of his work.
The local business was not just been a means of earning a livelihood for the Bauer men, but was a ministry of service to the farmers and other citizens of Wilson County.
The expansive harness and saddlery workshop contained all the latest machinery, rolls of tanned hides, tools and hardware. In a closed-off space wee two large vats filled with Neetsfoot Oil into which the harnesses, new and old, were soaked for several days, and left to drip. This process ensured long wear and the comfort of the horse.
Horses were driven into the alley to the rear of the building and tethered to hitching posts. Later on, Model T Fords were driven down the alley and into the rear of the shop for repairs to side curtains and upholstery.
Binder canvasses were brought in for repairs during wheat harvesting time.
As time went by, showcases filled with leather handbags, wallets, and leather gift items were added to the floor space in the front of the shop, in back of which were shelves of luggage and trunks.
During the war years the harness business picked up again, due to the greater use of horse power on the farm – gas rationing and rubber shortage caused it.
Employees of the Harness and Leather Goods store included Alex Crighton followed by Hugh T. Holland. After serving as the store manager since 1938, Mr. Holland purchased the business in 1944 and continued to uphold the reputation of quality leather work.
As with almost all businesses, the advancement of technologies and the changing needs of the market bring about opportunities for growth for some, and decline and eventual closures for others. Eventually tractors took over the farm work and there was little or no need for the leather repair work. The remaining tools and equipment were sold to a Coffeyville buyer.
Fredonians had the highest regard and respect for the Bauer family and for the part they took in community affairs. They were a musical family, and also a God-fearing one, being active in the religious life or the community. A number of the family members served in the military during World War II.
Bachelder Cemetery in Wilson County is the final resting place of Albert Bauer and his wife Wilhelmine, as well all four of their children. Several of Charles Sr.’s children are known to be buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico. In the final years of her life, Charles Sr.’s wife Alma had moved to Santa Fe to be near her daughter Bertha.
And so ends the story of one of the oldest and unquestionably among the most important business institutions in the city of Fredonia. To quote the Fredonia Daily Herald, “Fredonia is grateful to this pioneer merchant, who has contributed much to the industrial life of the city.”
----- Article researched by Leanne Githens, 2024
Located: 321 N 6th St, Fredonia, KS
1891 – 1941
The Albert Carl Bauer family originated in Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 1881, in search of a better life in an environment of opportunity and goodwill. At the time, their son, Charles, was 14 and facing military conscription. Wilhelmina Bauer was keen to keep her son out of Kaiser’s Armies, and she provided the impetus for the move to America and on to Kansas. Their original plan was to establish a home in Wisconsin, but at the request of Bertrand Loether of Fredonia who was visiting his native Germany, they decided to settle in Kansas. They located first on a farm in Wilson County and then spent one year in Elk County.
Albert Bauer had learned the harness and saddlery business in the old country and it wasn’t long before he was anxious to leave the farm and establish a similar institution in Fredonia. The first location in 1891 was at the rear of the Citizens State Bank. One year later Mr. Bauer purchased the structure at 321 N 6th St. and started a harness shop that later was to be known throughout the state for its workmanship.
Albert Carl Bauer had 4 children – 3 sons and 1 daughter. Charles A. Bauer was the oldest and died in 1945 at the age of 77, Gustav lived to be 25 years old, dying in 1900, and Herman was the youngest son, dying in 1883 at age 6. Daughter Hulda died in 1911 at age 33. There are several photos that include both Charles and Gustav with their father in front of the Harness & Saddlery business, so we know those were taken prior to 1900. An early advertising promotional item names the business as “A. Bauer & Sons”, with the location as “opposite the Opera Block”. A later promotional item states the business name as “A. Bauer & Son”. This reflects the likelihood that Albert altered the business name after his son Gustav passed away.
Albert had learned his trade the hard way in Germany, and was taught to do everything perfect, to neglect not a single stitch, to use the best materials, and to rest more content on good workmanship than on profit. Albert passed these standards along to his sons, and in all the years of the business they remained true to his teachings. His product reached out farther and farther onto the farms of the area, until the words “Bauer made” were all that were necessary as a guarantee of quality.
Charles Bauer, continued to serve the public in the harness and saddle business after the death of his father in 1919. He used only the best of materials and the most painstaking workmanship in the repair work. In later years, he added a leather goods line that was recognized for its quality.
The shop was always well equipped to do all kinds of general repair work, but during 1913, Charles added the new Campbell machine that was such an improvement over the old stitching horse. Only master mechanics could handle the new machine and Charles was proud of the superior character of his work.
The local business was not just been a means of earning a livelihood for the Bauer men, but was a ministry of service to the farmers and other citizens of Wilson County.
The expansive harness and saddlery workshop contained all the latest machinery, rolls of tanned hides, tools and hardware. In a closed-off space wee two large vats filled with Neetsfoot Oil into which the harnesses, new and old, were soaked for several days, and left to drip. This process ensured long wear and the comfort of the horse.
Horses were driven into the alley to the rear of the building and tethered to hitching posts. Later on, Model T Fords were driven down the alley and into the rear of the shop for repairs to side curtains and upholstery.
Binder canvasses were brought in for repairs during wheat harvesting time.
As time went by, showcases filled with leather handbags, wallets, and leather gift items were added to the floor space in the front of the shop, in back of which were shelves of luggage and trunks.
During the war years the harness business picked up again, due to the greater use of horse power on the farm – gas rationing and rubber shortage caused it.
Employees of the Harness and Leather Goods store included Alex Crighton followed by Hugh T. Holland. After serving as the store manager since 1938, Mr. Holland purchased the business in 1944 and continued to uphold the reputation of quality leather work.
As with almost all businesses, the advancement of technologies and the changing needs of the market bring about opportunities for growth for some, and decline and eventual closures for others. Eventually tractors took over the farm work and there was little or no need for the leather repair work. The remaining tools and equipment were sold to a Coffeyville buyer.
Fredonians had the highest regard and respect for the Bauer family and for the part they took in community affairs. They were a musical family, and also a God-fearing one, being active in the religious life or the community. A number of the family members served in the military during World War II.
- Albert Karl Bauer and his wife Wilhelmine, were active members of the Christian Church. He was an elder and led the singing in the Men’s Class.
- Son Gustav, in his short life of 25 years, was a cornet player and directed the municipal band, known first as the “Fredonia Kid Band,” and later as “Twin Mound Band”. He was influential in establishing an active opera program in Fredonia. Thurlow Lieurance, a well-known musician and composer came from Wichita to direct productions. Lieurance’s wife was a popular soloist with Fredonia Opera Audiences. The “opera block” as it was known, was located on the south side of Madison street between Sixth Street and the adjacent alley.
- Daughter Hulda Bauer was a splendid seamstress who made many of the fashionable clothes worn by the ladies in Fredonia.
- Charles A. Bauer, Sr., married Alma May Painter in 1906, and together they had 5 children. Note that Charles A. Bauer Sr. named 2 of his children after his siblings, and one after his mother.
- Wilhelmina, was employed in the State Bank of Fredonia prior to her marriage
- Charles A. Bauer, Jr. was a Wilson County Attorney and officer in the Coast Guard during WWII.
- Hulda, a nurse, graduated from Mercy Hospital in Independence. During the war she served as a lieutenant nurse in the army.
- Bertha, employed by Bennett Variety store in Fredonia
- Herman, was employed in the printing industry at Kansas Bank Note. During the war, he piloted a B-17 bomber over Italy.
Bachelder Cemetery in Wilson County is the final resting place of Albert Bauer and his wife Wilhelmine, as well all four of their children. Several of Charles Sr.’s children are known to be buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico. In the final years of her life, Charles Sr.’s wife Alma had moved to Santa Fe to be near her daughter Bertha.
And so ends the story of one of the oldest and unquestionably among the most important business institutions in the city of Fredonia. To quote the Fredonia Daily Herald, “Fredonia is grateful to this pioneer merchant, who has contributed much to the industrial life of the city.”
----- Article researched by Leanne Githens, 2024