Kohler: From Riverside Settlement to World-Renowned Company Town

Nestled just west of Sheboygan, the village of Kohler owes much of its existence and prosperity to the Kohler Co., one of Sheboygan County’s most iconic businesses. Originally a small settlement named Riverside, the area underwent a dramatic transformation in 1873 when Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler II founded the Kohler Co. to manufacture enamel-coated cast iron plumbing fixtures. This marked the beginning of Kohler’s journey from a quiet area to a globally recognized company town.

The Birth of Kohler Co. and the Rise of a Company Town

The Kohler Company initially operated on a smaller scale but expanded rapidly in 1899 when it built a large new plant on farmland along the Sheboygan River. This move spurred the development of what would become a company town designed to support the growing workforce of Kohler Co. In 1912, the village was officially incorporated as the Village of Kohler.

Under the guidance of the Kohler family, particularly Walter J. Kohler, who was inspired by European garden-city communities, Kohler was designed as a model planned community. The village featured curving streets, greenbelts, and landscaped parks that gave it a unique character. The famed Olmsted Brothers firm, known for designing many iconic American landscapes, helped lay out many of these parks between 1913 and 1916.

One of the most notable landmarks in Kohler is The American Club, originally built in 1918 as an immigrant workers’ dormitory. The facility included a pub and a bowling alley, offering workers a place to relax. Today, The American Club is a five-star historic hotel, a testament to the Kohler family’s vision of blending community development with cultural and recreational amenities.

Kohler Co. Industrial Influence and Growth

By the early 20th century, Kohler Co. had become Sheboygan County’s largest and most renowned industry, producing high-quality bathtubs, sinks, and engines. Its products gained a reputation for excellence, and the Kohler name became synonymous with top-tier plumbing fixtures. By the mid-1900s, the company employed thousands and became central to the county’s economy, making it a key player not just in manufacturing but in shaping the community’s culture and identity.

The Kohler family’s influence extended beyond business into local politics. Two members of the Kohler family—father and son—served as governors of Wisconsin in the 1920s and 1950s, further solidifying their political and social influence in the state.

Strikes and Challenges

Despite the company’s success, its relationship with labor was sometimes turbulent. Notably, in 1934 and 1954, Kohler Co. was embroiled in major strikes, including a bitter United Auto Workers (UAW) strike in the 1950s that lasted for several years. These conflicts highlighted the growing tensions between management and labor but did little to deter the company’s ongoing prosperity.

Kohler Today: Legacy and Luxury

Today, Kohler is far more than a company town; it is an upscale community with deep ties to its industrial roots. The Kohler Co. continues to oversee much of the village’s appearance, employing over 2,000 workers locally. The company’s commitment to excellence in both business and community development is reflected in the impressive amenities it has developed over the years.

Kohler is home to prestigious golf courses, including Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, which have hosted multiple PGA Championships. These courses are part of the Kohler family’s commitment to blending sport, leisure, and luxury in the area. Additionally, the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, funded by the Kohler family, has become a cultural beacon for the region, further enriching the area’s artistic landscape.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as the settlement of Riverside to its transformation into a thriving company town, Kohler has become a symbol of industrial success, community development, and luxury. The Kohler Co. not only shaped the local economy but also influenced the village’s design and growth. Today, Kohler remains a unique example of a company town that evolved into an upscale community, maintaining the legacy of the Kohler family’s vision for quality, beauty, and innovation. The village and company continue to work in tandem to uphold their place as a key feature of Sheboygan County’s identity and a leader in manufacturing and community development.